The Prairie Landscape

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award - 2006


Pat Beauford

Nominated By The Honorable Leonard E. Ferguson


Salem


Pat Beauford

Pat Beauford has volunteered for over 1,500 hours as a tutor for Kaskaskia College's adult literacy program, The Reading Link. Training Coordinator for the program Bess Wesling calls Ms. Beauford "an extremely important member of The Reading Link team," citing her hard work, effective and organized methods, and willingness to go above and beyond, traveling to meet with students and accepting multiple assignments. In addition to tutoring, Ms. Beauford mentors and helps train tutors. She is an asset in publicizing The Reading Link, representing the program on the radio and at an open house at Salem Education Center. Ms. Beauford has also led and participated in The Reading Link fundraisers, serving on the steering committee for the Spelling Bee and the 5K Run for Reading and Walk for Literacy. The Reading Link has recognized her efforts by naming her Rookie of the Year in 1992 and Volunteer of the Year in 2005, but Ms. Beauford gains her satisfaction primarily through her work with the students: "I've also learned," Ms. Beauford has said, "the best time in life will always be the time you look beyond your own concerns and touch someone else's heart and life."

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