NEW BEGINNINGS FOR IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

DALLAS (April 23, 2007) – Vickery Meadow Learning Center (VMLC) celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 550 adult ESL students at its annual Student Recognition Ceremony, Sunday, April 22, 2007.

The ceremony took place at the North Park Presbyterian Church. This annual celebration was a time for students, who are immigrants and refugees from countries across Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, to gain recognition for their tireless dedication to literacy and language acquisition.

The ceremony gave the students the confidence they needed to utilize their new language skills in everyday situations. Yassin Toto is one such student.

“I want to have a certificate; I want to speak perfect English,” Toto said. “When I have an appointment at the hospital or at work I have to understand English. I am better because of here (VMLC). I want to thank the school for taking care of us (ESL students) and helping us.”

For some of the students, this was their first educational recognition ceremony of any type. This was true for Hortensia Najera, a Pre-GED student who addressed her peers, family members, and teachers on Sunday. Najera addressed the difficulties of being a non-traditional student.

“I believe it is really hard for someone my age to earn a GED because our minds are constantly occupied with other worries,” Najera said. “But I have a goal that I am willing to accomplish no matter what- I am going to graduate.”

She was nervous about speaking English in front of a group, but said emphatically, “I want to thank every single teacher, volunteer, and member of the community that has enthusiastically dedicated themselves to helping us become better people; and have given us the opportunity to become successful.”

Florencia Velasco Fortner, Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Concilio of Hispanic Organizations was the keynote speaker for the event. Velasco Fortner, selected to serve as CEO for Dallas Concilio in May of 2005, is an accomplished leader in the Hispanic community.