Value of literacy stressed at luncheon
BUTLER TWP — It took two weeks for Marcella Rogers to prepare for and take her GED tests, and although she finally earned the high school equivalency after being out of school for decades, she said the program’s biggest benefit was regaining her confidence.
Rogers said she caught COVID-19 in November 2020, which brought with it mental impairment that caused her to lose her longtime job in accounting. In February, she enrolled in Butler County Community College’s adult literacy program to not only pursue a new career in nursing, but also build her brainpower back up.
On Sunday, April 16, Rogers shared her story of going through the program at the annual Luncheon for Literacy, where the Rotary Club of Butler PM raises money to cover the cost for students to take the General Educational Development tests.
"I didn’t even know if I could learn anymore ... I felt devalued,” said Rogers, of Butler. “Everybody I have come across here at BC3 has said, ‘You can do it.’ They made it feel like a non-issue.”
The Luncheon for Literacy returned Sunday after a two-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. Every table in BC3’s Founders Hall was decorated to represent a certain book, which attendees could vote on through their dollars to further support the adult literacy program.
One table was decorated with fantasy designs, representing “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” another was decorated with colorful construction paper for Dr. Seuss books and another was decorated with old-school typewritten paper representing “Gone with the Wind.”
Barb Gade, director of the adult literacy program at BC3, said the event supports scholarships for students seeking their GED diploma, because federal funding the college receives doesn’t cover the cost of taking the test.
Gade said the literacy program this year will serve up to 116 students.
“We are funded by federal and state grants for adult family literacy, and that money can be used for many things. The one thing it can't be used for is scholarships for the GED test,” Gade said. “The money goes mainly for scholarships. We also use it for other adult literacy means, and we get cake and have to buy tassels.”
Millie Pinkerton, of the Rotary Club of Butler PM, said she was happy to reboot the Luncheon for Literacy when Gade approached the club for suggestions in 2018. She said increasing community literacy is one of the club’s missions, so an event that raises money and promotes reading was a good fit.
“It's really a great program; I think there are more people than we know who can't read,” Pinkerton said. “Butler's a great community. We hang in there and help each other.”
Gade said the money also funds a “graduation” ceremony for students who pass the GED tests. BC3 buys them gowns and tassels, and they all get together at the end of a class for a ceremony.
Roger Walker, of Butler, recently passed the GED tests as well, and spoke at the luncheon. He said the scholarships available are what allowed him to even consider getting his GED.
“It went really well; my teacher was very helpful,” Walker said. “I didn’t have to pay a thing.”
In addition to the table decor, speakers and food, guests of the luncheon could also play in a silent auction and enter basket raffles. The keynote speaker was author Julie James, who spoke about the writing and reading process.
Rogers said she plans to find a nursing program she can enroll in to pursue a lifelong passion now that she has her GED and a renewed taste for education. She said she will always appreciate the adult literacy program and the people who support it.
“The donations and sponsorships are what made it possible to go through the program,” Rogers said. “I see a big difference, especially in my confidence.”
