NORWICH – Opportunities for Chenango’s Literacy Volunteers gathered at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich for the agency’s annual ceremonial dinner Thursday night to recognize the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of its students, and pay homage to its volunteers.

“This is always a great time for the students and the volunteers in the program and a time when we can recognize all they do,” said Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County Director Laurie Jerome. Students in particular were lauded for showing that hard work pays off. “We’re really proud to have their progress recognized and to have them recognize their own personal goals,” Jerome added. “The goals that we have inside – the goals we set as people – they’re the ones that count.”

The banquet was attended by nearly 50 volunteers and students, each with their own story of struggle and triumph. Currently, Literacy Volunteers tenders to 40 students countywide, with 30 tutors offering their time and skills to teach and strengthen the essentials of communication: Speaking, listening, writing and reading.

Volunteers and students shared testimonials of success in the program, offering their own words of encouragement and a positive attitude, and proving to others that anything worth doing takes hard work and commitment. Special guest speaker Sarah Bormann, representing the office of 24th District Congressman Richard Hanna, presented a message touting the efforts of volunteers and students alike, while also stressing the importance of literacy and the whole new world of opportunities open to those who learn to read and write.