Peter Sawyer Celebrates 25 Years as a Laubach Literacy Volunteer

Peter Sawyer

A remarkable individual, Peter Sawyer and his contribution as tutor and advocate for adult literacy was celebrated Friday, February 27, 2004 with the help of CBC Information Morning Show in Moncton.

Gathered in the studio were host Jo-Ann Roberts, Peter and his wife Margaret, Don Goguen, a former student as well as Bonnie Campbell from the YMCA Peer Youth Tutor Program and Penny Carruthers from the Greater Moncton Literacy Council (GMLC).

Peter thought he was at CBC to participate in a discussion on adult literacy issues. Was he surprised! The segment lasted about 15 minutes and included live and taped contributions from author Sheree Fitch. Gord Hopkins, principal of Edith Cavell School where Peter works with young readers spoke of Peter's dedication to the children as well as his determined but gentle manner. Some of the children were on tape with glowing tributes to this gentle man who has been there for them.

Don Goguen, Peter's former student, spoke about Peter's positive approach to the challenges he faced. Don had success in many aspects of his life but wanted to improve his literacy skills to pursue his interest in astronomy. Peter's tutoring made this possible.

The time on air passed quickly. Thelma Blinn, a literacy pioneer herself, was on the phone from Lunenburg, NS. She spoke of Peter's commitment to the cause of adult literacy and mentioned the many roles he has taken on over the 25 years.

Part of the program was to have been the reading of tributes gathered from friends and admirers of Peter's but time ran out. Congratulatory messages were received from numerous government dignitaries and national literacy leaders. Redge Evans, a Greater Moncton Literacy Council volunteer on vacation in Costa Rica sent greetings via email. Tributes are still being gathered to be compiled in an album for Peter to enjoy at his leisure.

Peter continues his hard work for Laubach as president of the GMLC and as a trainer traveling across the province both for Peer Youth Tutor and Laubach Way to Reading.

This issue of Literacy Connections will only be available on LLC's website. Check it out at www.laubach.ca and share it with your friends!

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