Peter Gowski

The PGI Learner Achievement Award was established in 1992 to "reward and encourage individuals who distinguish themselves while engaged in literacy programs throughout Canada." The Learner Achievement Award was first awarded at the Briars tournament in Sutton, Ontario, and has since become a key part of every PGI.

The presentation of the award is a reminder to all participants of the real reason they are playing at the tournament - to celebrate literacy and to encourage and support learners all over the country. This year the PGI Tournament took place on June 12, 2002 and the presentation of the award took place at the Tournament. This is a special year for PGI as it is the 10^th anniversary of the event in this province. The opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of learners at the special event was an honor.

Information of the eligibility criteria for the award is presented below.

The student must be an adult.

The student is planning to continue in a program.

The student has attended some type of program for at least six months, preferably one year.

The student's attendance is excellent.

The student must have a recommendation from a teacher or a tutor.

The student should have shown exceptional progress.

The student must fill out an application, but the teacher or tutor can help the student to do this.

The recipient should be enrolled in a basic literacy program not to exceed the GED level.

(Note: This is not a scholarship for post-secondary education.)

Herman MacNeil is a middle aged man who accomplished much success in his life, despite a lack of literacy skills. He left school when he was 15 years old. The last grade he attended was grade 9, then he left school to go to work. Not only was he successful on a personal level, but also on a professional level as a businessman. His family is very supportive and proud of his accomplishments. Herman has been in the Rabbittown Learners' Program for a year and has made great progress. His attendance is excellent and he is admired by his fellow learners. His desire to help other learners is outstanding. He is constantly motivated to learn new things. Herman is an example of what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.