Club President Dave Hanson and Literacy Award Chair Alan Ruvelson awarded the 3rd Annual WSP/MH Rotary Club Literacy Award on June 13, 2018, to John Ashby, manager of the Adult Education Team at Neighborhood House. The award is given to recognize an individual, program or activity that promotes or improves literacy in West St. Paul or Mendota Heights. Through its Adult Education program, Neighborhood House offers instruction to students of all backgrounds and literacy levels from beginning literacy through college readiness and career training. In addition to the literacy of reading and writing English, classes include elements of financial, graphic, digital and mathematical literacy. Many of their students are residents of West St. Paul.
As manager of the Adult Education program, John not only ensures his students are receiving a well-rounded holistic literacy instruction, but he also works to improve the capacity of instructors and volunteers within the Adult Education program. Overseeing 12 staff and 45 volunteers, he provides the staff with supportive instruction and classes to develop innovative ways to build literacy in the classroom. He also teaches the Neighborhood House GED Math class, working with students one-on-one and steps in to cover classes at all levels when teachers are absent. He stays late to meet with evening staff and students, attends graduations and celebrations for students, and while some teachers see students come and go, John knows where they are going.
As a testament to John's outstanding efforts in Adult Education at Neighborhood House, for the last 3 years, the Minnesota Literacy Council has selected students from Neighborhood House for its Outstanding Learner Award, which recognizes learners who have made an impact on adult literacy efforts in communities throughout Minnesota and contributed unique, innovative or creative perspectives to their programs. These students are a direct reflection on John's dedication and living out his commitment to literacy.
The West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club congratulates John Ashby and proudly awards him with the 2018 West. St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club Literacy Award.