DCSD Board member earns prestigious Award
Vickie Carrieri accepted the NAFTAE’s Friend of Adult Learners Award during the Sept. 14 board meeting. PICTURED HERE: Wanda Hassler (left), chair of the Darlington County Board of Education; Wanda Govan (second from left), director of Darlington-Lee Adult Education; and Dr. Matthew Ferguson (right), superintendent of the Darlington County School District.
Vickie Carrieri, a member of the Darlington County Board of Education, was awarded the Friend of Adult Learners Award, given by the National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education (NAFTAE).
Wanda Govan, Darlington County School District’s (DCSD) director of Adult Education, made the announcement during a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, Sept. 14. The award recognizes individuals for exceptional support of Adult Education, and the announcement coincided with Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (Sept 13-19).
“NAFTAE is proud to recognize Carrieri, recipient of the Friend of Adult Learners Award, for outstanding leadership and steadfast support of adult education,” said Erin Vobornik, executive director of NAFTAE. “This recognition honors lawmakers and other elected officials who demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring adult learners have access to the education, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed—and recognizes adult education as essential to a strong workforce and America’s future.”
“This recognition reflects the genuine interest, encouragement and support Mrs. Carrieri has shown for the work of our Adult Education program,” said Dr. Matthew Ferguson, DCSD superintendent. “Adult Education creates opportunities that can change the direction of a person’s life, opening doors to employment, continued education and greater stability for families. We are proud of Mrs. Carrieri for championing this important work and proud of the difference our Adult Education team makes every day.”
According to NAFTAE, Carrieri demonstrated strong commitment to adult education by:
• Advocating for adult education services and programs by encouraging citizens to enroll.
• Sharing information about adult education programs and services using her public platform.
• Showing up and actively engaging with adult education staff, students, families, and other community members at adult education events.
• Inquiring with adult education leadership to better understand the mission, goals, and services provided by the local program.
• Showing interest in and quickly demonstrating investment in the work adult education does to impact the lives of our citizens through education, workforce development, and intergenerational family support services.
NAFTAE thanked Carrieri for her commitment to ensuring that adult learners have the support they need to reach their goals.