Milwaukee Achiever Tutor Coach, Toni Voissem, SSND, Receives Sterling Award Recognition
October 1, 2009
Nonstop dynamo! – no easy description for a 78 year old staff member to live up to, but that’s what nearly everyone says about Sr. Anton Marie Voissem, SSND. At age 61, newly certified to teach English as a Second Language, Sr. Toni joined Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services in 1992 to coordinate an English language learning center in what had been a slaughter house for hogs.
Eighteen years later, in a larger, brighter facility, Sr. Toni still turns the key early each morning, switches on computers, plugs in the coffee pot, hangs freshly laundered towels in the kitchen and lights up the space where she will help adults learn English, strengthen reading or math skills, and prepare for GED or citizenship tests this year. It’s no wonder Sr. Toni received special recognition from the Sterling Awards Committee at a luncheon at the Pfister Hotel on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. The Sterling Awards are sponsored by the Interfaith Older Adults Program to honor achievers over 60 years old, and there couldn’t be a more fitting honor for one of the most dedicated members of the Milwaukee Achiever staff.
To say that Sr. Toni exudes energy is a bit of an understatement. She coaches volunteers, tutors her own learners, designs fresh curriculum and advises new staff. When tutors are wondering what lesson will most help a learner, Sr. Toni pulls the perfect resource from the shelf, demonstrates its use, and creates a variety of fun activities to bring the lesson to life.
Need encouragement? Sr. Toni will be right there with a pithy quote, a funny story, a willing ear. Want to send a greeting card? Sr. Toni designs those too and keeps a stash of just-right originals handy for every occasion.
Sr. Toni doesn’t stay involved just to keep busy. Her energy comes from something deeper, from a thriving imagination and an authentic commitment to serve that grows stronger each day. “Most of us don’t have a clue about how difficult English is to learn,” she said. “I love to read and study and I want to see other people enjoy reading and studying too.” Congratulations to Sr. Toni!
