A virtual Evening of Inspiration was held recently to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Volunteer English Program (VEP), which provides free one-to-one tutoring for adults looking to improve their English language skills and their understanding of American culture.

A highlight of the program, which was hosted by VEP advisory committee member Leon Spencer, was a performance of "Perseus" by the West Chester Area School District Senior Strings, conducted by Katrina Kelly.

The program included an address by Rep. Carolyn Comitta. "I want to recognize the Volunteer English Program on its 35th anniversary and I want to thank each of you for your time, energy and resources to support this important initiative all these years," she stated. "Since 1986, VEP has grown and evolved to change the lives of thousands of immigrants and newcomers on the path to learn English in pursuit of the American dream."

"VEP does more than teach the English language," added Spencer. "It helps people understand how to sustain their lives in the midst of a new culture - a different world."

Chester County Commissioner Michele Kichline, who is also a member of the VEP advisory committee, offered remarks during the virtual program and presented a citation to VEP on behalf of the commissioners.

VEP's first Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to tutor Shannon Almquist by VEP executive director Terri Potrako. "(Shannon) has been tutoring for 35 years ... and (was) one of the original 14 (VEP) volunteers," said Potrako. "She has had multiple students and concurrent students."

Almquist is currently tutoring a student named Yameilha, who was featured during the virtual program, expressing her gratitude for the VEP program, which has helped her to greatly improve her English-speaking skills.

There was also a tribute to the late Betsy Hawkes, a volunteer tutor, and her husband, Bob Hawkes. "When Bob passed, he made a significant gift to us (through a bequest). It enabled us to (stay) open during the pandemic," Potrako said. "Not only was he a financial support for us, but Bob was also always out in the community recommending (the VEP). He would make referrals and brought adult students to us."

The program concluded with a live conversation from Los Angeles with author Helena Ku Rhee, who read from her book, "The Paper Kingdom." Following a question-and-answer session, she stated, "I am amazed by this organization and everything that you have achieved."

The evening was also a fundraiser for VEP. Attendees paid a registration fee to attend the virtual ceremony, and money was also raised through a 35-day challenge held from May 15 to June 18. "You could participate by donating $35 and doing something for someone else or to support yourself, like walking, writing to friend or reading a chapter a day," Potrako said. "All those monies raised led up to the Evening of Inspiration, which is our traditional spring fundraiser."

For more information about VEP, including how to volunteer as a tutor, visit http://www.volunteerenglish.org or http://www.facebook.com/VolunteerEng or call 610-918-8222.