Arnie Stewart Award

This year's winner of the Arnie Stewart Individual Achievement Award was Mike Chamberlain of Newmarket, who has made immense progress and is now a writer of both songs and essays, among his other talents.


Marg Fogarty (Grand Erie DSB, Brantford) was the first runner up and Barbara Johnson (Open Door Centre, Waterloo), who was unable to attend, was the second runner up. The award recognizes the accomplishments of a learner who has overcome barriers, become a mentor to others, and has given back to his or her Council by raising awareness.

2009. Mike Chamberlain, Literacy Council York-Simcoe (Runners-Up: Marg Fogarty, Grand Erie DSB, Brantford; Barbara Johnson, Open Door Centre, Waterloo)
2008. Jack Osborne, North Bay Literacy Council (Runner-Up: Kristina Ketelaar, Midland Area Reading Council)
2007. Rubert Payea, the Literacy Council of Niagara West (Runner-Up: Valentino Piccolo, Literacy Council York South)
2006. Andrea Menig, The Adult Literacy Council of Greater Fort Erie (Rubert Payea, the Literacy Council of Niagara West)
2005. Nancy Swiston, Fort Frances (Runners-Up: Pauline Laramie, West Penetanguishene; Jack Osborne, North Bay)
2004. Joseph Carriere, Midland Area Reading Council
2003. Gary Porter, Barrie Literacy Council

Arnie Stewart received the Canada Post Flight for Freedom Award in 1999 and served on the Laubach Literacy Ontario (LLO) Board from 1996 until 2004, first as Student Representative and later as Vice-President. He was then appointed an honourary lifetime member of LLO. He was also a director on the board of the Ontario Literacy Coalition as well as Chair of the Learners’ Council. Arnie is a popular guest speaker at Annual General Meetings and at schools as he has a natural ability to present his story in a humourous and meaningful way. He has been called an ambassador for literacy and volunteers much of his time to literacy. Arnie is honoured that this award bears his name.

Nomination forms for 2010 are now available -- nominate a learner today!