Arnie Stewart Award

This year's winner of the Arnie Stewart Individual Achievement Award was Keith Allen from North Bay.

Keith Allen was thrilled to win this award, but disappointed he couldn’t be at our 2011 Conference to accept the award in person.  So, he video-taped his acceptance speech which was shared at the Conference. His story -
 
In his early life, Keith was not comfortable with school programs which involved using his voice.   As a result he used to avoid programs which involved public speaking, drama, and singing.  Later in life, he was also known to stay away from union steward activities. By attending the Council, Keith gained the self-esteem to overcome his embarrassment regarding his  stuttering. Today, Keith is able to stand in front of a crowd of people and speak about literacy, education and health and safety issues. Keith is a strong advocate on the subject  of Literacy in the Workplace. 
 
Keith has also raised close to $4000 to sponsor students to be able to attend yearly  conferences and trips to Queens Park to advocate for literacy. Keith, along with other volunteers and learners, has spoken to members of the graduating faculty of education students at Nipissing University about recognizing literacy issues in the classroom and has been very well received by the students.
 
Keith was awarded the First Annual CUPE National Literacy Award, flying to Winnipeg, Manitoba to receive the award in representatives from across the country. His award is given to someone who is a health and safety leader. People who receive this award are known for their actions that have helped others and for their activities that have improved workplace conditions. He continues to support others in the workplace.
 
Also in 2005, Keith was awarded the Canada Post Literacy Award for the province of Ontario.
 

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. Past winners include:

 

2010. Mike Meyers, Barrie Literacy Council (Runners-up: Randy Tomlinson, The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region; Keith Allen, North Bay Literacy Council; Jurgen Saunders, The Literacy Group  of Waterloo Region; Vera Dobson, Essential Skills Upgrading, Waterloo Region District School Board)
       
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 (Runner-Up: 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 2012 will be available in the spring.