May 2008

Bayou Boogaloo, GED Graduation, Summer Reading Kickoff

On Saturday, May 24, Literacy* AmeriCorps members helped man tables at the Bayou Boogaloo festival for the New Orleans Public Library and the YMCA’s Educational Services program YES!. Members distributed flyers, talk to community members about the programs, helped recruit students and volunteers, and heard some great New Orleans music.

At the end of May, Literacy* AmeriCorps members had the distinct pleasure of assisting the first ever Regional GED Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday, May 31 at Loyola University. This event was the first of its kind held in both St. Bernard and Orleans parishes since the storm three years ago. Over 80 GED graduates participated in the ceremony and were honored by Keynote speaker Irma Thomas. Literacy* AmeriCorps members assisted by helping graduates line up, ushering guest, working behind the scenes, setting up and breaking down the event. All members involved commented on how move and honored they were to participate.

Members also helped the New Orleans Public Library kick off their summer reading program in the afternoon on May 31. One member even dressed like Clifford the big red dog to help children of all ages gear up for a productive summer reading season.