Mahalos to Heidi for 25 years of service in the Adult Literacy program… 

Heidi managed the Adult Literacy Program since she began working at Hawaii Literacy in 1988.

Heidi had led the Adult Literacy program since 1988, until she decided to retire this year. This evening was held to celebrate Heidi’s great work and impact over 25 years, and to recognize and reconnect with past and present Board members, volunteers, tutors, students, and staff, who together have helped thousands of adults in need learn to read and write.

The evening included an ono pupu buffet and beverage station generously donated by Grace’s Inn, Pizza Hut Hawai’i, Hokulani Bake Shop, Southern Wine & Spirits, Barefoot Wines, KOHA Foods, and  parting gifts of new local book titles like “A literary lei” and “Honolulu Stadium” were given to each guest compliments of Watermark Publishing. During the program, Board of Directors President Scott Simon of Hawaiian Telcom noted how Heidi had been the face of Hawaii Literacy for so many years, helping over 4,000 adults become more literate. One current student shared how Heidi has encouraged him and matched him with a wonderful tutor who is helping him obtain his CBASE high school equivalency, and a former student also spoke about how Heidi never gave up on her, even when she doubted herself, and how along with her tutor, that led to her eventually enrolling in college courses. This student also recently became only the second Adult Literacy student to themselves become a certified tutor who is now teaching someone else to read and write.  

Hawaii Literacy and Heidi’s legacy were honored with dozens of donations from individuals who attended and from those who wished to be there in spirit. Mahalo to all for helping to make this evening so special and recognize all Heidi has done with Hawaii Literacy to give every adult on the island a second chance to learn to read and write.