May 22, 2008WELLS — The 22nd annual Literary Achievement Awards were presented recently to learners in the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District. Students at each grade level submitted entries of their writing. This year, Kim Heang Kinsey, a current adult education student, won first place in the adult education level with her essay titled "Charity in Cambodia."
Kinsey was born and raised in Cambodia. After spending years in a refugee camp during the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge, she returned with her family to her home in Cambodia. Soon after, Kinsey's parents enrolled her in school and she started her journey as a life-long learner. During her time in high school, she received some English instruction. In 2006, she passed the Cambodian national test to become a teacher.
Meanwhile, Kinsey met and married an American man. They returned to America to live. This was very exciting for her. She wanted to learn more English and know more about a culture so different from her own. Now, her aunt and her aunt's family are also here in the U.S.
Kinsey came to Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education to take English classes. These classes are offered at no charge to anyone who speaks other languages. In the eight months that she has been taking classes with the adult education program, she has studied English for more than 125 hours. Her writing and speaking have improved greatly. All the staff and instructors of the adult education program are very proud of her accomplishments.
Congratulations are also extended to the second place winner in adult education, Laurette Poulin, a native of Canada.
The essay Kinsey wrote for the Literacy Achievement Awards is about a small slice of life and the people in Cambodia. It is on the Web site www.wocsd.org and is heartwarming to read.
You can access and read all the entries submitted for consideration. The Wells-Ogunquit Community School District has many talented students in every grade level, from kindergarten through high school to adult education. Congratulations to all who participated.
Do you know anyone who would benefit from the English classes we offer? Please encourage them to call us at 646-4565; there is always room in our program for more learners.
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