The Illinois State Library is spending the next few weeks profiling this year’s winners of Spotlight on Achievement awards for outstanding literacy students. This week they honor Alma Kidd, a student from Common Place in Peoria.

Alma was referred to the adult literacy program by the nurses in the hospital where she was recovering from a heart attack. Alma wanted to learn to read books and keep track of her checkbook, but her reading and math skills were not up to those tasks. She signed up with the adult literacy program at Common Place and has been a faithful member ever since.

Alma’s consistent participation allows her to consistently improve her reading skills. She can now check out books to read from Common Place’s library. Despite dealing with life-threatening medical conditions, she has always been very good about attending classes. Alma’s tutor, Nita Volz, was one of this year’s Spotlight on Service winners recognizing outstanding volunteer tutors.