Former Student Wins 2008 “Beacon of Hope” Award

William Hogg, a senior at Pikeville High School, is a co-winner of the 2008 “Beacon of Hope” award, an annual award of the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Kentucky. The Association recognizes achievements of students, educators, volunteers and others.

As a child, William struggled with dyslexia, which affects reading and learning skills; and dysgraphia, which affects writing. In 2001, his parents enrolled William in the James Still Learning Center’s six-week Summer Tutoring Program. William attended the next two summer tutoring programs and participated in the Settlement’s Pike County After-School Tutoring Program for 12 semesters between 2001-2007.

William’s success in school is proof that when students with learning differences are taught using appropriate methods, they can learn to overcome their differences and excel in school. Indeed, his efforts earned him a place on Pikeville High School’s honor roll. In addition to his academic achievements, William plays tennis and soccer and tutors students with learning differences. William is also active in his community, serving as an Eagle Scout and volunteering at a local hospital.

William and Eastern High School student, Kenny Jones of Louisville, tied for this year’s Celebration of Ability Award. Each will receive a $1,000 college scholarship. After graduation, William plans to attend Tusculum College in Greenville, TN.

“I feel that I owe a great debt to Hindman Settlement School for helping me recognize the abilities that I already possessed.” William said.

His father reports William is a gifted auditory learner and is also a finalist for a “Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Award” from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (see www.rfbd.org), a nonprofit that uses volunteers to digitally record books and textbooks. “His mother and I are very proud of William,” he said.

Hindman Settlement School offers a Full-Time School, a Summer Tutoring Program and After-School Tutoring programs for students with dyslexic characteristics. Scholarships are available. For more information, call 606-785-4044 or e-mail: JSLCInfo@HindmanSettlement.org.