Copey Learning Center News
Ana Yancy, acting Copey Learning Center Director, and I enjoyed a short skype session last Friday. It is our practice to speak directly two or three times a month just to keep current on issues affecting the Copey 
Learning Center.
Ana Yancy confirmed the teaching at the center continues to go well even though the efforts to successfully recruit two qualified volunteer teachers to complete the final three months of the school year failed.
Now, Ana Yancy, and local volunteers, Celeste and Giovanni, are doing all the teaching required to meet the educational demands of the center.
And, I find it very gratifying to know Celeste is actively involved and supportive. Just as a point of reference, Celeste is well known both in Copey and among many Friends of Copey as one of the first participants of the “Pathway Project”. She and Noelia paved the way for the following seven students who have also traveled to America as participants in the “Pathway Project”.
Celeste represents one of the key purposes of the “Pathway Project”. All recipients are asked to return to Copey from their trip to America as enthusiastic and devoted student leaders. We encourage these “Pathway Project” recipients to promote education, be exemplary student role models, and encourage students to learn English.
After three years, she continues being a strong supporter of the center and according to my follow up, she is a tremendous help with the younger students.
Just imagine the influence Celeste and other recipients now have on young students with aspirations to be really good students 
and a strong desire to one day journey to America as a Pathway Project recipient.
Pending News!
I am still working on a couple very interesting projects that will hopefully benefit the Copey Learning Center in the near future. Last week, I indicated I would share information with you but the details are still being worked out before any official announcement.
Final Comments
Retired New York Yankee baseball pitcher, Mariano Rivera received today our country’s highest civilian honor, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.
I am not a big New York Yankee fan but have admired and enjoyed watching the highly talented and skillful Rivera, a baseball icon, for many years until his retirement in 2013. 
Originally from a poor community in Panama, Rivera indicated in his acceptance speech today something extraordinary and relevant to “Friends of Copey” and the Copey Learning Center.
Upon his arrival from Panama (neighbor country to Costa Rica) to America in 1990, he could not speak any English. By the end of his second year in America with the help of friends, he learned English and it was a “life changing” experience. He is a tremendous advocate for education and specifically English education for the poor.
Today, Rivera is well known for his dedicated and committed support for schools with the mission to teach kids English including building schools in Panama and other locations.
Today, I learned that I have another reason for being very happy to have been a strong Mariano Rivera follower and supporter. Thank you Mariano!
Wonderful vignette on Mariano Rivera! As a lifelong Red Sox fan, he seemed to be more of a nemesis than a icon, but in watching him since he’s been a ‘former Yankee,’ I’m impressed with his wit, energy and generosity of spirit. It’s cool that you made the connection with his exposure to English and “Friends of Copey.” What a skillful metaphor!
Eric