“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill.
Each year, we look at the support and impact volunteers have on the success of our partnership with the Copey Learning Center. This is our way of recognizing and acknowledging the importance of donated time, efforts, and resources “Friends” provide each year. Certainly, we can account for the use of “Friends”, but we will never be able to place a full price on the value of this support. Thanks to all.
Monica Hoel…
Using her own personal time and resources, Monica traveled to Copey to visit and experience first-hand the
For several years she has devoted much of her time supporting this project and has had a very close involvement with all aspects of the Pathway Project. While in Copey, Monica visited with the past Pathway Project students and met the two students scheduled for the trip to the USA in June of 2023. (Monica standing in the middle of Pathway Project students)
Emma Terry…
Emma began the year as the volunteer teacher at the Copey Learning Center. She
Emma’s service as a volunteer teacher was extremely important and we quickly learned how difficult it was to replace her. She certainly left her mark on the students and the community.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Elizabeth Andrew.
Friends of Copey Received Recognition…
I was honored with a very special recognition during Emory & Henry College’s annual 
Annual Pathway Project Reception…
The reception was held in Abingdon, Virginia in June under
The 10th Year Anniversary…
Also, we celebrated at the same reception our tenth year anniversary as “Friends of Copey.” This milestone was achieved with the enormous generosity of our volunteers who have accumulated thousands of hours of volunteer hours over the years.
Anne Beaudoin…
A special note of recognition is extended to our dear and loyal “Friend”, Anne (Lawrence) Beaudoin
This is another example of the level of devotion and dedication “Friends” often demonstrate in support of this project. Anne is a gifted writer (Following My Tug) and was present during my first visit to the Copey Learning Center in 2013. She was the translator between the center’s founder, Seidy Rodriguez, and me.
My friendship with Anne began then and continued after she returned to Canada to live. Her love for Copey and the students also continued. Attending the reception allowed her to reunite with some of the students she knew years earlier. Her attendance at the reception spoke volumes to us all.
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” Booker T. Washington
Other Volunteer Support…
The final semester of the year involved several “Friends” working trying to locate a qualified volunteer to cover the teaching responsibilities. Our network of “Friends” throughout the country spent time searching and recruiting potential teachers. We were very fortunate to locate two who showed great interest. The first candidate ultimately decided this was not the best time for her to undertake a major change in her life under short notice. This was a tough but necessary decision in her case.
The second volunteer is now scheduled for a full year of volunteer service in Copey starting in 2024. There will be more information shared about both of these wonderful people in future Posts. Today, we thank both of these worthy candidates for responding to our urgent call. 
Our thanks and gratitude also goes out to those who spent time helping us resolve the teacher problem. I extend my most sincere appreciation to Dr. Ed Davis, E&H College professor. Dr. Davis has been a very strong advocate and supporter of this project for years and he actually made two trips to Copey last year.
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Albert Pike.
Quick Links…
I encourage you to locate the “Quick Links” button and select the “2023 Graduation.” This link will provide several more photos of the recent November graduation ceremony.
Also, you can select “10th Anniversary (June 2023)” and view several of the wonderful photos taken during the reception and view the videos shown as part of the celebration.
Mykel Broady…
And, it is important to give credit to my grandson Mykel, a 2023 Nevada University graduate, who provides me with donated technical support for this WordPress software we use. His donated time and expertise is just one more area of support that helps keep this project together.
Mykel’s management of this Blog site helps use maintain the very rich history of our work covering the full ten years of our existence. There is information easily accessible for all to see including each one of the 484 Posts written and published over the ten years. There are many photos and videos posted in the Quick Links and other interesting information. Everyone is invited to spend time looking at the volume of information accumulated over time.
Merry Christmas To All….
Finally, please note there is a Part II version of this Non-Financial Scorecard report to be posted in a few days. There is more to share about the significant contribution of volunteer support for this project.
My gratitude is beyond my ability to express my thanks to so many who do so much.
“Don’t Miss The Joy!”