WSMV Channel 4 Tenn. woman gets national recognition

Tenn. woman gets national recognition

A Tennessee woman is being recognized nationally for the strides she took to get an education.

Nora Sanders of Shelbyville was named the Adult Learner of the Year by the Commission on Adult Basic Education, according to the Shelbyville Times-Gazette (HYPERLINK "http://bit.ly/wLwyMU").

Sanders was named Tennessee Adult Learner of the Year last fall and was selected by the commission from among other state winners.

"We have many success stories to share in adult education, but to have a student who receives national recognition is quite an honor not only for Nora but for our program and Adult Education throughout the state of Tennessee," said Elaine Weaver, director of Bedford County Adult Education. "What Nora has accomplished sets the standard for all others who want to improve their lives through education because Nora triumphed despite her many adversities."

Sanders, who is a native of Mexico, took classes in English and basic skills at Bedford County Adult Education Center before moving on to GED classes. Her studies took on a sense of urgency after she learned her husband had a terminal illness.

Jeffrey Sanders, who died in 2010, met Nora while working in Mexico. They moved to Shelbyville in 1990.

Nora Sanders had attended college in Mexico, but did not have a U.S. education. When her previous employer, Summit Polymers, closed its doors, she was left without any prospects of a job unless she went back to school.

Her husband urged her to continue her studies even while he suffered from cancer treatments and open-heart surgery.

She took the GED test three times before passing and shortly afterward was rewarded with a job offer at SMW Automotive.

While enjoying her new job, Sanders also takes time to volunteer in the English language program at the Adult Education center.

Bedford County Adult Education officials nominated her for the award due to her persistence. She will receive $1,000 and be recognized in April at the commission's annual conference.

Information from: Shelbyville Times-Gazette, http://www.tg.com

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