Rob Portman: “today I wish to recognize a 2015 Northern Kentucky University Lincoln Award recipient, my friend and a community leader…”

“today I wish to recognize a 2015 Northern Kentucky University Lincoln Award recipient, my friend and a community leader, Sister Margarita M. Brewer. Sister Margarita has dedicated her life to serving the Latino community in Greater Cincinnati. Originally from Panama, Sister Margarita has taken an active role in programs assisting the underserved in her local community as well as in Central America. Sister Margarita founded the English Language Learning--ELL-- Foundation, Inc., in 2003 and continues to serve as its president, working with Cincinnati public schools to help English language learners become successful in their academic lives while fostering their cultural identities. I had the privilege of being one of Sister Margarita's ELL tutors while serving in the House of Representatives. I had to stop tutoring when I was appointed U.S. Trade Representative, but during my time as a tutor, I had the chance to see her good work in action. More recently, my wife Jane has worked as an ELL tutor and shares my admiration for Sister Margarita and her service. Jane was honored to receive the English Language Learning Foundation Tutor of the Year Award in 2014. In collaboration with Latino Programs and Services' English Language Learners Program at Northern Kentucky University, she also helped develop NKY's Fun with Science Camp, exposing students to all fields of science through hands-on learning activities.…”