Political Quotes

“I rise on the Senate floor today to pay tribute to Mary Leahy, director at the Central Vermont Adult Basic Education--sister, friend, and lifetime educator--who is retiring this month. For 40 years, Central Vermont Adult Basic Education has provided free literacy services for adults and out-of-school youth. Thirty-seven of those years, Mary Leahy has been at the helm. In her role as codirector at Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Mary dedicated herself to preparing lower skilled workers to meet the demands of the shifting economy. Whether it was attending townhalls, community centers and libraries, or knocking on doors directly, Mary has spread the word. She has recruited members for this program all over the State. I have seen the joy in the face of a grandfather able to read a children's story to a grandchild--something the grandfather was not able to do for that child's parent because he could not read when they were a child. In a recent article honoring Mary in the Times Argus, Vermont Poet Laureate Sydney Lea said these kind words about Mary: This has been way beyond a job for Mary; it's really a vision of humanity that she's been dedicated to. I have an admiration for her that is pretty close to boundless. I agree with my friend Sydney. Mary's lifelong passion for learning has enabled countless Vermonters to gain the critical skills needed to participate in today's workforce.…”