VITA Staff Member Audrey Martin led VITAs participation in The Big Read before an audience of students, tutors and guests. The group studied the works of Zora Neale Hurston, the featured author of the national event.

VITA Participated in The Big Read
VITA students and tutors recently participated in The Big Read, which was part of a national initiative to bring together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. The program was sponsored by the National Endowment of the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Big Read was celebrated locally at schools, libraries and other locations in Acadiana. The featured works for The Big Read were by Zora Neale Hurston, an African-American writer who published her books in the 1930s and 40s. Hurstons novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was highlighted during the national event.

VITA Staff Member Audrey Martin presented an introduction and biography of the author, Zora Neale Hurston. She also read Hustons folktale, How Jack OLanterns Came to Be. Staff Member Valerye Boles presented coordinating artwork relating to Their Eyes Were Watching God by an art class from Northside High School. Member Sheila Stagg led a short story presentation of Drenched by Light by Hurston. The students and tutors also enjoyed refreshments while watching the movie, Their Eyes Were Watching God.

The Reading Comprehension Class works together weekly on phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and oral reading. Participation is open to all VITA students. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the VITA office in Lafayette.

Students Enjoy VITAs Reading Comprehension Class
VITA students meet on Tuesday mornings to study reading comprehension under the guidance of VITA Staff Member Norma Guidry. Featured each week are Bible Scripture readings with discussion and sharing of favorite prayers, phonics lessons, vocabulary study, and reading comprehension activities. Students practice oral reading and answer comprehension questions about the selections. Student Elizabeth Sam said, Reading together gives us confidence and helps our comprehension. I understand what I read better now.

The class has improved my reading, said Student Dallas Johnson. It helps in reading in everyday life.

Student Delores Labbe said she likes the friendship that the class has developed. We get along like family, she said. I love being here.

If your student might like to participate in the Reading Comprehension Class, call VITA at 234-4600.
Looking for the Next VITA IDOL
Glouchester Manor and Mimosa Place will sponsor the VITA IDOL vocalist competition on June 21. Proceeds will go to the VITA program. A $500 prize will be awarded to the best vocalist in the talent competition. The entry fee is $50 and a limited number of scholarships to cover the cost of the fee are available. Competition is open to the general public.

Various cultures will also be represented at the event through food, arts and crafts. For more information call Ashley at Glouchester Manor at 984-2714 or Toren at Mimosa Place at 984-8400.
VITA Welcomes New Tutors
Jamie Anfenson-Comeau
Shelby Anfenson-Comeau
Lisa Chavis
Phoebe Chou
John Collet
Paul Devillier
Andre Dubois, Jr.
Deanie Dubois
Kathy Dumesnil
Rachel Gremillion
Evelyn Hackett
Gregory Hebert 		Crystal Huntsberry
Roger Irwin
Sylvia Iskander
Warren Lacoste
Michelle Leder
Courtenay Littlefield
Louise Prejean
Eydie Rymer
Analise Smith
Carol Taylor
Mary Pat White



VITA ULL Intern Phoebe Chou works in the Computer Lab with one of her Chinese students, Feng Deng.

ULL Intern Brings International Experience to VITA
Phoebe Chou, a native of Taiwan, is VITAs spring 2008 ULL intern. She has lived in the U.S. a number of years, attending high school in Metairie. Phoebes major is in Child and Family Studies. She plans to attend graduate school after her graduation in May.

Phoebe is tutoring a number of VITA students, including several ESL (English as a Second Language) students. In addition, she assists with teaching the VITA ESL group classes.

Phoebe said of her future, I believe life isnt about making money. I want to use my time to do something good for others and for the society that has given me so much.
Valerye Boles joined the VITA staff as a student/tutor coordinator after teaching in Opelousas for Teach for America Corps.

VITA Welcomes New Staff Members
VITA recently welcomed two new staff members, Valerye Boles and Janel Fontentot.

Valerye is a student/tutor coordinator with the VITA program. She is a native of Dowagiac, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan with majors in biopsychology and Spanish. Valerye taught at Opelousas High School for two years as a Teach for America Corps member. She also taught school in California before returning to Acadiana. She said, I am excited to be back in Louisiana and hope to positively affect the face of low literacy.

Janel Fontenot is a part-time student/tutor coordinator with VITA. She is originally from Lake Charles and graduated from USL. A Lafayette resident for 37 years, Janel recently retired from classroom teaching for the Lafayette Parish School System for 33 years.
Janel Fontenot recently joined the VITA staff with 33 years of teaching experience. Janel will serve as a presenter for VITA Training Workshops in addition to her duties as a student/tutor coordinator.


Snack and Learn Comes to VITA
The LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service presented a free educational program on nutrition, diet, and health to VITA students. Jessica Carter, Nutrition Educator for Lafayette Parish, provided the instruction during weekly class sessions.

The students learned how to eat better for less, plan meals and shop wisely, prepare the foods they love in a healthy way, and eat and exercise for better health. They sampled healthy food choices, received free recipes, shopping tips and nutrition information.

LSU Ag Center Nutrition Educator Jessica Carter demonstrated preparation of a healthy snack. LSU and VITA partnered in a weekly nutrition education program.



VITA Annual Recognition Banquet Scheduled for the Fall
The VITA Annual Recognition Banquet will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Vermilionville in Lafayette. Details about the banquet will be forthcoming in the summer issue of the newsletter.