SEARCH’s Adult Learning Center student, John Poventud, was one of only three winners of the Learner of the Year scholarship, sponsored by the Houston READ Commission on September 13. John received his award during Literacy Night at the Minute Maid Park pitcher’s mound, a far cry from Houston’s streets where he lived after Hurricane Ike.
Tragedy struck John’s family in 2007 when he lost of mother, brother and wife in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in New York City. One year later, he decided to leave the City and his horrific memories behind and he travelled south. John spent a short time in Louisiana when prospects for construction work brought him to Galveston. Only four weeks later, Hurricane Ike devastated the island and his hope for job security.
John, like so many others, was forced to evacuate from Galveston and move to Houston where he ended up on the street, literally fighting for his life. He was assaulted and robbed of his belongings, left with broken ribs and badly hurt. Luckily, he found his way to the Salvation Army shelter where he learned about SEARCH from other clients.
Nine months after becoming a SEARCH client, John enrolled in our Adult Education GED preparation class. Recently, he received his HVAC Environmental Protection Agency Certificate and is currently enrolled at Houston Community College’s Heating and Air Conditioning Technology course to receive his license as a HVAC Technician.
John received word, just last week, that he passed his GED test!
“They’ll (SEARCH) help you make it, if you want to make it,” said John.
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