Today, Gov. Olene Walker, joined by the Governor’s Commission for Women and Families, honored seven Utah women with the Utah Women’s Achievement Award. The women were honored for their significant contributions to the field of literacy, and each received a plaque from the governor.

"I am delighted to present these awards to you today," Walker said. "Women like you represent the innovation and dedication our state needs to truly make literacy a priority. You have helped our next generation find the path to success by giving them a strong reading foundation. Congratulations and keep up the fine work."

Nancy Conway, first woman editor of The Salt Lake Tribune, acted as master of ceremonies, and music was provided by the Governor’s Commission for Women & Families. The event was sponsored by the Women’s Financial Group of Zions Bank.

A short biographic sketch of each of the award recipients follows:

Lou Ann Bessinger - Retired, Block Grant Manager: As a former community development block grant manager at Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership, Lou Ann Bessinger served for more than 20 years assisting low-income citizens in Weber County. For four years, Lou Ann met with Ogden City School District to develop a partnership for General Education Development (GED) and English as a second language (ESL) courses. Hundreds of citizens benefited from her long hours spent supervising morning, afternoon and evening classes.

Cynthia Buckingham - Director, Utah Humanities Council: The Utah Humanities Council implemented Motheread/Fatheread Utah in 1996. Under the direction of Ms. Buckingham, families are being served in 27 counties in Utah. Motheread/Fatheread is a nationally recognized, award-winning family literacy program. Motheread builds parenting, critical thinking and literacy skills; improves family communication; and promotes reading and story sharing in the home.

Christine Franco - Teacher, Utah School for the Deaf: Ms. Franco has been teaching at the Utah School for the Deaf for more than 26 years. Chris is passionate about her work and is strongly committed to the development of literacy skills for hearing-impaired students. She developed take-home book packets called the Family Talk Book Bag Project. The project is designed to help hearing-impaired children learn to read and to love it.

Dr. Patricia Gardner - Former Chair, Utah State University English Department: Dr. Patricia Gardner taught children’s and adolescent literature for almost three decades. As chair of the English Department at Utah State University, she developed a master’s degree for public school teachers in which literacy courses constituted the major requirements.

Merilyn Hesleph - Founder, Early Reading Program: Merilyn Hesleph became a driving force in Salt Lake City creating one of three statewide Early Reading Programs. The inception was in 1996 at Calvary Baptist Church. The emphasis focuses on early reading development for ages 18 months to older adults. The program has increased its outreach by helping youth and adults from all walks of life improve reading levels. The impact of the program has provided 87,600 hours of assistance in reading.

Tawnya Johnson - Speech Language Pathologist: Tawnya Johnson is crucial to the literacy development of students who may be struggling with language development, both expressive and receptive. She makes her therapy instruction enjoyable, and she achieves her objectives with imagination, art, games and drama. She is a rare educator who has made a critical difference in the development of countless children.

Elaine Thompson Nielsen - Retired, Teacher: Elaine, now over 95 years old, exemplifies the importance of literacy. Her autistic great-granddaughter comes to her home each school day for lunch and reading time. Elaine taught school before marriage and taught three daughters to teach literacy professionally and within their families. After retirement, she was asked to return to help improve second grade reading at a local elementary school.

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