June 10, 2025 – A local Decatur mom has received a Spotlight on Achievement award from the Secretary of State’s Office for her remarkable progress and perseverance in her adult literacy program.
Amber Marie Brooks overcame significant challenges on her journey to improve her reading, writing and English language skills through Baby TALK in Decatur. Amber became pregnant in high school and did not graduate. Fourteen years later she came Baby TALK to finish what she started and worked to provide a stable future for herself and her family.
Despite the setbacks she has faced, including the trauma from her past and the challenges of being a single mother, her love for reading and her determination to do better for her children’s future have kept her going. Amber says, “Going back to school wasn’t easy, but it has allowed me to overcome my fears, improve my skills, and build a better future.”
The award was presented in Springfield as part of the Secretary of State’s initiative to recognize outstanding achievements in adult education and literacy programs across Illinois. Amber was one of only a select few honored from hundreds of nominees statewide.
Since 1994, the Illinois Secretary of State has recognized the achievements of 10 inspiring adult learners who have improved their reading, writing, math or English proficiency. The awards also honor 10 adult literacy volunteer tutors who have assisted individuals in achieving their goals.
“Our Spotlight on Literacy Award winners demonstrate that it’s never too late to learn and improve your reading and writing skills or learn English. I’m honored to recognize their achievements, hard work and perseverance.” Giannoulias said. “None of this would be possible without our adult literacy volunteer tutors, who play an instrumental role by providing direction and support to help adult learners reach their full potential.”
Literacy award winners include:
2025 Spotlight on Achievement
Adult Learner Award Winners
• Amber Marie Brooks – Baby TALK, Decatur
• Peter Ceceka – Howard and Evanston Community Center, Chicago
• Darion Cleveland – Literacy Chicago, Chicago
• Maria A. Contreras – Heartland Human Care Services, Chicago
• Willie Edward Dixon Jr. – Literacy DuPage, Wheaton
• Donald Ray Finley – Oakton College, Skokie
• Rachel Ngandu – Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville
• Tshela Mwambuyi Annie Ngoy – Parkland College, Champaign
• Evelyn Santiago – Aquinas Literacy Center, Chicago
• Genova Aguilera Zárate – Frontier Community College, Fairfield
2025 Spotlight on Service
Volunteer Award Winners
• Marcia Banzuly – Literacy Chicago, Chicago
• Ann Benefiel – Parkland College, Champaign
• Bruce Hall – South Suburban College, South Holland
• Margaret (Peggy) Harris – Frontier Community College, Fairfield
• Tripta Malhotra – Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Chicago
• Kathy Mineck – Literacy DuPage, Wheaton
• Dr. Lynn Nelson – Aquinas Literacy Center, Chicago
• Eileen M. Schultz – Oakton College, Skokie
• Linda D. Summers – Kaskaskia College, Centralia
• Carolyn Vance – Parkland College, Champaign
