A Pillar of the Community

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Webster’s Dictionary defines the word volunteer as “one who serves or acts of his or her own free will; or to offer or give of one’s own accord.” Webster could have used a photograph of James Hunter next to this definition. Students and staff at the Cherokee Adult Learning Center in Canton think of Mr. James Hunter as the ultimate volunteer.

He has been working with students in the learning center’s ELP/Civics Program since 1995. Hunter does not volunteer two or three hours per week; he volunteers every day the center is open.

The learning center serves students from many different countries and backgrounds who share a common desire to learn English. The language spoken by the majority of students is Spanish. Fittingly, the students have given him the nickname, Mr. Diego.

Hunter is quick to bond with new students when they enter the program and plays a part in making them feel welcome. Students will often go to him when they need help with lessons, a sympathetic ear, or assistance in other personal matters. He is easily defined by his booming laugh and ability to make learning fun. On the occasion that he misses class, the center is not the same place.

Not only is Hunter a fixture of the learning center, but he is considered a pillar of the community as well. Nearly everyone who lives or works in the area knows him. Every day he walks to the center, and it is unusual for him to see a stranger along the way.

When a student asked him how he would describe his experience at the center, he answered, “Fantastic! I get the opportunity to watch caterpillars become butterflies.”

Hunter said he began volunteering because he enjoyed helping others. He takes pride in helping students make informed choices about their lives, their country, and their citizenship. He believes that he learns more about life by watching the comparisons they make between their native countries and their adopted one.

Hunter has turned his volunteer work into a career goal of helping people. To say that he does his job well would be an understatement, according to the learning center’s staff and students. While working with students in the English Literacy Program, he befriends those in the other programs as well. He takes the time to inquire about a student’s activities and interests.

When it is time to celebrate student accomplishments, James Hunter is the life of the party. When he is not at the learning center, he spends time with his wife and teenage son. He likes to play golf and enjoys reading books about history and religion. He is well known for his love of music and likes to practice his Spanish and Portuguese whenever possible.

James “Diego” Hunter is considered to be a positive influence in the adult literacy community in Cherokee County. The center is appreciative of his many contributions.

Elaine Landrum
Adult Literacy Director
Appalachian Technical College
Jasper, Georgia
Service Delivery Area 3