How Do You Spell R-E-L-I-E-F?

---

The Adult Education Program in Muscogee County could spell the word relief, R-E-A-V-E-S. This is the name of one of its most popular volunteers, Mr. Clyde Reaves, who is serving his tenth year in this capacity.

A graduate of Georgia Tech and a former training supervisor for Mead Coated Board Corporation, Mr. Reaves began his volunteerism in the winter of 1992, when his wife told him he needed something more to do in his retirement.

Now students, teachers and support staff all vie for his attention. Reaves is considered to be the class computer guru, math wizard, and jokemeister for the GED Center and many off-campus locations in the Service Delivery Area.

Even those who just pass him in the halls appreciate his friendly greetings and joke of the day that never fails to produce a laugh or a smile.

Visiting the center twice a week, Mr. Reaves is always ready to lend a hand wherever his talents are needed. On any given day, he might assist a staff member, tutor a student, install some software, or take older computers home to reboot hard drives.

Staff members frequently say, “It’s a good thing Mr. Reaves’ services are free because we could never afford to pay him what he is worth.”

Reaves has proven he is worthy of praise, serving the Adult Education Program faithfully in numerous ways. Students appreciate him for his sense of humor and the ease with which he can explain complicated algebraic equations. Teachers and staff members also value his expertise. The center has also benefitted from the upgrades and the virus detection software he has installed throughout the building.

On his personal time, Reaves seeks opportunities to make himself a better volunteer. He recently completed the certification requirements to tutor ESL and basic readers. He has even learned how to train tutors under the Laubach Literacy Action guidelines. Due to his flexibility, he occassionally substitute teaches when needed. Although he is only scheduled to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Reaves is often seen working other days of the week.

His job doesn’t stop when he leaves the center either. At home, he designs certificates on his home computer. He copies disks, creates calendars and comes up with activities for teachers to use in the classroom.

A father of three and grandfather of eight, he enjoys gardening and doing woodwork. He has built two-story dollhouses, numerous model ships and duck decoys. Of all his contributions to the Adult Education Program in Muscogee County, his most valuable may well be his willingness to offer his time.

Barbara Rivers
Job Training Counselor
Muscogee County Schools
Tillinghurst Adult Learning Center
Columbus, Georgia
Service Delivery Area 14