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FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) program honors Juanita Lockert with annual Flora McKean Award; Volunteer tutors needed for 2019-20 school year

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FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) program honors Juanita Lockert with annual Flora McKean Award; Volunteer tutors needed for 2019-20 school year

Nashville, Tenn. — Audrey Hepburn once said, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself and one for helping others.” Juanita Lockert, a volunteer with the FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) program has learned this firsthand. As a FLIP volunteer for more than 11 years, she has spent more than 442 hours in Metro Nashville Public Schools helping students improve their reading skills.

In May Lockert was honored with The Flora McKean Award as outstanding tutor for the 2018-19 school year. The Flora McKean Award was established in 1997 by the late Scott McKean, former FiftyForward board president, to honor the legacy of his aunt, educator Flora Elizabeth McKean. The award is given each year to honor a FLIP tutor in recognition of outstanding dedication to tutoring and mentoring.

Lockert has spent a lifetime – more than 30 years — working with young school children and still says, “I love working with students and teachers. It is such an honor!” She is the former principal at St. Vincent de Paul and Charlotte Park Elementary. Days after retiring from Charlotte Park Elementary, Lockert joined the FLIP program to continue her work with young students. Lockert loves that FLIP features one-on-one tutoring where the greatest impact can be witnessed at the end of the school year with significant measurable outcomes.

FiftyForward FLIP is the signature program of FiftyForward Senior Corps and matches adult volunteers age 55+ with elementary students for one-on-one tutoring in reading and math. The tutors help students with reading and or math skills while building their confidence and supporting their social and emotional development.

FiftyForward FLIP is currently recruiting tutors for the 2019-2020 school year. A requirement of two volunteer hours a week during the school year is needed. Training begins in August with school placements scheduled for September. For information, contact FLIP Director Sandra Thomas, 615-743-3422 or sthomas@fiftyforward.org for Davidson County; contact Shannon Freeman, 615-376-4332; sfreeman@fiftyforward.org for Williamson County.

Photo: FLIP Coordinator Lisa Hill (at right) present the Flora McKean Award to FLIP tutor Juanita Lockert (L).

About FiftyForward
Established in 1956, FiftyForward supports, champions and enhances life for those 50 and older. As a nonprofit operating seven lifelong learning centers –- two in Williamson and five in Davidson County -– FiftyForward offers educational, health and wellness, arts and volunteer programs to engage older adults. FiftyForward also provides comprehensive supportive services and access to resources including FiftyForward Adult Day Services, FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels as well as the FiftyForward Care Team offering care assessment and services for older adults. FiftyForward Travel offers adventures (regional and international) and the Senior Center for the Arts and The Larry Keeton Theatre, a subsidiary of FiftyForward, feature performing arts for all ages. Get social with us – friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about FiftyForward resources and volunteer opportunities by visiting: www.fiftyforward.org.

About Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP)
FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) is the signature program of FiftyForward Senior Corps, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. CNCS engages millions of Americans in citizen service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs and leads the nation’s volunteer and service efforts. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.