A woman described as “New Martinsville’s Mother Teresa” was honored as the Wetzel-Tyler Volunteers For Better Reading’s Tutor of the Year Aug. 17.

Eleanor Radcliff has been with the literacy volunteers almost since it was first formed locally. While no longer a tutor for the group, Radcliff now does telephone work for the volunteers and keeps their scrapbook. She received the honor from President Ken Block who said, “She’s an inspiration to our organization. She’s a very special person.”

Characteristically modest, Radcliff said with a smirk, “That’s what happens when you miss one board meeting!”

The plaque was presented to Radcliff during the WTVBR’s annual achievement and recognition banquet held at the First Presbyterian Church in New Martinsville. During the event, organized by volunteers Jean Bertozzi and Dick Bonyak, Block highlighted the group’s achievements and struggles during the past year.

He said their finances remain solid. They have 20 members and 13 students; of those, two tutors and nine students are new to the group in the past year. “These numbers are about typical,” said Block.

However, he said the local organization has seen some difficulties in the past 12 months. “The problem is primarily with retention,” he said, noting that is not a problem with the tutors, but the students. “The tutors are the most important part of our organization. They have the toughest job of all in many cases. I think the tutors go way out of their way to make the students feel as comfortable as they can.”

They have seen a lack of commitment from the students. He gave examples where students would seek help and then not follow through with tutoring appointments and instances where students appear to seek friendship more than knowledge. Block believes many of the people who come to the WTVBR are doing so to please someone else, perhaps a family member or an agency.

“I really don’t have a very good answer for these things. It has been a very challenging issue for us,” said Block, who said such problems are not unique to the local area. He noted the national high school drop out rate is reaching 30 percent, 50 percent in cities, and a whopping 70 percent in Detroit. Lack of education, and thus literacy, are a growing problem in the United States and it will take everyone to help make a difference.

“If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem,” said Block.

However, he tried to encourage the group by applauding them for what they have done. “We did accomplish some things,” he said. “We did make progress with some, but we’ve got to make progress with more.”

To help become part of the solution or to seek help with reading skills, call 455-1933.