Midcoast Literacy held its annual meeting on May 17, celebrating 55 years of providing free literacy services in Lincoln, Sagadahoc and northern Cumberland counties.

The event included presenting awards recognizing exceptional tutor and learners for their accomplishments over the past year.

The Outstanding Read Together Learner award (for students in Midcoast Literacy’s program for children ages 6-14) was given to fourth grader Dezarae Brassard, of Bath. The Outstanding Adult Learner award was given to ELL learner Nathalie Daza, of Brunswick. The sixth annual Newton Blakesley and Cyndy Lewis Outstanding Tutor award (named in honor of the dedicated work of former Midcoast Literacy board members) was given collectively to Midcoast Literacy’s Workplace Literacy group instructors: Janet Adams, Anne Cauble, Anne Childs, Terry Flanagan, Dan Harris, Denise Hoyle, Bob Jordan, Nick Knobil, Ruth Longenecker, Nicole MacDonald and Bonnie Wood.

“Our organization is continuing to grow and thrive thanks to the dedication of our volunteer tutors and the exceptional effort of our staff,” said Midcoast Literacy Executive Director Daniel Burson. “Midcoast Literacy’s tutoring programs have reached a plateau where we are serving over 40% more people than we did just a few years ago. Our challenge is to maintain this high level of community programming in the uncertain landscape for nonprofits we are now in.”

Midcoast Literacy also recognized Sable Oak Equestrian Center of Brunswick as its Community Partner of the Year. Each of the past three years, Sable Oak owners John and Sherrye Trafton have donated their facility and a day of their time and their volunteers’ time to host Midcoast Literacy’s Readers Ride. The event gives young learners in Midcoast Literacy programs an opportunity to ride and learn about horses — many for the first time — while also raising money through local businesses sponsoring the riders.