Kate Phillips of Kewaunee was honored as the WPS Adult Volunteer Award for her work with Literacy Partners of Kewaunee County. It is considered the most prestigious volunteer award in the state, encompassing at least 10 counties in Northeast Wisconsin.

Phillips has been a tutor, board member, interpreter and committee member of Literacy Partners for the last 11 years. She is especially recognized for the bridge she has built between the Hispanic community and residents of Kewaunee County.

Among her students’ accomplishments are two GED graduates, as well as guiding many Guatemalan University students to pass the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) test that is required for graduation. Phillips has hosted Guatemalan students in her Kewaunee home to help prepare them for the TOEFL. She has also traveled to Guatemala to help those individuals who were not able to come the United States to study.

“Kate embodies everything I want to teach my children — compassion, giving, volunteerism, loyalty and perseverance,” Anne Laurent, coordinator of Literacy Partners, said in Phillips’ nomination. “She strives to help everyone she comes in contact with to become the best version of themselves, which is an amazing feat. I admire and respect her and hope she realizes the impact she is having on lives right here in Kewaunee County, as well as around the world.”

Phillips received the award at a ceremony April 27 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.

To become a tutor for Literacy Partners, or for information about hosting a Guatemalan student in the future, email [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Wisconsin: Phillips honored with WPS Volunteer Award