Mira Zawadzka Receives the Andrea Raphael Memorial Award

Congratulations to Mira Zawadzka who received the 8th annual Andrea Raphael Memorial Award at our virtual end of year celebration. This award is presented to a student who makes our Free English Program a better place through their generous spirit and amazing ability to bring the community together.

The award is named for Andrea Raphael who’s life was cut short, but before she left us, she made the world a better place and inspired the people around her to do the same. Andrea was a huge supporter of ILI and along with her husband, John and children Chris and Maeve, opened her home and her heart to many of ILI’s students and made them feel like they were part of the family.  Andrea loved ILI’s Giving Voice events and brought many friends and colleagues to be inspired by the stories of ILI students. Her fantastic smile and laugh were contagious.  She was a dynamic woman with a thirst for social justice.

Mira’s generosity, like Andrea’s, is well known. When a new student  enrolled last fall on his birthday, in her welcoming spirit, Mira made him a cake and another bigger one so that everyone could share in the celebration. Throughout the year, Mira brought food for our breaks, and she even bought the kitchen’s sugar jar labeled in many different languages for everyone to use. We all appreciated her Polish candies and how they made us smile!

Mira’s positive outlook contributes so much to our classes, both at the school and now online. Her friendly small talk with other students helps make students and staff all feel special and welcome. On top of all that, Mira works hard at her job and at school to reach her goals. Congratulations Mira on your Andrea Raphael Award.