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This award is given in memory of Martha Davis, LVSC’s board president who passed away unexpectedly in 2018. For 16 years, Martha dedicated herself to LVSC: she was a tutor, conversation group leader, event committee member, board member, and 10-year board president. Each year The Martha Davis Award for Outstanding Service is given to an individual who embodies Martha’s spirit of volunteerism and dedication to LVSC’s mission and all aspects of our organization. This year Jennifer Kushinka received the award in recognition of nearly 20 years of service as a tutor, assessor, advocate, and supporter.

When told that I’d be receiving the Martha Davis Award, I was speechless. And that’s unusual for me, because I have been a radio newscaster for my entire career…my world is all about WORDS. Martha Davis was an eloquent and elegant woman, and I hope I’ve contributed a little something to an organization that was so near and dear to her heart. Thank you so much for this incredible honor.

Jennifer's original commitment in 2005 was to tutor weekly for one year. She has gone way beyond! Jennifer is always willing to help and has a true compassion for our students and the obstacles they face. In all, she has tutored eight students, volunteered countless hours, and enriched so many lives.

My first student was a woman from Colombia. In Colombia, Luz was an art teacher, and her husband was an engineer. But here, Luz cleaned houses, and her husband worked at LensCrafters. They came to the U.S. to give their two daughters better opportunities. Luz was a hard-working, fun student. After our tutoring ended, we stayed in touch. Years later, I found out her older daughter, who was about five when we were working together, graduated at the top of her class from Somerville High School, and attended Yale. Part of the American dream worked out for Luz and her family. It’s the story of this country for some 400 plus years – people come here for freedom and opportunities, or because they’ve been displaced by war or other tragedies. It’s true of my other students from Haiti, China, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana and Afghanistan.

Jennifer and a former student circa 2017.For so many years Jennifer has come to the LVSC office to conduct assessments and write reports, the very important first step for students to receive services. Jennifer’s empathy puts students at ease and assures them that they are in a safe environment. 

I’m curious about where students are from, how long they’ve been here, why they came and what their goals are.  A few years ago, we added this open-ended question to the assessment, "What do you like about living in New Jersey?" Student answers ASTOUND me!  Nearly everyone I ask responds with one or more of the following:  it’s SAFE, it’s QUIET, it’s CLEAN and SMOG-FREE, it has lots of green trees and parks, and the people are FRIENDLY!  I think I can safely say if you asked other people around the country what their perceptions of New Jersey are these are NOT the descriptions you’d get!  The students’ answers are a good reminder of how great and diverse this state really is. I hope that thru my tutoring, I’m able to help immigrants assimilate as they make New Jersey their new home.

Jennifer has contributed to our outreach efforts by writing stories for our publications and by recording a Public Service Announcement that was broadcast on CableVision. She has furthered our mission through generous financial support every single year and is a frequent guest at our fundraising events, bringing along her supportive sisters.

Jennifer with her sisters at LVSC's fall soiree.

To the students learning English…keep working hard! To my fellow tutors, I know it’s not always easy. It’s hard to explain why there are different ways to pronounce “lives” and what “raining cats and dogs” really means.  English is difficult, and it’s chock full of confusing idioms. But we’re all doing the best we can. Thank you for all that you do.