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Owens Aspire Graduate, Instructor Win OAACE Regional Awards

Owens Aspire graduate Rayvina Munn was named the Adult Learner of the Year in the northwest district by OAACE

Life didn’t take it easy on Rayvina Munn, but through her resiliency and faith, she pushed through personal tragedy and homelessness to graduate from the Owens Aspire Adult Basic Education/High School Equivalency program.

Her success doesn’t end there, though. Upon graduation, Munn was hired as Classroom Specialist in the Aspire program, allowing her to spread her story and enthusiasm for adult education to others.

So, it’s of little surprise that Munn was recently named the Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year for the northwest Ohio region by the Ohio Association for Adult and Continuing Education (OAACE).

“It’s been truly inspiring to watch Rayvina thrive as she went from student to employee,” said Heath Huber, Owens Aspire director. “She’s a powerful example of resilience and perseverance for other students navigating life’s challenges. We’re not only proud to call her a graduate, we’re incredibly fortunate to welcome her back, where she can continue to inspire and impact others.”

Dionne “Dee” Dolsey

The Owens Aspire program is also home to the OAACE regional Adult Educator of the Year, Dionne “Dee” Dolsey, who is the Curriculum and Staff Support person for the Owens College and Career Readiness Center.

It’s the second straight year the Owens Aspire program claimed both awards at the regional level. The awards are presented annually through the combined efforts of the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to recognize the great work Ohio is providing in the area of Adult Education.

“Dee is an exceptional professional whose energy and dedication continually inspire our department,” Huber said. “From motivating students in the classroom to helping colleagues become the best versions of themselves, she leads by example every day. She exemplifies the transformative power and effectiveness of adult education.”

According to the nomination letter, Munn was directly motivated to obtain her GED after the sudden death of her mother. She also found motivation in being a single mother of three young children, wanting to show them that, “no matter where you start, you can still write a better and different story for yourself.”

After starting as a student with Owens Aspire in September 2023, Munn also lost her job and went through a period of homelessness. However, nothing could stop Munn from achieving her goals.

As one of the keynote speakers at the Aspire graduation, Munn said, “This moment right here is more than just a celebration — it’s a testimony of faith, of resilience and of never giving up no matter how hard life gets.”

Called a “natural leader” by Huber, Munn continues to inspire others to embrace learning and striving for their own goals as a Classroom Specialist.

“Rayvina is a reminder of the power of adult education, its ability to transform lives and the good that is accomplished in the community when we take the time to engage with those who might need a second or third chance at their academic goals,” Huber wrote in the nomination letter.

Dolsey has been in adult education for more than 30 years, mainly in positions in Ohio and Michigan. According to Huber’s nomination letter, what sets Dolsey apart is her eagerness to constantly better herself through training as well as being an advocate for her fellow staff members to take advantage of continuing education as well.

Dolsey primarily teaches ABE/ASE currently, but she also substitutes for ESOL and briefly served in more career-oriented trainings. Inside and outside of the classroom, Dolsey holds people accountable while also supporting their needs and self-esteem.

Munn and Dolsey were both honored during a luncheon in Columbus at the OAACE conference.