Daniel Gaspar was born on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. He was raised by his grandparents and attended Kaunakakai grade school and Molokai High School. When he was 22, he moved to the mainland to make a new life for himself.

Daniel traveled throughout the United States and worked as a laborer, security guard, truck driver, building construction supervisor, and even as a bodyguard and driver for singer Don Ho.

Daniel attended his first student conference in 1999 - the New Readers for New Life Conference at Moraine Valley Community College. Later that year he performed the Hawaiian version of the Twelve Days of Christmas during the Wally Amos program LVA's national conference held in Nashville.

In May, 2000 Daniel received a Student Achievement Award from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White for being one of the top 10 adult learners in Illinois. He was contacted by the American Medical Society to present information on medical needs and assistance required by adults with limited reading ability. He has presented workshops for LVA-Illinois and speaks at tutor training workshops for LV of Lake County. He has just become a student board member with LV of Lake County and was also inducted into the Key Club, a new organization honoring students who have made significant achievement and service in the literacy program.

Daniel is a talented musician who plays the drums, sings, and dances. He performed and organized the entertainment and luau for his second New Readers for New Life Student Conference, held in Grayslake, IL, at the College of Lake County in August. He is an active participant in the Lakehurst Players, a group of students that perform skits depicting everyday life for adult non-readers. The Lakehurst Players have performed locally, and at the American Library Association and LVA national conferences.

Daniel is an enthusiastic and motivated learner who enjoys sharing his cultural background and interests. His views and words can be found in many publications developed by LV of Lake County, such as "Student News Collections 2000," and on the CD "Our Country." Daniel is the author of "As the Wind Blows," a book soon to be published.

To Current Featured Student of the Month
To Featured Student Archives