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Learning center returns to former site Staff report 23 hrs ago center Autumn Sanville, 18, who feeds 3-month-old daughter Amarah on Friday, has been studying at VAL the past year and a half. KATY SAVAGE SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Autumn Sanville brings her 3-month-old daughter, Amarah, with her to the Vermont Adult Learning center every week. Sanville, 18, learns history, math, English and art while her daughter sleeps or sits on her lap. Sanville is 10 credits away from earning her high school diploma. She has been working one-on-one with her teacher at VAL the past year and a half. VAL celebrated its return to the historic Fellows Gear Shaper building Friday afternoon with a ribbon cutting, scavenger hunt, door prizes and authentic Mexican food, made by students in the English-language program. “The high school was way too difficult for me,” said Sanville, who attended Springfield High School before she heard about VAL. She made headlines in October 2016 when police declared her missing for about three weeks after she failed to appear for school one day. After she was located in Royalton, Sanville told police she spent 3 1/2 weeks camping in the woods. Sanville said learning at VAL is easier than high school. She wants to be a pediatric nurse after she gets her diploma. VAL is a nonprofit that provides flexible, free education for anyone ages 16 and up. Students come whenever they want and stay as long as they can. Students learn basic math and English skills, work readiness skills and English as a second language. VAL prepares students for the General Equivalency Diploma test and for college transition. But not everyone knows about VAL. Windsor County Regional Manager Lori Brown is hoping the new space changes that. VAL’s return to the Fellows building gives it more visibility and more space. VAL now has three classrooms as opposed to two and now a full kitchen to prepare students for culinary careers. The new location also makes it easier for students to get there. “Many don’t have transportation,” said Brown. VAL moved to the Fellows building at 100 River St. in January, where it had been located up until 2008, when it moved to Clinton Street and then 363 River St. VAL centers are located in six counties throughout Vermont. There are about 40 students in the Springfield location and 100 students throughout the state. Brown said VAL’s Springfield location has been able to help more students since the move in January. The larger building is also handicap accessible and is located on the bus line, making learning more achievable. “We feel this space delivers the message to our students: ‘You are valuable. You deserve this lovely space,’” Brown said
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