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Pay It Forward: Tutor Helps Davenport Man Try to Get GED

A tutor is giving back to a Davenport man who has dyslexia by helping him with his math homework. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects how well people c...

DAVENPORT, Iowa - A tutor is giving back to a Davenport man who has dyslexia by helping him with his math homework. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects how well people can read.

Walt Viering retired from the Davenport Community School in 2001 but has been tutoring ever since.

"I'm 72," Viering said. "I ask myself, what can I still contribute back? And this, works for me."

The tutoring's worked for 30 year old Zach Wilson too. He's a former West High school student who never graduated. Now, he's trying to get his GED, equal to a high school diploma.

"It's probably the highlight of my week, working with him." Wilson said. "I know it's helping me pursue something better."

Wilson's mom Julia was introduced to Viering eight years ago when another one of her boys needed tutoring. On Wednesday, July 20, 2016 Julia surprised Viering with the Pay It Forward Award, sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union, for doing good things in the community.

Viering and Wilson are starting back at ground zero for their tutoring, so Zach can become an auto or diesel mechanic after he gets his GED.

"He had severe deficiencies when it came to some of the math," Viering said of Wilson. "We meet several times a week, and we'll do it until he gets that test passed."

If you know of someone doing great things in the community, nominate them for a Pay It Forward Award, by clicking here.

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