Article posted: 12/4/2011 1:00 AM

Wheaton’s ‘St. Patricia’ helps hundreds learn English

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Patricia Bernhold of Wheaton practices pronunciation of suburban towns like Wheaton, Joliet and Romeoville with 10 adult students learning English at People's Resource Center in Wheaton. Center officials estimate that Bernhold has helped hundreds of students from 19 different countries learn the language.

Marie Wilson | Staff Photographer

Patricia Bernhold of Wheaton gives a lesson about the proper way to say food-related terms — such as lettuce, meatball and corn flour — in English to adults studying the language Saturday at People's Resource Center in Wheaton. Bernhold has volunteered at the center for about eight years.

Marie Wilson | Staff Photographer

English student Ismail Karwa of Glen Ellyn listens as Patricia Bernhold explains how native English-speakers often don't fully pronounce each sound when speaking informally.

Marie Wilson | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Wheaton's Patricia "St. Patricia" Bernhold has taught hundreds of adult learners English at People's Resource Center ever since retiring from a career at a school district nine years ago. Officials at the center say she makes the program what it is and that, without her, it would be a far different experience.