Rusty Harris, a dedicated volunteer at Strawbridge Elementary School, lends a hand in the lunchroom, hallways, classrooms, and during school events. He even makes time to support the school when his work as a tugboat captain takes him away from shore. He takes Campbell’s Soup labels with him to count and prepare for submission to gain valuable school resources. Strawbridge Elementary’s PTA president says, “Rusty is a loving father who is setting the best example for his children. He shows them the importance of giving one’s self in volunteering.

Stephanie Gruning is known as a “champion of the arts” at Kemps Landing Magnet School. She works closely with the choral program at the school, handling tasks ranging from designing sets to managing paperwork. In addition she is the vice-president of PTA programs, chairperson of the beautification, and organizer of an Internet safety campaign. “Amazingly, Mrs. Gruning achieves all of this while working a full-time job,” says Choral Director DeLena Poe. “She often comes straight to school from work. In my thirty plus years of teaching, I have never had a volunteer who is as helpful, diligent, creative and hardworking.”

George Sauer has served as a volunteer at Princess Anne High School for 15 years. He serves as a mentor and tutor, and occasionally as a substitute math teacher. But his first love is the choral program, and his work with that department has included keeping financial records, building sets, fundraising, and equipment operation and maintenance. The chair of the school’s fine arts department, David Prescott, points to Mr. Sauer as a role model for both students and staff: “Mr. Sauer is a man of great integrity and dependability. He is true to his word and instills these characteristics in the students with whom he works.”

Watch this Volunteers of the Year video to hear from several of the school’s honorees about why they have made the choice to devote their time and talents to our public schools.

The Adult Learning Center’s Talk-a-Latte/Read-a-Latte events were designed to enhance the instructional lessons being taught to English Speakers of Other Languages and to encourage conversation between different cultures and among different levels of learning. This year’s theme was “Life in the Chesapeake Bay” and adult learners heard from volunteers such as Courtney Sova from the Virginia Aquarium. Students read related materials and discussed marine life and problems caused by water pollution. Photo: Annunziata Scafuri, Xiao Qing Zhang, Yun Hwang, Giuseppina Ranieri and Mamour Diop review materials.

Alanton Elementary School recognized its valuable volunteers during a school celebration. At the event, long-time volunteer Barbara Wiley (right) was recognized for her service. Ms. Wiley started volunteering in the library when her grandson attended Alanton, and he is now finishing his second year at Virginia Wesleyan College.

The Bayside Tri-Campus held a recognition event this Spring to thank their valuable volunteers.

Military personnel from the Training Support Center at Dam Neck volunteer their time to help at Birdneck Elementary School. Among the many ways they assist throughout the year, volunteers help students practice their reading, writing, and research skills.

In honor of Library Week, Corporate Landing Middle School invited author and First Colonial High School graduate Rob Fanney to talk with students and aspiring authors about what it takes to write and publish a book. Fanney read excerpts from his first book, Luthiel’s Song: Dreams of the Ringed Vale, and even treated students to a little “elfish” singing.

Police officer Jeff Meador visited Creeds Elementary School to read stories to students and to speak with third graders about the effects of bullying.