Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is proud to honor its 87 outstanding Volunteers of the Year. Representing schools and centers throughout the division, these men and women are being recognized for their tireless efforts on behalf of children. The Volunteers of the Year took center stage at a celebratory reception on April 17, at which time the Virginia Beach Council of PTAs announced its selection of three PTA Citywide Volunteers of the Year. These extraordinary volunteers will now complete for regional recognition from the Tidewater District PTA. The volunteers representing the Virginia Beach Council are:

• Mary Richardson – King’s Grant Elementary
  Students will certainly “read all about” this valuable volunteer who donates countless hours and hundreds of books to the school’s library media center. In the school, Ms. Richardson is often mistaken for a staff member by students and visitors alike. This school year alone, Ms. Richardson has contributed 445 hours of service to King’s Grant Elementary! As one teacher points out, “her dedication is endless.”
• Jeffrey Heller – Landstown Middle School
  Mr. Heller fits right in with the “Lancers” of Landstown Middle School. Known as the “Lancer in shining armor”, Mr. Heller is often seen working with the drama club, taking tickets at a football game, or chaperoning a school dance. When not deployed with the U.S. Navy, this First Class Petty Officer is signing up for duty with the school. Staff describes him as “an excellent role model with strong personal values.”
• Jowain Brinkley – Bayside High School
  A retired educator, Ms. Brinkley understands the key role that volunteers have in connecting students with our community. Referring to the students at Bayside High as her “grandchildren,” Ms. Brinkley works diligently to help meet the needs of all children. Described by the principal as a “sensitive spirit, in touch with children of all ages,” Ms. Brinkley continually seeks new ways to be of service to Bayside High.

More than 21,500 volunteers generously donate their time and talents to VBCPS annually, exceeding half a million hours of service each year valued at $9.5 million. Whether they are serving as mentors or tutors, providing assistance in classrooms, or sitting on planning committees, volunteers play an integral role in improving student achievement.

“These volunteers provide an exceptional service to our schools and school children,” said Heather Allen, Partnership Coordinator for VBCPS. “They give generously of their time without seeking personal recognition. They are role models not only for children, but for the adults of the school community as well,” Allen continued.

April is National Volunteer Recognition Month. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Virginia Beach City Public Schools contact the Office of Community Relations at 263-1337.

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