Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is proud to honor its volunteers and community partners-in-education who generously donate their time, talent, and resources in support of student achievement. As part of a community celebration, the school division recently paid tribute to 15 partners-in-education whose model partnerships best exemplify the power of engagement when schools and community members work together for the benefit of children. These model partnerships include mentoring programs, opportunities for students to learn a trade or workplace readiness skill, reading and literacy initiatives, and college readiness programs. Virginia Beach schools are fortunate to have more than 1,460 active partnerships with local business, military, and faith-based organizations.

In addition, more than 20,000 volunteers contribute approximately 428,000 hours of service to our school each year. Whether they are serving as mentors or tutors, providing assistance in classrooms, or sitting on planning committees, these volunteers play an integral role in the school community. Eighty-six of these outstanding men and women were selected by their respective schools as Volunteer of the Year. They took center stage at a celebratory reception on April 29, 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 compete for regional recognition from the Tidewater District PTA. The volunteers representing the Virginia Beach Council are:

• Keith Storm – Tallwood Elementary

Forced to leave his job for health reasons, Keith Storm wondered how he would fill his days. Then, a simple request to speak to a group of students changed his life forever. A visit to his neighborhood school sparked his love for working with children. Now, Mr. Storm can be found mentoring students at Tallwood Elementary, serving as a cafeteria monitor, or setting up for special events throughout the school. Despite weekly medical treatments, Mr. Storm spends countless hours with students. “I just think what kind of world we would have it we had more Keith Storms,” says one Tallwood Elementary staff member. “I truly believe it would be a much better world to live in.”

• Robert Carrington – Independence Middle

There is no question that Robert Carrington puts children first. After relocating to Virginia Beach two years ago, one of Mr. Carrington’s top priorities was finding a school in which to volunteer. Although he has no children enrolled in Virginia Beach schools, he is compelled to give back to his community and finds joy in encouraging and inspiring students. Among his many “jobs” at Independence Middle School, Mr. Carrington is an assistant basketball coach, cafeteria monitor, and mentor to African American male students. According to school staff, “Mr. Carrington is an ambassador for Independence Middle School by consistently being involved in our community and stressing academics and sportsmanship to our students and parents.”

• Cindy Focke – First Colonial High

Principal Dale Holt describes Cindy Focke as an extraordinary volunteer who “has an intuitive understanding of what it means to serve and put students first.” First Colonial High has been fortunate enough to reap the rewards of Mrs. Focke’s dedication for the last eight years. During that time she’s been on numerous committees and currently serves as chair of the PTSA community service committee and Battle of the Bands project. Mrs. Focke is also actively involved with the Booster Club, coordinating concession sales for both summer school and athletic events. She is known for her generosity and “can do” attitude. One staff member jokes that Mrs. Focke must practice saying “yes”, “sure”, and “I don’t mind doing that” in the mirror each morning. The students and staff at First Colonial are certainly glad that she does!

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

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