Nina Vislocky
Adult Learning Center
At the Adult Learning Center, Volunteer of the Year Nina Vislocky has assisted with field trips, materials reproduction, and tutoring for more than three years. She brings added individual attention and support to adults learning basic skills and English. She also uses her previous experience as an employee of the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization in her work with English Speakers of Other Languages as they navigate their ESOL studies. Those who work with her report that students gravitate toward her cheerful and welcoming attitude and that she treats students as if they were family.
Jacinta Buchanan
Cox High
At Cox High School, other members of the band boosters and the school's PTA say it will take a dozen parents to fill the void left when Jacinta and Buck Buchanan move on this year. Jacinta serves as Color Guard Mom, sewing flags, and helping with uniforms, equipment, and makeup. She has been vital to the Band Boosters fundraising efforts and as part of the Pit Crew that handles details during competitions. We have it on good authority that Jacinta even appropriated a Razor scooter to help her zip through Cox High's hallways. As Ellen Myers, Hospitality Chair of the Cox High Band Boosters put it, "Jacinta has found the perfect solution for when she can't be everywhere at once: his name is Buck. When one sees Jacinta, Buck can't be far behind." Buck Buchanan has built shelves for the band room, attends every event, tapes performances, and, with Jacinta, picks up the rental truck, loads and delivers equipment to performance and competition sites, works in the Pit Crew, and brings it all back to school when it's over.
Kenneth (Buck) Buchanan
Cox High
At Cox High School, other members of the band boosters and the school's PTA say it will take a dozen parents to fill the void left when Jacinta and Buck Buchanan move on this year. Jacinta serves as Color Guard Mom, sewing flags, and helping with uniforms, equipment, and makeup. She has been vital to the Band Boosters fundraising efforts and as part of the Pit Crew that handles details during competitions. We have it on good authority that Jacinta even appropriated a Razor scooter to help her zip through Cox High's hallways. As Ellen Myers, Hospitality Chair of the Cox High Band Boosters put it, "Jacinta has found the perfect solution for when she can't be everywhere at once: his name is Buck. When one sees Jacinta, Buck can't be far behind." Buck Buchanan has built shelves for the band room, attends every event, tapes performances, and, with Jacinta, picks up the rental truck, loads and delivers equipment to performance and competition sites, works in the Pit Crew, and brings it all back to school when it's over.
Steve Zahn
First Colonial High
At First Colonial High School, Volunteer of the Year honors go to Steve Zahn for both the school and as the Citywide High School Volunteer of the Year. Steve leads the FC Band Boosters, where he organized fundraising events, reorganized and revitalized the organization, fed band members at rehearsals and events, served as a Pit Crew dad during marching season, coordinated the rewriting of the group's bylaws, prepared financial records for audit, drove trucks full of equipment, and provided legal advice at no charge. In fact, one booster's nomination asserted, "I have great respect for Steve…even if he IS a lawyer." Steve produced a State of the Band message to parents to explain the Boosters' status and plans. Those who know Steve well say that if they had to choose a single word to describe him, that word would be "selfless."
Mary Pariser
Landstown High
At Landstown High, Mary Pariser has the distinction of being the school's first ever Volunteer of the Year. Mary is described by those who work with her there as enthusiastic, dependable, cordial, committed, helpful, courteous, and compassionate. Mary assists in the main office, greeting visitors and helping to reproduce materials. She has assisted in forming the athletic booster club for the school and has provided donations of clothing and supplies to needy students. Mary has set the bar for future volunteers of the year at Landstown High.
Robin Patrick
Ocean Lakes High
Since Ocean Lakes High opened eight years ago, Volunteer of the Year Robin Patrick has been an active supporter of the school and its PTSA, serving as president, first and second vice president, chair of the ways and means, hospitality, and Reflections Contest committees, and today as Acting President. Robin's dedication to Ocean Lakes High has continued even as her youngest child graduated and left the school last June. Robin is a kindergarten teacher at Seatack Elementary, a year round school, and spends much of her intersession time volunteering at Ocean Lakes High. During her eight years as a valuable volunteer at the school, Robin has assisted in the main office with mass mailings, chaired the decorations committee for the all night grad party all five years the event has been held, helped with refreshments for receptions for the chorus, band, and honor society, and has been the unofficial team mom for the boys and girls jayvee and varsity soccer teams as well as the jayvee and varsity field hockey teams. For the past three years, she has also baked and sold concessions for eleven days in a row during July's AAU basketball tournament. It's no surprise that when the school's PTSA president was called away to active military duty, the organization turned to Robin to provide leadership in the interim.
Cindy Bailey
Brandon Middle
Brandon Middle School's 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Cindy Bailey. Cindy is Brandon PTA's Vice President for membership, and in that role has helped to build the organization's roster to nearly triple the number of members a year ago. Cindy also works in the school store in the cafeteria and library, sells tickets for events. According to Brandon Principal, Catherine Rogers, every school should be lucky enough to have someone like Cindy on its "unofficial" (but highly valued) staff.
Darlene Natale
Great Neck Middle
Great Neck Middle School is proud to honor Darlene Natale as the school's volunteer of the Year. Darlene has volunteered at Great Neck for five years, chaperoning field trips, proctoring tests, and assisting with after-school programs and material reproduction. Her touch has helped the library in the school's office, with band and strings programs. She is currently both second VP of Great Neck's PTA and secretary of the Cox PTA. Darlene organized the annual School Clean-up Day. She has secured donations from area businesses that were given as rewards to PTA members when they joined the organization. Darlene leadership of the PTA's membership drive resulted in an historic total of nearly 1,000 members. Family memberships doubled under Darlene's watch.
Denise Schumacher
Bayside Middle
Denise Schumacher is volunteer of the year at Bayside Middle School. Her most outstanding accomplishment was in managing the schools Reflection Contest, which she promoted so well that a record 128 entries were received. Denise made it possible for students to borrow cameras to create photography entries for the contest. When the PTA needed someone to head its membership drive, Denise was ready to step in and has also contacted every individual who has volunteered to assist the PTA. Denise also formed a school beautification group that picked up trash and weeded flowerbeds on weekends. She painted the fence and benches at the entrance to the school. Denise is a dependable seller of tickets at PTA events. She created all of the PTA's cards, posters, invitations and award certificates. At Bayside Middle they say that Denise lights up a room when she walks in. This year she has brightened the school with 1400 hours of volunteer service.
Debbie Lowrance
Kempsville High
At Kempsville High, Debbie Lowrance has been offering her support for nearly thirty years…since she was a toddler! Debbie's official positions included Athletic Boosters President, but she has served the school in numerous other areas, as well. Debbie worked with the All-Night Drug Free Graduation Celebration, helped coordinate student projects to raise money for relief efforts for those affected by the events of September 11, assists with teacher hospitality, and, according to Kempsville High Principal Lou Tonelson, "she gets the job done without a lot of fanfare." They've come to depend on Debbie's solid support at Kempsville High, and she continues to come through for the students and staff.
Joyce McManus
Corporate Landing Middle
Joyce McManus is Volunteer of the Year at Corporate Landing Middle School for the second year in a row! Joyce arrived at Corporate Landing this year the week before students reported to prepare the clinic for the first day of school. Since then, she has volunteered six hours a day and five days a week. In the clinic, Joyce helps students sign in, takes temperatures, escorts students in wheelchairs, and performs clerical duties. For students who must visit the clinic daily for their medication, Joyce is a familiar and friendly figure, greeting them before they see the nurse.
LeVaughn Perry
Center for Effective Learning
LéVaughn Perry has been named Volunteer of the Year at the Center for Effective Learning. LéVaughn, who was finishing graduate work at Regent University, called the Office of Community Relations offering to volunteer last summer. Her offer was gladly received at CEL, where LéVaughn served as a classroom aide for June Thomas's sixth grade math class, where she advised and guided students who were eager to sit beside her and receive her help. LéVaughn was cheerful and enthusiastic as a volunteer, according to Principal Bill Wicks. LéVaughn is now teaching at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC.
Leanne Peters
Green Run High
Green Run High School's Volunteer of the Year is Leanne Peters. Leanne provides outstanding support to the athletics programs at Green Run. She assists in the training room, communicates with the parents of athletes organizes eleven football dinners and sold all concessions both for the Green Run JV football team and the Plaza Middle School football team. She assists with fundraisers for the basketball team as well.
Leslie Dunks
Independence Middle
Leslie Dunks is Volunteer of the Year at Independence Middle School. Leslie has assisted in the computer lab, in the main office, on field trips, and in decision making as a member of he school's planning council. Leslie runs the school's ink cartridge recycling program that earns points toward free computer equipment and a supplies for the school. Leslie also coordinated the Independence PTA's Reflections Contest this year.
Paul Lanteigne
Kellam High
At Kellam High, the outstanding volunteer honored tonight is Paul Lanteigne. Paul, of course, is our sheriff, and he and his department have provided strong support for Kellam High, including installing a drainage system for the baseball field, refurbishing and painting dugouts, painting curbing, pressure washing sidewalks, mulching flowerbeds and trimming hedges, building the ticket booth, providing refreshments for the senior picnic, providing security for events, and donating $25,000 worth of Nautilus equipment for sports training.
Stephanie Rowe
Kempsville Middle
Kempsville Middle School's Volunteer of the Year is Stephanie Rowe. Stephanie serves the PTA as second vice president for newsletter and also co-chairs both the dance and hospitality committees. Stephanie recognizes faculty and staff members throughout the school by giving small gifts of appreciation or by providing luncheons in the faculty lounge.
Lynn Francois
Kemps Landing Magnet
At Kemps Landing Magnet School, this year's honored volunteer is Lynn Francois. Lynn made Kemps Landing's move from Kempsville Road to Jericho Road much easier on all involved. Last spring, Lynn organized a team of parents to pack and prepare for the move. Once the move took place, under Lynn's leadership, unpacking was handled with equal efficiency that extended even to decorating the teacher's lounge and making curtains for the offices. After the move, Lynn worked with the city's landscape architects to design flowerbeds and an outdoor classroom. But probably Lynn's greatest contribution has been her work with Phoenix Link, a communication system that sends information to parents via email. This method ensures that important news for parents doesn't remain in the bottoms of bookbags!
Jeanet Wilson
Landstown Middle
Jeanet Wilson is Volunteer of the Year at Landstown Middle School. Jeanet has volunteered for two years at Landstown, assisting in the library and with PTA events. Her efforts helped the school raise nearly one thousand dollars for Disabled American Veterans and the Lupus Foundation. She has created favors and centerpieces for the PTA's volunteer luncheon.
Sgt. Tony Johnson
Open Campus High
Sergeant Tony Johnson of the U. S. Army Recruiting office is this year' honoree from Open Campus. Tony volunteers in senior English classes, assists in the school office, and makes career day presentations. Tony has also assisted with field trips and assembly programs. Open Campus offers both day and evening programs. Tony often worked a "double shift", staying through both sessions. After September 11, Tony spent time talking with students about their worries, for loved ones in the military, about the possibility of the draft being reinstated… about the threat of further attacks, and the threat of war.
Pat Cornelison
Salem High
At Salem High, Pat Cornelison is honored as Volunteer of the Year. Pat is treasurer of the school's booster club, has been a valuable help to the Student Council, has chaperoned field trips and events, works concessions, hosts spaghetti dinners and team meetings at her home. Pat has coordinated numerous athletic banquets at Salem High. A member of one of Salem's original families, Pat is about to graduate her third child from Salem High, where she has been called a godsend to the school.
Linda Lotz
Salem Middle
Salem Middle School's 2002 Volunteer of he Year is Linda Lotz. Linda works with eighth grade math teachers, chairs two book fairs each year, and assists in the library. Linda coordinates Salem Middles Labels for Education programs and instituted ans incentive program that greatly increased the number of labels collected. She helps to recruit other volunteers to help during testing and helps run the PTA Snack Cart, which offers goodies on early dismissal days when there are no lunches served. Linda has volunteered at Salem Middle for three years and has continued to serve the school even though her oldest child has moved on to Salem High School and the next in line attends Rosemont Forest Elementary… she volunteers in those two schools as well.
Cathy Bowers
Tallwood High
Cathy Bowers has been named Volunteer of the Year at Tallwood High. Cathy works closely with the English Department, copying, collating, and preparing materials for English classes, creating a pictorial scrapbook for the Virginia Beach Association of Teachers of English. Cathy also serves in the school's library, assisting students and shelving books. But perhaps Cathy's biggest contribution as a volunteer has been creating a database for the thousands of books that belong to the department. Once the books were catalogued, they were labeled with identification from the database, making it much simpler for teachers to know where books are and which are available.
Hugh Tierney
Virginia Beach Central Academy
At Virginia Beach Central Academy, Hugh Tierney is recognized as 2002 Volunteer of the Year. Hugh is a Junior Achievement volunteer, who taught Jane Dearborn's Occupational Information class about Personal Economics for eight weeks. Hugh held the attention of students by relating the economic concepts he taught to current events they were hearing about in the news and used Big Macs and Whoppers he brought in as object lessons in marketing and consumer appeal. His examples made the money management concepts students were learning stick.
LeMoine Jones
Virginia Beach Middle
LeMoine Jones has been chosen Volunteer of the Year at Virginia Beach Middle School. LeMoine returned to the area after living in Texas. LeMoine has been a great help to the school's special education teachers, working closely with a Croatian student on academics and social behavior. LeMoine also assisted with book fairs, ticket sales, the school carnival, and baking goodies for events.
Lori Adams
Arrowhead Elementary
Lori Adams is the 2002 volunteer of the year at Arrowhead Elementary. Lori serves as a PTA board member, a member of Arrowhead's modernization committee, a room mother, a chaperone on field trips, and a library aide. Lori has been a tremendous force behind the success of the school's Santa Breakfast as well as Kids Voting, Bingo Night, and the Spaghetti Dinner. Lori also volunteered to help paint an ocean mural in the cafeteria with the help of a local artist and the students of Arrowhead.
Debbie Ives
Alanton Elementary
Debbie Ives is 2002 Volunteer of the Year for Alanton Elementary and also has been named the Citywide Elementary Volunteer of the Year. At Alanton Elementary, all the news comes from Debbie Ives. Debbie is described by those at Alanton as dependable and an asset to the school for her work with classroom tutoring, and as a field trip chaperone. But without a doubt, Debbie's greatest contribution at Alanton has been the Alanton News Network…ANN. Students and staff are able to tune in to ANN to hear and see student anchors leading the pledge of allegiance, delivering the morning announcements, asking an SOL question of the day, revealing the Word of the Week, and announcing the days birthdays-all in a format modeled after the Today Show. This broadcast airs every morning at 8:30 on the school's closed circuit TV system. Debbie writes the SOL question, the script for the other portions of the show, preps the co-anchors, supervises the student floor director and student camera operator, and then tutors in third and fifth grade classrooms. Debbie is a former teacher and a professional tutor who will be greatly missed at Alanton when she "graduates" to middle school with her youngest child in the fall.
Jeannie Clemens
Bayside Elementary
Bayside Elementary is proud to honor Jeannie Clemens as its Volunteer of the Year. Jeannie has dedicated three days a week to the first grade classes and helped them to assemble costumes and props for their production of "E-I-E-I OOPS!" Jeannie can also be found printing materials, assisting in the special education classrooms, helping in the cafeteria, and working in the library. First grade teacher Leatha Fischer says, " Jeannie gives freely of her time and sends a beacon of bright light shining to all those with whom she shares her talents."
Julia Wilson
Bayside High
Julia Wilson is a recently retired English teacher at Bayside High. Julia didn't stay retired very long; she returned to the school almost immediately as a volunteer. At Bayside High, Julia can be seen in the office handling phone calls and assisting visitors and students at the front counter. Julia also organizes community service projects that link students to the surrounding community. Her skills are sought by staff members to proofread and edit their writing. Her knowledge of the Bayside area - both as an educator and a Bayside resident - make her a valuable resource for Bayside High School.
Brenda Helton
Brookwood Elementary
Brookwood Elementary's 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Brenda Helton. Brenda has served as room mother for both of her children's classrooms, where she organized celebrations for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. When students completed the Standards of Learning tests in March, Brenda brought them cupcakes to celebrate. She also has been a valuable volunteer in the school's library, where she assists students, re-shelves and checks out books, and was instrumental in the success of this year's book fair.
Dena Scott
Birdneck Elementary
At Birdneck Elementary, volunteer of the year honors go to Dena Scott. Dena is a school bus driver who volunteers between her morning and afternoon routes. One or two days a week, Dena reproduces materials, assists in the school office, and works with students. Kathryn Twiford, the classroom teacher Dena assists most often, says, "Dena takes a lot of time to be sure the work she does is perfect. She is a joy to know."
Stephanie Jordan
Centerville Elementary
Centerville Elementary's 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Stephanie Jordan. Stephanie has been a volunteer at Centerville for four years, where she is a member of the school's planning council, serves as a morning greeter, classroom tutor, and room parent. She has assisted with PTA events, from Fright Night, Santa's Breakfast, Game Night and the skating party to Bingo Night. She has been a tremendous help in the school's computer lab, where she works with students every week. Stephanie also coordinated the school's four-week after school enrichment program, creating sign up forms, and nametags, scheduling students and rooms, and rewarding those who helped with a pizza party when it was all over.
Chris Ettel
Central Office
The Central Office Volunteer of the Year is Chris Ettel. Chris is President of VB Contractors and currently serves as the President of the Virginia Beach Public Schools Education Foundation. In that volunteer role, he has overseen fund development efforts that resulted in $30,000 awarded to 34 staff members for educational classroom grants for projects during this school year. In addition, Chris serves as the volunteer general contractor and partner builder for the Tech Center's fourth House Building project, a house built by students. Chris and his staff serve as mentors for students enrolled in the construction classes at the Tech Center and do all of the accounting and bookkeeping for the House project.
Lisa Lusk
Christopher Farms Elementary
Lisa Lusk is Volunteer of the Year at Christopher Farms Elementary. Lisa has volunteered at the school for five years, chaperoning field trips, assisting in the library, reproducing materials, and serving as a room mother for two classes. As PTA Program Chair, Lisa piloted and hosted monthly after-school enrichment programs that have included science, foreign language, art and nature topics, and a large patriotic program as well. Lisa coordinated Grandparents' Day activities, and she also teaches a challenge mathematics class to gifted fifth grade students.
Debbie McCormack
College Park Elementary
College Park Elementary honors Debbie McCormack as its 2002 Volunteer of the Year. Debbie is president of College Park PTA and has served on its board for the last four years. Debbie is room mother for both of her children's classes and travels with the school's chess team as a parent volunteer and chaperone. Debbie coordinated a "Pennies for Peace" campaign to raise money for families directly affected by the events of September 11. College Park students collected pennies totaling more than $1,200. Debbie regularly volunteers in the office, cafeteria, and clinic and tutors students every Tuesday.
Bettie Tait-Garber
Cooke Elementary
The 2002 Volunteer of the Year at Cooke Elementary is Bettie Tait-Garber. Bettie works full-time but spends her day off each week assisting small groups and individuals in her daughter's classroom. She worked with the Cooke Angel Tree during the holidays and ran the silent auction during the holiday program. Betti helps to plan field day in the spring and has served two years on the PTA audit committee. Bettie also assists in monitoring the cafeteria several days each week and frequently takes work home to complete.
Lisa DeWitt
Corporate Landing Elementary
Lisa DeWitt is the 2002 honoree representing Corporate Landing Elementary. Lisa has volunteered at Corporate Landing for two years, assisting teachers in kindergarten and first grade, as well as working in the library and as a tutor. Lisa dressed as Mrs. Claus, read to students and tutored in classrooms in character. Lisa has served as a photographer for classroom activities, too.
Tammy Lam
Creeds Elementary
Creeds Elementary is happy to honor Tammy Lam as 2002 Volunteer of the Year. Tammy has been volunteering at Creeds for more than seven years. For three years, Tammy has helped coordinate the school's annual 5k run to benefit the school's athletic department. The race has raised more that $5,000. In addition, Tammy has served on the Honor Roll reception committee and as a room mother. She helped arrange Breakfast with Santa, and assists in the library by testing and recording student scores for the Accelerated Reader program. Tammy also decorated the school for a taping of Agent Goodbook and the holiday music program.
Kathleen Farley
John B. Dey Elementary
At Dey Elementary, the 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Kathleen Farley. Kathleen has volunteered at the school for three years and is there to help five days a week. Kathleen assists in the computer lab, where she arranges and schedules a team of volunteers. Kathleen works in three classrooms, as well. At Meet Your Teacher Day, before school opened last fall, Kathleen was pouring lemonade for parents and students. She has helped in the guidance office and has copied, collated, and distributed every edition of the school newspaper. She has helped with Picture Day, the Silent Auction, and Fine Arts Night. To encourage students and their families to attend Science and Technology Night, Kathleen offered incentives: prizes were given to each student who attended and visited four science stations. The prizes, worth a total of more than $3,000 were all donated at Kathleen's request and included CDs, and tickets to the Virginia Marine Science Museum, Nauticus, or the Cinema Café. The event was attended by more that 800 people.
Creva Rooney
Fairfield Elementary
Creva Rooney is Volunteer of the Year at Fairfield Elementary. Creva has volunteered at Fairfield for three years and is there nearly every day. Creva is first vice president for programs for the Fairfield PTA. In that role, Creva coordinated a spectacular multicultural night, and was instrumental in the success of the school's Math and Science Night. Creva volunteered even while working three jobs and sporting a cast on one leg.
Debra Jones
Glenwood Elementary
Debra Jones has been an active volunteer at Glenwood Elementary for two years. She assists two third grade teachers with filing papers and serves as a room mother. In the school's production room, Debra copies, laminates, and collates materials for teachers throughout the school, and trains other volunteers to use the equipment. As corresponding secretary for the PTA, Debra produces the PTA's newsletter. Debra's help is also appreciated in the clinic, office, and kindergarten classrooms. Third grade teacher Tracy Phinard describes Debra as responsible, dependable, cheerful, motivated, helpful, organized, and "a teacher's angel."
Christine Morgan
Green Run Elementary
Green Run Elementary's 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Christine Morgan. Evidence of Christine's assistance is apparent throughout Green Run Elementary. Christine is PTA president and a member of the school's planning council, where she helps set goals and make decisions regarding the future of the school. Christine volunteers in the school nearly every day, creating bulletin boards, chaperoning field trips, tutoring children, and even helping to prepare a room for school's opening for a teacher recovering from surgery. Christine helped with Math/Science Night in January, both during the event and in its planning stages, when she worked to secure judges for the event. Christine also works in the library, helping with the book fair, reading night, and Accelerated Reader. When a second grader teacher had a death in her family and needed to miss a week of school, Christine helped the substitute and decorated the classroom for winter holidays.
Rene Keller
Hermitage Elementary
Hermitage Elementary's Volunteer of the Year Renee Keller enthusiastically models a "can do, take action" philosophy in everything she does. To this ten-year veteran volunteer, anything and everything is possible. During Hermitage's Fall Festival, Renee's leadership resulted in a very successful event. As an unofficial historian at Hermitage, Renee is often sought out to share valuable information about how things were done in the past and why. With a positive attitude that is truly infectious, Renee is described as a "mover and a shaker" by school counselor Janice Blauert. "Renee Keller is a quiet force who can always be found engaged in activities at Hermitage. No one is more deserving of recognition for consistent service over so many years."
Marie Richardson
Holland Elementary
At Holland Elementary, Marie Richardson is the living definition of the word volunteer. A Navy wife and mother of four young children, Marie plays a major role in just about every aspect of school life at Holland. She chaperones field trips, helps teachers in their classrooms, answers phones in the front office, and cooks and serves meals to staff members. Perhaps her most important contribution to Holland is as Volunteers-In-Education coordinator. For the past two years, she has successfully encouraged parents and community members to become involved with the school, its programs, and its students.
Nancy Miller
Indian Lakes Elementary
Indian Lakes Elementary's 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Nancy Miller. John Nowland, President of the Indian Lakes Elementary PTA reports: "When we tried to honor Nancy as our Volunteer of the Year, she had to be summoned from the school lobby where she was still handing out programs to late arrivals." Nancy can be found reading in the kindergarten classrooms, working in the library, and serving on the School Planning Council. She interacts with children at all grade levels; supports and represents parents by serving on numerous committees; and supports the school's staff with time, materials, and creature comforts. Indian Lakes teacher Beth Fink says Nancy Miller is a shining example of the Volunteer's Code of Ethics. "She is dependable, conscientious, maintains complete confidentiality, and always shows respect to the staff and students of Indian Lakes."
Cara Freitag
Kempsville Elementary
Cara Freitag, the Volunteer of the Year from Kempsville Elementary, gives of her time and talent unconditionally. She has served the staff and students of Kempsville in numerous capacities, excelling in each job. With Cara as PTA membership chair, the school surpassed its 100 per cent membership goal. Placed in charge of the school's Family Fun Night, and Cara produced a gym packed with families eager for bingo and pizza. She was also instrumental in the success of this year's fall festival.
Francie Hill
Kempsville Meadows Elementary
Kempsville Meadows Elementary's 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Francie Hill. A veteran of years of PTA service, Francie is described as a tireless volunteer whose contributions benefit students, families, and staff alike. She puts tremendous effort into recognizing every teacher and staff person at Kempsville Meadows through birthday celebrations, lunch activities, and appreciation activities. Francie led the school's Discovery Group, a creative thinking and problem solving activity that gives students opportunities to excel.
Cathy Sooy
King's Grant Elementary
King's Grant Elementary's 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Cathy Sooy. For the past six years, Cathy has served the school's library and computer lab, and can be found helping students and staff all across the school's campus. From copying homework sheets to planning class parties to helping with major PTA sponsored events, for Cathy no task is too large or too small. A true tribute of Cathy's attitude and contributions of time and talent comes from King's Grant librarian, Maureen Moore, who says "we are trying to convince her to volunteer with us next year even though she will not have a child at King's Grant."
Barbara Hudson
Kingston Elementary
Kingston Elementary's Volunteer of the Year is Barbara Hudson. Barbara can be found selling school T-shirts, helping with the SCA, building sandcastles at the Neptune Festival, or working on the school's website. Barbara shares her talents just about everywhere, putting up bulletin boards, copying and distributing the school newspaper, and coordinating Kingston's Destination Imagination team, a creative problem-solving club for children of all ages. She has also conducted leadership programs for parents to encourage them to be coaches for the group.
Christopher Hutchinson
Landstown Elementary
For two years, Christopher Hutchinson of the USS Kearsarge has volunteered regularly at Landstown Elementary. The Kearsarge is an active partner in education with Landstown. Chris works in classrooms with small groups and individuals and served as a Junior Achievement volunteer for second and third grade classes. Landstown Elementary VIE chair Karen Ferrara says, "Whether it's teaching the whole class or individual instruction, his commitment to our children's futures shines through."
Mary Lynne Spurgeon
Larkspur Middle
Mary Lynne Spurgeon and Marty Berkhimer are Volunteers of the Year at Larkspur Middle School. The pair, who folks often mistake for sisters, are best friends who volunteer together. Mary Lynne's daughter Julie is student activities coordinator at Larkspur and keeps her mom and Marty busy two to three days a week. Julie is a taskmaster, waiting for them and tapping her watch if they're two minutes late. She's persuaded the two to climb into the school attic to sort uniforms and to sell concessions at every home game. They have served food at faculty breakfasts and luncheons, assisted on picture day, assembled first aid kits for coaches, copied papers, and monitored hallways during testing.
Marty Berkhimer
Larkspur Middle
Mary Lynne Spurgeon and Marty Berkhimer are Volunteers of the Year at Larkspur Middle School. The pair, who folks often mistake for sisters, are best friends who volunteer together. Mary Lynne's daughter Julie is student activities coordinator at Larkspur and keeps her mom and Marty busy two to three days a week. Julie is a taskmaster, waiting for them and tapping her watch if they're two minutes late. She's persuaded the two to climb into the school attic to sort uniforms and to sell concessions at every home game. They have served food at faculty breakfasts and luncheons, assisted on picture day, assembled first aid kits for coaches, copied papers, and monitored hallways during testing.
Dianne Byrnes
Linkhorn Park Elementary
The Volunteer of the Year for Linkhorn Park Elementary is Dianne Byrnes. Dianne is described as one of those parents who is "always there." Whether selling tickets, serving up pasta, moving tables, or cleaning up after another successful event, you'll find Dianne in the middle of things. Donna Killen, PTA vice president, says, that Dianne is "the perfect example of volunteerism ... dependable, credible, and readily available."
April A. Pierce
Luxford Elementary
April Pierce, Louise Luxford Elementary's Volunteer of the Year, is something of a legend at the school. April is at Luxford everyday, copying, filing, stapling, and decorating. She serves as a volunteer for all teachers, and offers assistance in the cafeteria, the office, the workroom, or the classroom. She is considered as much a part of Luxford as any faculty or staff member, providing an invaluable resource for jobs both large and small. While it's often hard to measure the impact of a volunteer of April Pierce's caliber, the school has found a way, by creating the April Pierce Service Award, an honor annually bestowed on the Luxford volunteer with the greatest number of service hours.
Belinda Jones
Lynnhaven Elementary
Belinda Jones is Volunteer of the Year for Lynnhaven Elementary. She is an excellent mentor for the Read Earn Learn and Save program (that's "REALS" for short), a chorus mom, and a member of the PTA board. She is also considered an accomplished baker, and her cookies and treats have become greatly anticipated by everyone at the school. Linda Hayes, Lynnhaven Elementary's principal, says Belinda "is a special lady. The children gravitate to her when she is around, mainly because she is fun and inviting. She treats everyone with kindness and respect."
Marie Douglas
Lynnhaven Middle
Marie Douglas is the 2002 Volunteer of the Year from Lynnhaven Middle School and is also Citywide Middle School Volunteer of the Year. Marie retired last spring after thirty years as a classroom teacher, but soon returned to Lynnhaven Middle to continue her service to Virginia Beach students. Marie has offered assistance in the office, the clinic, in the guidance department, and on the athletic fields. In her work to support coaches, she has tutored athletes, maintained scorebooks, inventoried equipment and prepared team rosters. She has offered this help for football, basketball and wrestling teams. Marie has volunteered hundreds of hours in the main office and in the guidance department, answering phones, greeting and directing parents and students, processing mail, and offering whatever extra help is needed. In addition, Marie serves as "an extra set of hands" in special education classrooms, where it's reported she has great rapport with high-need students.
Mary Davis
Malibu Elementary
Malibu Elementary's Volunteer of the Year Mary Davis offers countless hours preparing materials, organizing files, making copies, and chaperoning field trips. Teachers at Malibu say Mary is "truly an asset in our classroom. She loves and cares about each child, and the children adore her. Sadly, Mary will be moving to California prior to the next school year. Her helpful, genuinely caring attitude will be truly missed by the students and staff of Malibu Elementary.
Debbie Shelar
New Castle Elementary
Debbie Shelar, New Castle Elementary's Volunteer of the Year, has been described as an exemplary volunteer and a remarkable woman. Displaying phenomenal computer skills, she is a tremendous help in the computer lab. Debbie is pursuing a teaching degree and still finds time to assist by making copies, organizing holiday projects, helping teachers with materials, and helping to plan special activities. Janet Duff, New Castle's principal, says Debbie makes the school a better place. Duff says, "She exemplifies the traits we hope to instill in our students and the ones we hope to display ourselves."
Yvonne Edwards
Newtown Road Elementary
Yvonne Edwards is Volunteer of the Year at Newtown Road Elementary, where she stepped into the position of PTA president when the former president was called to active duty after September 11. Yvonne works throughout the building, offering assistance in the office, with computers, and as a voice in decision making on the school's planning council.
Mindy Reed
North Landing Elementary
Mindy Reed, North Landing Elementary's Volunteer of the Year, is a positive and enthusiastic role model for North Landing's students. She has encouraged students to read by making student badges for the school's Accelerated Reader Program. She organized a highly successful school carnival and promoted the school spiritwear campaign. Julie Risney, North Landing's principal, describes Mindy as "innovative and dynamic in the classroom, motivating and instilling a joy for learning in North Landing's students." Risney continues, "Mindy would never dream of it, she must take a large share of the credit for helping to make our school a vital and happy place to be."
Lori Rybolt
Ocean Lakes Elementary
Lori Rybolt is the honored 2002 volunteer of the year for Ocean Lakes Elementary, where she has volunteered for three years. Lori can be found serving in the cafeteria and the library, on field trips, with materials reproduction, with computers, and as a tutor. She is currently the treasurer of the Ocean Lakes Elementary PTA, and also serves on the Reflections Committee. Lori read to classes during Reading Month, helped make costumes for the December program, and has supported the Accelerated Reader program.
Rene Hudgins
Old Donation Center
At Old Donation Center, Rene Hudgins has been named 2002 volunteer of the year for her service to both a third grade classroom and with the school's reading resource teacher. Rene volunteers in the library, in classrooms, with PE, with Quest, at PTA events, with materials preparation, in the guidance department, on field trips, and with science labs. Rene is also the school's PTA volunteer coordinator.
Christy Wilson
Parkway Elementary
Parkway Elementary proudly presents Christy Wilson as the school's 2002 PTA Volunteer of the Year. Christy has volunteered three days a week this year, assisting in the cafeteria, on field trips, as a member of the school planning council, in the library, and as a baker of treats! Christy serves on the school's Attendance Action Team, as well.
Susan Williams
Pembroke Elementary
At Pembroke Elementary, the 2002 honored volunteer of the year is Susan Williams, who has volunteered at the school for 8 years. Susan spends four days a week at the school, assisting fourth graders, offering help in the library and office, and reproducing materials. Susan is the PTA's Ways and Means Committee Chairperson, and runs book fairs, Breakfast with Santa, and Santa's Workshop. Proceeds from these successful projects were added to the school's field trip fund and the PTA's gift to the school.
Anna Rodriguez-Segura
Pembroke Meadows Elementary
The 2002 PTA Volunteer of the Year from Pembroke Meadows Elementary is Anna Rodriguez-Segura, who volunteers five days a week at the school. Anna works with five different first grade classes and the fifth grade science lab. Pembroke Meadows Principal Nancy Chandler says that Anna is so dependable that folks at the school set their clocks by her arrival. To support the first grade teachers, Anna cuts out letters, makes games, and duplicates instructional materials. Anna has also been called on several times to serve as an interpreter for Spanish speaking students and their families. Anna was previously a preschool teacher in California, and her rapport with very young children is a reason her work with the first graders goes so well.
Matt Berg
Plaza Elementary
At Plaza Elementary, the 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Matt Berg. Matt serves the school's PTA as recording secretary and as the health and juvenile protection chair. Matt is also a mentor who works with first graders and helped initiate a partnership for the school with the Oceana NAS medical clinic. Matt was instrumental in the success of the school's Parents' Week. He chaperones skating parties and has made ice cream sundaes for student of the month celebrations. He has also volunteered his services in the school clinic, where he helped with screenings at the start of the schools year, in the copy room, and in the cafeteria. Matt also helps the school make important decisions through his service on the school planning council. Matt's service throughout the last three years has had a tremendous and positive impact on Plaza Elementary's students and staff.
Cindy Mosely
Plaza Middle
Plaza Middle School is proud to honor Cindy Mosely as its Volunteer of the Year. As treasurer of Plaza's PTA, Cindy has organized all of the school's fundraisers. She serves as a volunteer in the clinic, the cafeteria, in art and music, on field trips, in special education, with assembly programs, and school clubs. Cindy also serves on the school's planning council.
Walter Pope
Point O' View Elementary
At Point O'View Elementary, great volunteers come in pairs, with Walter and Nancy Pope named the school's 2002 Volunteers of the Year. Walter and Nancy have volunteered at Point O'View for two years, where they have assisted all first and second grade teachers, helped in the office, with after school programs and tutoring, and even arranged a special visit to the school by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Nancy is a retired Point O'View teacher who returned to volunteer immediately after retirement, bringing Walter with her. Both are Golden Circle volunteers who are able to earn certificates good for complimentary adult learning center classes for every forty hours of service they give. Whether it's giving reading assessments at the start of the school year or counting and cataloguing soup labels, Walter and Nancy are there, offering help wherever they see a need.
Nancy Pope
Point O' View Elementary
At Point O'View Elementary, great volunteers come in pairs, with Walter and Nancy Pope named the school's 2002 Volunteers of the Year. Walter and Nancy have volunteered at Point O'View for two years, where they have assisted all first and second grade teachers, helped in the office, with after school programs and tutoring, and even arranged a special visit to the school by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Nancy is a retired Point O'View teacher who returned to volunteer immediately after retirement, bringing Walter with her. Both are Golden Circle volunteers who are able to earn certificates good for complimentary adult learning center classes for every forty hours of service they give. Whether it's giving reading assessments at the start of the school year or counting and cataloguing soup labels, Walter and Nancy are there, offering help wherever they see a need.
Windy Shepley
Princess Anne Elementary
For the last five years, Windy Shepley has been a dependable volunteer at Princess Anne Elementary. Windy assists all second grade classes at the school and also offers aid to third and fifth grade classrooms. She serves the PTA Awards committee, making ribbons and helping to arrange luncheons for students who make the Principal's List. Windy gives two full days a week to her volunteer duties-- whether helping with the Read Along program, helping in the library and cafeteria, coordinating the Jump Rope for Heart campaign, or chaperoning field trips. Teacher Kyle Williams says that having Windy as a volunteer this year has spoiled her.
Kathy Snider
Princess Anne High
At Princess Anne High, Kathy Snider is this year's honored volunteer. Kathy is Princess Anne's PTSA president, its ways and means chair, and a graduate of the first class of certified volunteer coordinators in the school system. Kathy has initiated creative fundraisers, including Bingo games with Longaberger baskets as prizes, and Cav Paks, an extraordinary exam week "care package" for students that can be purchased by parents, teachers, and mentors and sent to students with a personal message of encouragement. These Cav Paks raised enough money to add two scholarships and increase the amount awarded in each scholarship given by the PTSA.
Theresa Land
Princess Anne Middle
Princess Anne Middle proudly presents its 2002 Volunteer of the Year Teresa Land, who has served the school for two years. Teresa helps in all classrooms where she's needed, as well as in the clinic, cafeteria, office, and library. Teresa works to constantly promote the school and its programs, and has been a great help on picture day. She supports student activities through ticket sales. According to Princess Anne Middle Principal Lauralee Grim, "Teresa's boundless energy and constant enthusiasm and help for our school and our students are gifts to us daily."
Debbie Lichtenstein
Providence Elementary
At Providence Elementary, the 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Debbie Lichtenstein, who has served the school for three years. Debbie has chaperoned field trips, helped with copying materials, and served as a room parent for a third grade classroom. Debbie is credited with single-handedly resurrecting the school's fall festival-and that's LITERALLY single-handedly, because the other hand held a baby and a preschooler! Those at the school say that if you need a pair of hands, an answer to a question, or a warm greeting for a new volunteer, you can count on Debbie.
Dawn Miller
Red Mill Elementary
At Red Mill Elementary, Dawn Miller is this year's honored volunteer, in recognition of her eight years of service to the school. Dawn has been a room mother every one of those eight years, helping with class parties and providing age appropriate crafts and activities for students. Dawn has also served as PTA president at Red Mill. She developed the Decorated Dolphin program to recognize student achievement and citizenship, and planned and arranged construction of the observation deck, the greenhouse, the fishpond, the classroom gardens and the aquariums-- all to support the school's Discovery Science program. Dawn also initiated the creation of the school's parent workroom, the PTA office, and the volunteer schedule. She started the school's Santa workshop and pancake breakfast as well. Under Dawn's leadership, the Red Mill PTA enjoyed its highest membership totals ever and won its first Exemplary PTA award.
Vicky Gibbon
Rosemont Elementary
2002 Volunteer of the Year honors at Rosemont Elementary are given to Vicky Gibbon, who has served the school for two years, chaperoning field trips, helping in the office and library, and tutoring students in math. Vicky is at the school at least three times a week, assisting teachers in three classrooms. Vicki worked on a Title I grant project to create educational games for children, and helps students who are struggling with their math facts. All three of Vicky's children attend Rosemont, and she serves not only their classrooms, but others as well.
Julie Hutchinson
Rosemont Forest Elementary
Julie Hutchinson is the 2002 volunteer of the year for Rosemont Elementary School, where she has served for three years. Julie oversees and organizes all the volunteers for the school's Accelerated Reader program, reports to the PTA board on the program, and creates recognition events for students who meet their reading goals. She assists with the library's passport program that has students use the Internet to research and learn about six countries throughout the world. This is an easy fit because Julie and her family are in the US from the UK while her husband completes his tour of duty for NATO. She typically spends 6 hours a day in the school library, assisting students and teachers, shelving books, and offering aid wherever it's needed.
Meri Solon
Salem Elementary
At Salem Elementary, Meri Solon is this year's volunteer of the year, where she serves in so many different places that Salem Principal Joe Badali sometimes wonders if there could only be one of her. Meri has volunteered at Salem Elementary for six years, assisting third and fourth grade classes, helping with events--including the school talent show, where she enlisted the help of her own children as well--and recruiting and placing volunteers with new teachers. Meri was also a participant in the first class of Certified Volunteer in Education Coordinators.
Lyn LeClair
Seatack Elementary
Seatack Elementary's Volunteer of the Year Lyn LeClair is at the school four hours a day, three times a week. While there, she works diligently with Seatack students, teaching them how to overcome academic obstacles. Through her outstanding efforts, Lyn has helped students master basic skills, enabling them to experience success in the classroom and beyond. Lyn offers a positive influence for students and their families, demonstrating that a caring heart can make a most profound difference.
Gloria Wray
Shelton Park Elementary
Gloria Wray, Volunteer of the Year at Shelton Park Elementary, is described in her nomination as a gifted individual blessed with patience, kindness, a positive manner, and a willingness to work where needed. Whether providing small group reading instruction in the special education classroom or helping with school security, Gloria always puts school staff and students at ease with her ready smile and pleasant, competent manner. Her abilities were put to good use this year assisting seven children, grades kindergarten through fourth, who had never been to school before. She helped them learn letters, numbers, simple words, and math problems, enabling them to adapt and adjust to the classroom environment. Gloria is truly a valuable asset to Shelton Park, making a difference in the lives of the children who attend.
Sharon Sheats
Strawbridge Elementary
Sharon Sheats, the Volunteer of the Year for Strawbridge Elementary, serves the school with talents to spare. A second year PTA president, Sharon is credited with revitalizing that organization through her leadership and commitment. She is one of the first people to arrive at the school each morning, and during evening events, she is one of the last to leave, always asking if there is more that she can do. From arranging special programs benefiting the entire school population to power washing the school courtyard, Sharon displays an unselfish nature and a love and commitment to children that is second to none.
Joe Dominici
Tallwood Elementary
Tallwood Elementary's Volunteer of the Year is Joe Dominici, affectionately known on campus as Mr. Joe. Whether manning the welcome desk in the school's foyer, assisting students in the computer lab, or helping first graders understand the complexities of getting the lunch in the cafeteria, Mr. Joe accomplishes each task with a positive attitude that is a wonderful addition to the school's environment. Vicki Breslin, Tallwood's Volunteers-in-Education coordinator, says Mr. Joe is worth his weight in gold. "He never complains about anyone or anything. When thanked for all his work, he blushes and says, 'it's for the children'." A grandfather of two students attending Tallwood, Mr. Joe pitches in wherever there is a need, and in the process has become a surrogate grandfather to many of the students and staff at the school.
Andrea Hoover
Thalia Elementary
Andrea Hoover, Volunteer of the Year at Thalia Elementary, regularly assists in each of the kindergarten classrooms. As Volunteer-in-Education coordinator, she constantly surveys staff members to see who needs additional assistance in his or her classroom. Thalia's Principal Lisa Hannah says, "We are so fortunate to have volunteers like Andrea Hoover. She is flexible, positive, and fun to be around. Mrs. Hoover is valued by everyone at Thalia Elementary."
Jean McDaniels
Thoroughgood Elementary
For five years, Jean McDaniels has been serving as a dependable volunteer at Thoroughgood Elementary. As PTA library liaison, Jean coordinated Thoroughgood's artist in residence program, which included assemblies and writers' workshops with children's author Mary Maden. Jean has also been instrumental in the success of book fairs, Read Across America Day and the summer reading program. Jean shelves books and assists students in the library and helps in kindergartens, third and fourth grades. Jean enlisted the help of her family in supporting Thoroughgood, too. To celebrate Dr. Suess's birthday, she persuaded her son to make a dozen Cat-in-the-Hat-style hats for teachers and guest readers to wear.
Karen Francis
Trantwood Elementary
At Trantwood Elementary, evidence of Karen Francis's help is everywhere. Karen chaired the school's fall carnival, is volunteer coordinator for the library, was heavily involved in organizing the book fair, served as an SOL tutor, and assisted with the Accelerated Reader program and in the computer lab. Karen also serves as a room mom and assists four classrooms. Karen has volunteered for four years at Trantwood. During that time, Karen has made curtains for the classrooms, decorated a breathtaking nine-foot Christmas tree, helped in special education classes, tutored fourth and fifth graders, and helped in the library. She has been spotted weeding flowerbeds, too.
Diane McBride
White Oaks Elementary
Diane McBride, 2002 Volunteer of the Year at White Oaks Elementary, heads the school's monthly school yard clean up, helped un Kids Voting, Sant's workshop, book fairs, and all other PTA activities. Diane has been of great assistance to this year's PTA board, advising and consulting a group all new to their positions. Patty Waller, White Oaks librarian, calls Diane "the backbone of our PTA."
Richelle Harrison
Williams Elementary
Williams Elementary is proud to honor Richelle Harrison, who has volunteered at the school for three years. Richelle serves the Williams PTA as secretary, fundraiser chair, and volunteer coordinator. Richelle's successful fundraisers helped establish a school uniform fund to buy uniforms for families with financial needs. Richelle, a former PTA president at Williams, trained all PTA officers and provided outstanding administrative support to Williams Elementary PTA.
Lou Palamara
Windsor Oaks Elementary
Lou Palamara is a highly valued volunteer at Windsor Oaks Elementary, where he has offered his expertise for two years. Lou, a retired engineer and former Adult Learning Center teacher, tutors up to five children twice a week at Windsor Oaks. According to Betty Giles, a teacher of Lou's tutorees, says, "I have seen students grasp concepts after working with Mr. Palamara that were 'out of reach' for them in the classroom." Students in the small groups Lou works with enjoy their time with him so much that those who don't receive his help are envious.
Denise Montogmery
Windsor Woods Elementary
At Windsor Woods Elementary, the 2002 Volunteer of the Year is Denise Montgomery, who has served the school for three years. Denise visits the school an average of three days a week, supporting two fourth grades and a fifth grade classroom. Denise is another great example of family volunteering. Her young son Timothy already has logged numerous hours at the school with his mother. Denise serves on the school's planning council, where Principal Drummond Ball says that she always offers good ideas and questions. Denise has been of great service to the PTA board, where she is serving as corresponding secretary and parliamentarian. As a volunteer, Denise has helped with yearbook pictures, book fairs, and after school activities.
June Boyd
Woodstock Elementary
Woodstock Elementary is proud to present the school's 2002 Volunteer of the Year June Boyd, who has volunteered at the school for two years. June assists kindergarten, first, and second grade classrooms five days a week. June is a retired teacher with a grandchild in first grade at the school. June reviews and reinforces skills with students, reads and is read to, and provides them with the encouragement they need to be successful. Woodstock Principal Perry Williams says that students June helps thoroughly enjoy the care and assistance she provides.
