John Harrison
Adult Learning Center
John Harrison has been one of the school's most popular and requested math tutors for the past eleven years. Thanks to his dedication, expert assistance, and positive encouragement, many students are able to attain their goal of earning their GED.
Trent Birdsong
Advanced Technology Center
A recent ATC alumnus, Trent Birdsong, eagerly greets perspective students and parents to share his first-hand knowledge of the exciting opportunities offered by the ATC. He also volunteers between 8-10 hours each week in the center's Marine Engineering and Design and Engineering Design classes.
Carolina Bailey
Alanton Elementary
Carolina Bailey not only works in the Library Media Center each week, but volunteers in her children's classrooms, chaperones field trips, and provides weekly classroom behavior incentives (donating many herself). Carolina enthusiastically volunteered each week, right up until she delivered her new daughter, Tekla Greer, on Easter.
Jaime Matherly
Arrowhead Elementary
Volunteer Jamie Matherly plays a vital leadership role in the school. In addition to helping out at ALL PTA-sponsored events, Jamie is the school's Volunteer in Education Coordinator. She also maintains the school store and helps to facilitate the school-wide behavior program. Students can’t wait to spend their AES Bucks earned for good conduct!
Tyron Senior
Bayside Elementary
Tyron Senior is the ideal volunteer. President of the PTA, she has created one of the most dramatic and perhaps valuable communication changes at the school — that of PTA News Announcer. A different student is selected each day depending on their ability to maintain good grades and display excellent citizenship to represent the PTA to share upcoming PTA events, success stories, read poems, and overall maintain positive school spirit and open communication. Not only has this proven to be a great motivator for students, but this excellent collaboration between faculty, staff, students and parents has helped each group at the school to feel valued and appreciated.
Carol Scott
Bayside High
The program queen at BHS, Carol Scott has initiated numerous worthwhile programs this year, but her brainchild, "Mornings with Mr. Miller," has been extremely well-received. This program allows periodic informal meetings throughout the year between Principal Miller, parents, faculty and community members. The meetings have helped everyone become more acquainted with school activities and issues.
Monique Edghill
Bayside Middle
Monique Edghill has dedicated three years of volunteer service to the school. She is not only an active member of the Band Parent Association, but she has coordinated numerous fundraisers, meetings and hospitality events. Monique is the perfect role model for students by teaching them the value of volunteerism to strengthen the community.
April Marcellon
Birdneck Elementary
April Marcellon, not only has 2 elementary-aged sons and a one year old, but she works a full-time job and still finds time to chair the school's Book Fair and Baking Committees. She recruits volunteers, determines schedules and has logged over 150 hours working with students in the library this year.
Jeri Wood
Brandon Middle
Volunteer Jeri Wood helps out every day in the school's cafeteria and is an active member of the EnviroClub. Jeri sets high standards for herself and those around her. Her work ethic and attention to detail are just two of the attributes that draw people to her. She is certainly an important part of what makes Brandon a great place to be.
Lori Edwards
Brookwood Elementary
Lori Edwards volunteers at all PTA events, assists in her son's fourth grade classroom and is the Campbell’s Labels for Education chair. Lori ensures that all activities run smoothly and goes above and beyond the call of duty. She personifies what people look for in a volunteer.
Gay Sexton
Centerville Elementary
Amazing volunteer, Gay Sexton, is a full-time night shift nurse at CHKD. During the day, Gay can be found helping out in classrooms, the library, and of course, the clinic! In fact, she can change and adapt to any situation--"like a chameleon" they say, to complete any task with ease. Her upbeat and positive attitude makes her a favorite at the school.
Moriah Kowalczyk
Christopher Farms Elementary
School cheerleader, technology whiz and now Volunteer of the Year , Moriah Kowalczyk, works her magic in the school 10 hours each week arranging for guest speakers, storytellers, and programs with the Virginia Science Museum and the Virginia Air and Space Center. This year, she chaired the Reflections Committee for the second year in a row and did a marvelous job.
Joy Quinaola
College Park Elementary
Joy Quinanola is consistently extending herself above and beyond the call of duty. She and her husband eagerly transport students needing rides to the early morning Student of the Month and Honor Roll programs. She wants to be sure that students don't miss a chance to celebrate their efforts and achievement. Joy also assists with guidance activities and has whole-heartedly supported parental involvement events held at the school. In addition, she has a direct impact on student learning at the school by working with students one-on-one and in small groups to help them master concepts and lessons.
Diana Berning
Cooke Elementary
Diana Berning or "Wonder Woman“ as Prinicipal Barbara Sessoms refers to her, is one of those special people who makes time for everyone and everything in her life. This knitting guru works with boys and girls in the knitting club weekly, often donating her knitting projects (hats and scarves) to needy students. Diana and her husband also contribute car loads of school supplies several times during the school year and have enlisted the support of neighbors to help out. For the last two years, Diana even convinced her employer to donate a $500 check to support the benevolent fund. To think…Diana's first connection to Cooke started in 1952 when she was a student there.
Linda Stebritz
Corporate Landing Elementary
Linda Stebritz is an exemplary volunteer who can be counted on to attend all PTA events, help with SOL and IPT Testing, assist with school projects, and lend her musical prowess to the Recorder Club. Whether making stage props or preparing chorus folders, organizing costumes, or making copies for teachers, Linda is a making a positive difference at Corporate Landing.
Gary Eaton
Corporate Landing Middle
Gary Eaton, an EMT and retired Captain of the Oceana Firefighters by profession, is a wonderful friend and assistant in the clinic where he has served for the past 16 years as a volunteer. Gary's top notch skills have helped to assess injured students. He’s even been called upon to help manage students experiencing seizures in the classroom. According to school nurse, Anita Chebalo, "It is an honor to have Gary volunteer at our school."
Cheryl Wolfe
Cox High
PTSA President Cheryl Wolfe is one of the most well-rounded and professional volunteers at the school. She works with the choral program (in fact, she is the President of the Choral Booster Club), serves on the All-Night Grad Committee, and does fundraising for the school. Her great skill and enthusiasm have made her an invaluable resource not only to staff and other volunteers, but she has greatly impacted the quality of education that students are receiving.
Stormie Henley
Creeds Elementary
Stormie Henley has been an invaluable volunteer for the past eight years at Creeds. Having already volunteered 186 hours by March of this year, Stormie spends her time in the classroom engrossed in projects.
Patricia Colvin
Diamond Springs Elementary
Volunteer Patricia Colvin, a retired teacher, brings a plethora of experiences to the Tri-Campus. Pat assisted in planning and implementing the Show Case Your Talent program at the school this past year.
Katrina Everly
Fairfield Elementary
Katrina Everly has certainly put her VBCPS First Impressions Training to work as she sets the standard for enthusiastically welcoming everyone to Fairfield. This outstanding volunteer,who is often mistaken as a staff member, can be found 5 days each week from 9 am to 3 pm. assisting in the office, PTA workroom and in the classrooms. Katrina has also been instrumental in setting up the Read 180 afterschool program and attends all evening and weekend school events.
Lisa Saks
First Colonial High
Lisa Saks is the PTSA Treasurer and has a huge responsibility as she helps to effectively manage a $58,000 PTA budget which greatly impacts student and program support at the school. This inspirational "Patriot" enthusiastically coordinates the design, printing, and sale of all spirit wear.
Christine Carr
Glenwood Elementary
Christine Carr is a "gift" to teachers as she consistently helps prepare needed instructional materials and completes many vital clerical duties allowing teachers more time to prepare enriched and engaging lessons for students. Christine also does a great job as the school's Volunteer in Education Coordinator!
Sara Cummings
Great Neck Middle
Sara Cummings shares her experience, natural talent and love for students as she volunteers 6-8 hours weekly with the school's Special Education students. According to principal, Gene Soltner, he has never seen a more singularly dedicated effort in his tenure as a principal. Her "can-do" energy and enthusiasm are to be commended.
Kim Dickens
Green Run Elementary
Kim Dickens, a retired Special Education teacher and grandparent, has a flair for making every event at the school a decorative masterpiece! Assisting with the Black History Month program, working with small reading groups during instructional time, and helping in the library provides all the ingredients for an outstanding volunteer.
Sheldon "Bud" Walter
Green Run High
GRHS volunteer Sheldon "Bud" Walter doesn't have any children currently attending Virginia Beach Schools, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming an integral part of Green Run’s athletic department. Bud has been a volunteer coach for the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for the past 8 years and a member of the sideline chain crew for the varsity football games for the past 4. “He wears his Stallion pride on his sleeve”, says Principal George Parker, who also commends him for being a positive role model, demonstrating to students the importance of character and integrity.
Janine Brown
Hermitage Elementary
A busy mother of two, school volunteer Janine Brown still finds time to work in the school library and assist in classrooms as well as serve as a Girl Scout leader.
Elizabeth White
Holland Elementary
Enthusiastic volunteer Elizabeth White's dedication to working with the Girls on the Run program would be hard to match. Beth shares that her father taught her the importance of being involved in the community where she grew up and she intends to carry on this family tradition.
Cheryl Lyons
Independence Middle
Cheryl Lyons serves as the Band President and volunteers in the school 10-15 hours each week. She epitomizes school spirit and is a constant source of encouragement and praise for students. Staff, students and parents love her!
Sheryl Smith
Indian Lakes Elementary
Sheryl Smith is the "come in early, stay late" volunteer that ensures that school events like the Fall Festival, Bingo Nights, and Science Fair are an overwhelming success. She even finds time to train new board members. Because of her diligence as PTA President last year, Indian Lakes received every PTA award available.
Lisa Scheuer
John B. Dey Elementary
Volunteer Lisa Scheuer exemplifies a true passion to educate the community, students and staff on the importance of staying healthy and fit to do your best. She volunteers with the JBD Fitness Club (which she launched last year), implemented a fun run at this year's Fall Festival, brought in guest speakers from various health-related organizations and started the John B. Dey Running Program this year where several students have already logged over 100 hours. Thank you, Lisa, for "going the extra mile" and keeping the John B. Dey families “on track” to live a healthy life style.
Sue Senti
Kellam High
Sue Senti is making a positive difference at Kellam. This selfless volunteer who works a fulltime job which requires frequent travel dedicates countless hours each week to work with the PTSA, Booster Club, and chairs Kellam's All Knight Grad Fest. According to Principal Bruce Biehl, "Sue always puts the needs of the students at the forefront and demonstrates the true definition of volunteerism."
Annette Hultin
Kemps Landing Magnet
Annette Hultin has volunteered at Kemps Landing Magnet School for the past 6 years and has been a formidable asset to the KLMS Chorus program for the past three. She organizes and maintains uniforms, arranges social gatherings for students to facilitate support for concerts and performances and recruits family and friends to build sets, design props and create costumes for the annual musical. Her development of the Parent Support Association is unprecedented. DeLena Poe, Choral Director, shares that "there are simply no words to adequately thank Annette for her time and talent in support of our students."
James Redick
Kempsville Elementary
Amazing grandfather, James Redick, volunteers 15 hours each week as a Watch D.O.G. (Dads of Great Students), assists with security, office duties, and most importantly provides one-on-one assistance to students. He is a true ambassador, helping to sustain a positive environment at Kempsville Elementary.
Darla Hubbard
Kempsville High
Darla Hubbard has been an amazingly dedicated volunteer at the school for the past 5 years, often contributing 30 hours volunteering each week. To list the many clubs and committees at the school in which Darla supports would take quite some time, but her nickname, "Mama Hubbard," says it all. She isn't simply looking out for her own children's welfare, but she is determined to let every child know that their education and personal well-being matter. Darla has been a positive force in the lives of so many students in the Kempsville Community!
Mitzi White
Kempsville Meadows Elementary
Mitzi White is a shining example of an actively engaged parent and advocate for all students. She provides insightful input serving on the school's Planning Council, helping to collaboratively tailor beneficial and realistic learning experiences for students. Mitzi is a remarkable volunteer.
Harold Smith
Kempsville Middle
Eighty year old grandfather, Harold Smith, embodies the spirit of service to others at Kempsville Middle. Facilitating the Honor Roll Recognition program as well as assisting at Family Movie Nights and volunteering at the Drama Club's Dinner Theater are only a few of the ways, "Mr. Dependability" as he has been lovingly dubbed, contributes to the success of students at Kempsville Middle.
Michele Brunn
King's Grant Elementary
Michele Brunn, mother of an elementary, middle and high school student in Virginia Beach Schools still finds time to volunteer 10 hours each week at King's Grant Elementary where she has been helping out since her oldest son was in elementary school. In fact, she has such an excellent rapport with staff, students and parents that others are anxious to support her efforts in the school store, at events, and as she assists teachers throughout the school. King’s Grant can’t imagine how the place could run without her.
Lori Hendrix
Kingston Elementary
Lori Hendrix has been an active parent for the past 8 years and has served as the school's Destination Imagination Chairperson for the past two years. Lori has been the driving force coordinating a thriving educationally-enriching experience for 8 teams involving 50 students and 16 volunteers. "What she has done to increase involvement and enthusiasm for this outstanding creative problem-solving problem at Kingston", according to Principal Greg Furlich, “is the lasting legacy that sets this volunteer apart and will be what will long outlast her days as a Kingston parent and volunteer.”
Tammy Dwyer
Landstown Elementary
Tammy Dwyer, aka "Miss Tammy," has been an invaluable asset at the school for the past 10 years. Employed as a cafeteria monitor for many years, Assistant Principal, Lynn Hollandsworth, recalls the apron she wore with Tinkerbelle waving her wand sprinkling “fairy dust.” Although, no longer employed at the school, “Whenever I see Tammy, she's much like Tinkebelle as she sprinkles her fairy dust going about her tasks, helping to assure that each child is a success.”
Christy McAnally
Landstown High
Christy McAnally has been a dedicated volunteer for the past 10 years and has logged over 264 hours this school year alone. That's pretty hard to do holding two jobs in addition to her work as a middle school teacher to support a full household with three daughters as a single parent. Along with other volunteer duties, Christy basically runs every aspect of the school’s athletic booster club (Landstown Eagle Athletic Association LEAA) and has raised thousands of needed dollars to assist with athletic team needs and has enabled the scholarship program to continue. As PTA President Carol Bluestein iterates, "A more hardworking, dedicated volunteer doesn’t come along every day!"
Shari Arnold
Landstown Middle
Shari Arnold makes sure that the library at the school runs smoothly and efficiently by volunteering 3 days each week to shelve books, ready books for checkout, study websites for validity to assist students and teachers, and organizes equipment and materials. She also makes sure that the library and security staff feel appreciated by surprising them with baked goodies. In fact, her kind and caring attitude is often recognized and talked about by students.
Jacqulin Ruffin
Larkspur Middle
Jacqulin Ruffin is a super volunteer at LKMS who has had a tremendous impact on the entire school. She can be counted on to prepare and disseminate copies and printed materials at each grade level so teachers can concentrate on preparing innovative lessons and working with students.
Jacquie Schaefgen
Linkhorn Park Elementary
Volunteer Jacquie Schaefgen has been actively involved with the Student Garden Club, coaches a 3rd grade Destination Imagination Team, and assists with the school's Reading Partners program, as well as serves on the PTA Board and assists with many events. "Jacquie works tirelessly to support our students and is the pride of the Linkhorn Park Lions," says assistant principal Frank Gillikin.
Heather Holmes
Luxford Elementary
Luxford's volunteer, Heather Holmes, completes the time-intensive duty of running the guided reading room where she checks books in and out and shelves them each week for 28 Luxford classrooms. That's roughly 5,000 books to date! This monumental task allows Reading Specialists more time to coach teachers and to meet with small groups of students. What made Heather look into volunteering 4 years ago? She wanted to find a way to give back to the wonderful teachers who had worked so hard with her son over the years.
Cheryl Monroe
Lynnhaven Elementary
Cheryl Monroe is being recognized for the second year in a row as the Volunteer of the Year at Lynnhaven Elementary School. "She's the total package!" says Principal Katherine Everett. Whether she is attending school division workshops and training to enhance her skills as she facilitates the Volunteer in Education program, encouraging volunteers to participate in the Golden Circle Program or assisting teachers to prepare materials for special projects, her contributions to the staff and students at the school make her a valuable, visible, vital member of the Lynnhaven family.
Tracey Lewis
Lynnhaven Middle
Outstanding volunteer Tracey Lewis serves on the Landscaping Committee, helped to facilitate a very successful Silent Auction and Dinner Theater this year and has raised funds for student scholarships. These are only a few of the many ways that she contributes to student success at Lynnhaven.
Mary Cae Hryskanich
Malibu Elementary
PTA Vice-President Mary Cae Hyrskanich's positive outreach to parents and unwavering attention to detail ensures that students' needs are always the focus in all PTA sponsored events. Mary Cae has reinvigorated the PTA this year and through her hard work and dedication has made it possible to offer many fun, varied programs and informative events for families. Principal Pam Bennis says that, "We are fortunate to have her at our school!"
Tess Majors
New Castle Elementary
Tess Majors, volunteer extraordinaire, is often mistaken as a staff member at the school because she spends so much time in the library. She knows every student in the school by name and knows them so well that she can immediately strike up a relevant, personal conversation about a sporting event of interest, a birthday or a vacation. She also assists with the school's 100 member chess club. Principal Lesley Hughes shares that her compassionate, caring aura makes everyone feel better just by being around her.
Brenda Smith
Newtown Elementary
Brenda Smith is actively involved in all special projects at the school, spends several hours each week working with students in the Reading Room and has an excellent rapport with students, parents and staff. Everything she does truly conveys her love of children and her sincere belief in their success.
Lisa McDonald
North Landing Elementary
A seven year veteran volunteer at the school, Lisa McDonald is a faithful assistant to teachers in the fifth grade. Her work is meticulous and if something can't be completed during her weekly 10 hours at the school, she gladly brings it home to finish.
Angela Gurney
Ocean Lakes Elementary
Angela Gurney does a marvelous job monitoring the cafeteria. Her smiling face and comforting communication with the students has a great positive impact on students as they return to the classroom for instruction. Chaperoning field trips, finding books to supplement the weekly concepts and topics addressed in 2nd grade and assisting at all PTA events makes Angela a "true gift" to the school.
Louise Honig
Ocean Lakes High
Louise Honig is a highly valued, engaged parent, PTSA member and exceptional volunteer. She has tutored individual students in Geometry and Algebra and helped many in their math classrooms for the past 2 years in the Preparing Our Dolphins (POD) program. She has an excellent rapport with students who trust her and find her easy to talk to and to work with. She has instilled confidence in many who had lost all hope that they would ever "get" math.
Mike Ross
Office of Community Relations
Mike Ross has been an excellent leader serving as President of the Virginia Beach Education Foundation for the past 2 years of his 7 years on the VBEF Board. He has contributed countless hours generating funds for grants awarded to teachers across the division to implement innovative hands-on learning projects and even initiated the replication of projects that serve as a model for the division. While "hammering" support for the Education Foundation House Project (the 8th of which is almost complete at 413 23 ½ Street), Mr. Ross has seen first-hand the benefit for businesses to employ students with practical experience like the 80 to 100 Tech Center students enrolled in construction trades building the home. His essay in the Power of Belief simply reaffirms his strong conviction for public education.
Theresann Miller
Old Donation Center
Teresann "T.A." Miller has been an invaluable asset in coordinating the ODC Afterschool Club. Thanks to T.A.'s efforts, numerous enrichment offerings have been added to the 5 initial clubs and approximately 60% of the student body participate in one or more of these clubs. The program was created in 2010 to provide a relaxed social environment for these magnet school students who are bussed from all over the city giving them an opportunity to interact and have time to explore areas of interest in a non-academic setting.
Nancy Jelderks
Parkway Elementary
Parkway Elementary School recognizes Nancy Jelderks as their outstanding volunteer. Nancy is a fulltime teacher assistant in kindergarten at Windsor Woods, but once she saw the school calendar of activities for Parkway, she made it a priority to volunteer for all afterschool activities at the school. You can find her dressed up as the Parkway Panther, serving multicultural dishes she baked, all while providing professional photography services for each and every event. Her warm, caring spirit resonates throughout the community.
Lisa Forbes
Pembroke Elementary
Pembroke Elementary School's Volunteer of the Year, Lisa Forbes, has been a wonderful asset to the school. She volunteers 4 hours each week helping in classrooms, chaperoning field trips, and coordinating PTA events. Thanks to her innovative fundraising efforts, a very worthwhile anti-bullying assembly was provided to the student body and their families.
Debra O'Connell
Pembroke Meadows Elementary
Dedicated volunteer and involved parent, Debbie O'Connell, not only assists at all PTA events, but as the PTA Treasurer, she reorganized existing records and developed a more efficient bookkeeping process for managing PTA financial business. According to Principal Charles Spivey,"It could well be one of the best in the city!"
Brigid Banasiewicz
Plaza Middle
Brigid Banasiewiczexemplifies the best of volunteering ! A Trojan at heart who bleeds the blue and orange, Brigid's efforts over the past 5 years have helped to solidify the entire school—the line between the students and families in the Middle Years Academy and those attending Plaza Middle have blurred. Brigid quietly welcomes new families and quickly gets them involved; people seem to strive to emulate her and to adopt her approach to volunteering even in small ways. Humanity and willingness to help is the trend in the parents at Plaza, thanks in a large part to Brigid.
Claudia Martin
Point O'View Elementary
Claudia Martin's ability to serve as a translator for Spanish speaking students and parents has been extremely helpful in making families feel welcome and meeting individual needs. Her willingness to assist these families outside of the school with other important transactions is to be commended. She never seems to run out of energy whether she's helping in the classroom or attending Field Day or afterschool events.
Christy Flanagan
Princess Anne Elementary
Christy Flanagan serves as the PTA Recording Secretary, Chairperson for the Accelerated Reader Store, Coordinator of the Holiday Gift Shop and Santa Breakfast, room parent, a weekly volunteer in the library, and assists with the school's infamous Founder’s Day Dinner and Auction that raises approximately $10,000 for Scholarships for graduating seniors each year. She truly is an outstanding Volunteer of the Year.
Vi Clark
Princess Anne High
Vi Clark has been instrumental in ensuring that all 1800 students and 270 staff members have needed forms, planners, and materials to begin and end each school year. She also dedicates every Thursday at the school to answer phones, greet visitors, and assists parents, students and staff wherever needed! You will also find her in attendance at most extra-curricular activities lending support or rooting on the field hockey team from the stands.
Janine Sarach
Princess Anne Middle
Janine Sarach has continued her incredible volunteer efforts that got her recognized as the Volunteer of the Year at the elementary school last year to be named the 2012 Volunteer of the Year at Princess Anne Middle School this year. This mother of 3 has made the PTA her fulltime job, dedicating countless hours of volunteer service at the school and at home. Bringing quality programs to students, locating funding for updated equipment, as well as providing scholarships to school staff and students makes her a priceless commodity at PAMS.
Katherine Bibb
Providence Elementary
Kudos to Katharine Bibb who volunteers 12 hours weekly to help in the classroom, library, and with afterschool clubs. She has even developed a Tuesday Volunteer Workday where she works alongside other volunteers. As if this wasn't enough, she also worked behind the scenes with her husband to implement the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program this year where dads and significant male role models volunteer time annually at the school.
Melissa Haggerty
Red Mill Elementary
Melissa Haggerty has had a tremendous presence at Red Mill since 2006. She displays a willingness to undertake any task (and there are many) with a unique and unrivaled work ethic while always maintaining a positive, helpful attitude. She is employed as a preschool teacher, manages to balance her home life for her family of five, and is a volunteer of the highest caliber.
Al Midgett - 2012 PTA Citywide Volunteer of the Year
Renaissance Academy
Nobleman Al Midgett not only donates personal time and funding to inspire teens (enrolled in this alternative educational setting) to make the world a better place, but he gives them opportunities to be "part of the solution" as they serve the community. Monthly meetings with the Noble Teens Organization he spearheaded at the school allow him to mentor and guide students as they devise and carry out service projects that make a positive impact in the community as well as inspiring students to achieve greatness through their acts of humanity. These students know that Al Midgett believes in them!
Margi Sullins
Rosemont Elementary
Congratulations to Margi Sullins at Rosemont Elementary School. Not only is Margi the PTA President and organizer and participant in all events, but she volunteers in the classroom, chaperones field trips and has increased parental involvement and volunteer participation significantly this past year. Her family-friendly activities make everyone want to attend. This single parent of a kindergartener and 2nd grader, Cub Scout leader, full time employee at an accounting firm, and part-time student finishing her degree is an inspiration to all who know her.
Michelle Kelley
Rosemont Forest Elementary
Michelle Kelley is Rosemont Forest Elementary School's outstanding volunteer. She sets up art displays weekly and her help on the RoFo Yearbook; taking photos, formatting and designing pages, is nothing less than a work of art in itself. Principal David Portis is just grateful that her youngest child is a first grader so they hope to have Michelle at the school for many years to come.
Tona Dano
Salem Elementary
Salem Elementary thinks they have truly been smiled upon with volunteer Tona Dano. Her stellar attitude, and many crafty talents along with a work ethic that often has her working late into the evening to complete projects makes working with this fulltime volunteer a joy.
Sharon Thomas
Salem High
Sharon Thomas is the President of the PTSA at the school and wanted to stay actively engaged in her niece's education. This year, Sharon worked diligently to promote Black History Month including arranging for two prominent football players to talk with students about setting goals and holding fast to their dreams. Reverend Dr. Thomasine Reid and Valerie Winburne were also invited and engaged students in talks about famous African Americans and their contributions to society. Recruiting professional talent from the community and academy students to produce a Black History Talent Showcase was also a huge hit thanks to Sharon’s remarkable efforts.
Jashonna Hunter - 2012 PTA Citywide Volunteer of the Year
Salem Middle
Salem Middle School's outstanding volunteer is Jashonna Hunter who works 15 hours each week with intellectually disabled students. She spends time helping students understand directions and works with them to improve their skills. She also joins them for lunch in the cafeteria and attends elective and PE classes with them to assist teachers. As if this wasn’t heartwarming enough, Jashonna was herself a former student in the ID program at Salem Middle. After graduating from high school, getting married and being away from the area for several years, she returned to seek a volunteer position at the school which she credits with providing her with the tools to be successful. Jashonna, you are the definition of an ideal volunteer—paying it forward.
James Hemphill
Seatack Elementary
James Hemphill, a 9th grader at Ocean Lakes High School's Math and Science Academy, has been an active volunteer with the Go Green Team at Seatack. He invests his time and energy in this club which promotes sustainability. James helps with planting and composting and works with students to create a National Wildlife Certified Habitat in the school’s courtyard. This friend, mentor, and role model is helping students realize that the environmental choices they make today affect the world tomorrow.
Jamie Rushing
Shelton Park Elementary
Jamie Rushing's enthusiasm permeates Shelton Park as she demonstrates multi-tasking at its best! Not only does she have an uncanny ability to completely understand projects presented but she has creative problem solving abilities to remedy any "situations" to arrive at the desired outcome. The best thing that the school can do to support the volunteer program is introduce new volunteers to Jamie right away. She alleviates any worries they may have and immediately makes them feel like a valued part of the Shelton Park team.
Marie Oberlies
Strawbridge Elementary
Marie Oberlies is touching many lives as Strawbridge Elementary School's consummate volunteer who always has children’s welfare at heart. Thanks to Marie’s commitment and effort, a weekly food drive is conducted in which students, parents and staff donate and pack items for the Beach Bags program which provides weekend food supplies to families in need. Currently, Strawbridge makes 20-30 Beach Bag donations each week.
Tania Major
Tallwood Elementary
Tania Major is Tallwood Elementary School's most valuable and versatile volunteer. If she isn’t helping students in first grade do their best, she is probably assisting in the cafeteria or she may be found in the gym helping with exercises or monitoring free play. Tonia volunteers 4 full days each week at Tallwood and if there is ever a day that she’s not in a classroom, you can expect to hear children asking, "Where were you yesterday?"
Stephanie Bailey
Tallwood High
Stephanie Bailey is a revered member of the Lion's pride who works tirelessly in the fine arts department helping with a myriad of productions each year. She is also an active PTA Board member and an avid supporter of the athletic department, serving as a football and wrestling booster club member. "Often times parents devote their time and resources to the elementary or middle schools, but Stephanie realized the impact she could have on many students at the high school level," says Principal Cheryl Woodhouse, “and we are grateful for that.”
Alvin W. Anderson
Technical & Career Education Center
Alvin "Andy" Anderson for his dedicated over 780 volunteer hours to the Nursing Program at TCE. This retired educator has been an invaluable asset to the division by tackling innumerable projects like updating the LPN Faculty Handbook, reorganizing the LPN Library and cleaning and reorganizing the coordinator's office and the portable classroom. No matter the project, Andy always keeps the ease of use for students and staff in mind.
Sandy Marshall
Thalia Elementary
Central Library employee and outstanding parent volunteer Sandy Marshall has become a vital member of the Eagle family at Thalia. Whether donating supplies and resources, finding unique ways to recognize student achievement, assisting with the preparation of instructional materials, or helping with learning activities, she consistently demonstrates genuine care for the well-being of students.
Sue Manning
Thoroughgood Elementary
Volunteer Sue Manning thoroughly understands the impact that parent participation can have at a school. Her creativity and boundless energy ensure that events like the first Polar Express held in December are a huge success. Can you imagine single-handedly preparing enough pizzas, sandwich wraps, pulled pork, chicken tenders, and fruit salad for the entire community to enjoy during the Fall Carnival? That's exactly what Sue did to keep costs down. The savings enabled the PTA to provide more virtual field trips, assemblies and special programs for students.
Kelly Bleadingheiser
Three Oaks Elementary
Kelly Bleadingheiser regularly volunteers before, during, and after school each week. Her positive demeanor and excellent rapport with everyone, coupled with her willingness to help wherever she is needed has made a great impact in the library, and in classrooms where she helps in centers and assists with projects. Kelly is also known for making every class party memorable and fun.
Julie Freeman
Trantwood Elementary
Exceptional volunteer Julie Freeman, a Naval Officer's wife, relocated here from Italy last year and immediately embraced the needs of the school and set to work to assist in classrooms, to volunteer in the PE Department and to help out in the science lab. Trantwood feels that she is the ideal role model for other volunteers.
Kelly Monroe
Virginia Beach Middle
PTA Vice President, Kelly Monroe. strives to bring parents, teachers, and students together at VB Middle where she has volunteered for the past 6 years. She helps out with concessions, fundraising, and attends every event at the school. However, her passion is assisting with the Shamrock Middle School Challenge Team. She not only attends every training session, bringing snacks and water, but she also runs with students and organizes all activities in preparation for the all-important race; which, by the way, the school has taken 1st and 2nd place for the past 2 years. Students know that she is not only fun to be around, but they know that she cares about each and every one of them!
Pat Pavey
White Oaks Elementary
Volunteer Pat Pavey retired from the school division after many years of dedicated service, but Principal Stephanie Haus is grateful that "she just can't stay away." She helps out during kindergarten registration, at Open Houses, and makes sure that all PTA-sponsored events run smoothly. Traveling a great distance to be at the school several days each week, Pat works with students within the classroom and during resource times.
Donnell Cannon
Williams Elementary
Donnell Cannon has been instrumental in establishing a mentorship program at the school with over 90 college student mentors. He and other mentors are helping young scholars become highly motivated toward academic achievement as they plant the seeds to promote a generation of leaders.
Gay Mudrick
Windsor Oaks Elementary
Gay Mudrick, a special grandmother of 2, has become an important figure in the lives of many students at WOES. Not only do she and her dog Java assist them with reading, but if she sees a need, she addresses it personally. It is not unusual to have her donate a new coat or a pair of shoes to a needy child or have her search for just the right book to alleviate a child's stress about her dad’s upcoming deployment. Gay enjoys working with kindergarten students to provide remediation and enrichment activities.
Ann Waters
Windsor Woods Elementary
Ann Waters, known by many at the school as "Grandmother Ann," is somewhat of a celebrity at the school with her highly successful and hugely popular Santa's Shoppe for the past 3 years. She has worked on many committees for numerous projects, and believes strongly that the “customer is always right” and her customers - the children - adore her patient, loving way of making learning fun!
Charles "Bud" Richardson, Jr. - 2012 PTA Citywide Volunteer of the Year
Woodstock Elementary
Book Buddy Mentor, Charles "Bud" Richardson is very personable and students “love” him. In fact, he comes to the school EVERY day to read with first graders to instill the joy of reading and learning. This formidable male role model is making a positive lifelong impression on all young students. Woodstock is proud that Bud Richardson is a member of the Woodstock family!
