The 2021-2022 Okaloosa County School District Outstanding Volunteers were recognized at the June 28, 2022, School Board meeting for their dedication, commitment, and willingness to volunteer. Congratulations to Senior Volunteers, Peggy Barnes and Maureen Bennett, Plew Elementary School, and Adult Volunteer, Jean Mitchell, Longwood Elementary School.
Peggy Barnes and Maureen Bennett – Senior Volunteers – Plew Elementary School
Peggy Barnes and Maureen Bennett started volunteering in their daughter’s Kindergarten classrooms at Plew Elementary School. Peggy started 8 years ago and Maureen started 6 years ago. Between the two, they have 14 Volunteer years!
Eventually, they became close friends and evolved into the “Box Top Grannies”! A lot of personal time is given to cut, scan, and coordinate the payments to the school from the Box Top for Education program. Their dedication to the program has provided the Plew Parent Leaders Association (PLA) several hundred dollars each year towards extra features around the school. This year the money is going towards new rubber turf for the Playground!
This Dynamic Duo also had huge success with the teachers 4 years ago and added the copy room chores to their volunteering projects! They have a team of dedicated volunteers that come in on scheduled hours each day to take over the time-consuming load of copying, laminating, and cutting for our teachers!
From the handmade gifts, funny life stories they tell, and consistent good wishes to all the staff and students, these two Grannies have become a “cozy staple” of Plew Elementary School.
Jean Mitchell – Adult Volunteer – Longwood Elementary School
Jean Mitchell has been volunteering at Longwood Elementary School since her son, Alex, was in kindergarten. He will be a 3rd grader this year. Jean has served as a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) member, Vice President, and now, President this coming school year. She is also a member of the school’s Schools Advisory Committee (SAC) committee. She assists with book fairs, fundraisers, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) student incentive store, the monthly staff treats, and all things art-related. These many contributions have had a lasting impact on many, and the entire Longwood Elementary School staff is thankful that she is part of the Leopard family.
Source: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/articles/2022/voluteers-of-year
