Richland One volunteers win state awards

The State Board of Education recognized two individuals from Richland One at its recent volunteers awards ceremony. Twenty-five individuals and organizations statewide were honored; 20 of those received Volunteer Awards, and the remaining five received a State Superintendent of Education Award for Service Learning.

"Hundreds of students’ lives have been positively impacted by the honorees we are saluting this year," Tenenbaum said. "It is so inspiring to hear the stories of how initial interaction between adults and students has grown to produce meaningful relationships for all involved. The rewards are tremendous."

Richland One volunteers honored were Lt. Col. Paul Ross (Ret.) of Watkins-Nance Elementary School and Gretchen Durrah of Crayton Middle School.

The annual awards are authorized by the Education Improvement Act of 1984 and are designed to honor the time, energy, talents and other resources contributed to South Carolina schools.

The Volunteer Awards honor significant contributions made by three categories of recipients: civic organizations, individuals and school improvement councils. Candidates are nominated by school districts across the state. Criteria for selection include promoting student achievement, enhancing school-community relations, strengthening school or district resources, encouraging a positive climate and promoting teacher effectiveness.

The State Superintendent Awards for Service Learning initiatives were chosen through a competitive nomination and selection process. They represent exemplary models of Service Learning projects, as well as initiatives that partner youth with older adults in community service teams that serve to promote and enhance the quality of life in their communities.

The winners were selected from a statewide panel of judges.