Richland One Announces Volunteers of the Year

Richland One congratulates the winners of the district’s 2007 Volunteer of the Year awards. The honorees were announced at the district’s 28th Annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast on March 29 at Seawell’s.

Richland One 2007 Volunteers of the Year: Pictured are (front, from left) Diane Labrew, Spring Jones, Arlington Snyder, Crystal Clamp, Angela Brown, (back) Carla Gaf, Jessica Roquemore, Henning Liese, Cheryl Pinson, Lisa Allen and Nikki Taylor.

The theme of this year’s event was "Volunteers Inspire by Example." WOLO-TV news anchor James Hill served as master of ceremonies, where he proudly announced the following winners:

2007 Volunteer of the Year - Henning Liese
Henning Liese, a four-year volunteer at Brockman Elementary, sparks students’ imagination while helping them to get organized and stay focused on their school work.

2007 Volunteer Group of the Year - Mill Creek Elementary PTA
The members of the Mill Creek PTA provide outstanding support to teachers and encourage students to pursue different learning experiences.

2007 Sam Hopkins Volunteer Administrator of the Year - Marcia Stephens
Sandel Elementary’s in-school suspension supervisor Marcia Stephens is a go-getter who builds positive relationships with the community, businesses and churches

2007 Stevenson Award of Excellence - Angela G. Brown
Hopkins Elementary Principal Angela G. Brown developed a teacher/student mentoring program that assigns special area teachers, other faculty and staff to classrooms, small groups or individual students who need a little extra help building academic and social skills.

2007 Partner of the Year - Junior League of Columbia Inc. Smart Matters
The Junior League of Columbia sponsors Smart Matters pre-school programs in 10 Richland One Elementary Schools in order to help parents create a love of learning long before their child enters first grade. Junior League volunteers have committed countless hours and generous financial support in preparing the district’s youngest learners to be ready for school.

2007 Elementary School Volunteer with the Most Hours - Spring Jones
Spring Jones has committed more than 1,055 hours of volunteer service to students at Bradley Elementary.

2007 Middle School Volunteer with the Most Hours - Arlington Snyder
Arlington Snyder, a foster grandparent volunteer at Gibbes Middle School, has provided more than 600hours of volunteer service to students.

2007 High School Volunteer with the Most Hours - Diane LaBrew
Columbia High volunteer Diane LaBrew was recognized for providing 883.5 hours of service.

2007 Multiple School Volunteer with the Most Hours- Spring Jones
Spring Jones also won an award as a multiple-school volunteer at Bradley Elementary and Crayton Middle schools.

Richland One has more than 2,500 volunteers who serve as mentors, tutors, Lunch Buddies and parent volunteers. Many more are needed. For more information about becoming a volunteer contact Katy Watkins, the district’s volunteer coordinator, at 231-7511. Media inquiries should be directed to the Richland One Office of Communications at 231-7510 or 231-7504.