Commissioner Stewart Recognizes Outstanding School Volunteers

February 11, 2016

DOE Press Office
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Commissioner Stewart Recognizes Outstanding School Volunteers

Tallahassee, Fla., February 11, 2016 – Today, Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart recognized outstanding school volunteers at the youth, adult and senior levels from across the state. The Outstanding School Volunteer award is presented annually to school volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida.

“School volunteers are a crucial part of the school community and deserve to be commended for donating their time to making school a great experience for Florida students” said Commissioner Stewart. “I am so appreciative of these individuals, and I want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a school volunteer to contact their school district and learn how they can make a difference in local schools.”

Awardees will receive a letter from Commissioner Stewart, a mounted certificate, and are often recognized by the school district in which they volunteered. The list of winners and a brief summary of their service is posted at http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7755/urlt/0082665-osvolunteer.pdf (PDF).

2015-16 Outstanding School Volunteer Award Winners

Region I

Youth: Eric Rodriquez, DeSoto Trail Elementary School, Leon County
Adult: Kelly Gurney, James E. Plew Elementary School, Okaloosa County
Senior: Charlie Dicken, Blue Angels Elementary School, Escambia County

Region II

Youth: Jasraj Raghuwanshi, Pedro Menendez High School, St. Johns County
Adult: Amy Mitchell, Holiday Elementary School, Duval County
Senior: Susie Pelphrey, Shadowlawn Elementary School, Clay County

Region III

Youth: Sierra Dollar, Edgewater Public School, Volusia County
Adult: Michelle King, Castle Creek Elementary School, Orange County
Senior: Margie White, Eustis Elementary School, Lake County

Region IV

Youth: Jonathan Gambino, Nolan Middle School, Manatee County
Adult: Rosario Silva, Shields Middle School, Hillsborough County
Senior: Donna McBurney, Sunset Hills Elementary School, Pinellas County

Region V

Youth: Bennett Ragan, Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts, Palm Beach County
Adult: Sharyn Schneiderman, Spanish River High School, Palm Beach County
Senior: Annie O’Neil, Plantation Key School, Monroe County