Outstanding school volunteers receive award

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Outstanding school volunteers at the youth, adult and senior levels from across the state have been recognized by Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart.

The Outstanding School Volunteer award is presented annually to school volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida.

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Three individuals from Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties received recognition: Amy Mitchell, Holiday Elementary School; Susie Pelphrey, Shadowlawn Elementary School and Jasraj Raghuwanshi, Pedro Menendez High School.

“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,” Commissioner Stewart said. “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 here.

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