Broward schools honors mentors/volunteers

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

ADULT: Rosa Vasquez, Palm Cove Elementary
Rosa Vasquez is a parent that willingly assumes an active role in the learning experience at Palm Cove Elementary. She has dedicated her time for three consecutive years as a member of the PTA and active volunteer. Vasquez is a single mother of two children, one in the seventh grade and a second child in third grade. Despite the difficulties of raising two children alone, she has managed to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and maintained a full time job.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER ORGANIZER: Renee Herman, Western High
Renee Herman has been part of the Western High School family for well over a decade. As a parent, she was always involved in her children’s education, whether she was supporting their school activities or working as a school volunteer.
While Herman has volunteered in many capacities at the school, from assisting at the front desk to hearing and vision screening and selling cookies for the PTA, she is undoubtedly known for one thing — the Harvest Drive. This program feeds, cloths and provides toys and household items to over 300 families.

SENIOR: Peter Kennedy, Everglades Elementary
As an electrical and bio-medical engineer, Peter Kennedy has shared his expertise with students in the science lab by assisting with experiments for every grade level. He creates innovative lessons that require much preparation at home. He and his wife, Audrey, prepare all of the materials and supplies for the classroom teachers. He has done presentations on static electricity, wind vanes, using a plasma ball and balloons, and numerous ways to use recyclable materials. Kennedy, who is semi-retired, has spent countless hours assisting in the media center, on field days, and with many day-to-day activities in classrooms and with teachers

STUDENT: Clarke Bowman
Clarke Bowman, a student at Pompano Beach High School who volunteers each Friday at Cresthaven Elementary School. He has investigated and presented science experiments, initiated organized play at recess and set-up a weekly craft project for 40 students. At the end of each Friday afternoon, Clarke assigns a job to each child for the next week and chronicles his list both on the board for the children to read and on a card for the teacher to have at her fingertips. Having Clarke work with kindergarten classes has been a joy for both students and teachers. He has added youthful energy and enthusiasm and the children and adults relish his visits every Friday. Cresthaven is thrilled that Clarke will be there for yet another year before he graduates from Pompano Beach High.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE LAPEL PIN AWARDS
During the event, volunteer service lapel pins will be presented to individuals who have contributed 200 or more hours of documented service each year, for 10 or 15 years.  In the 29-year history of the Broward County Public Schools Volunteer Program, only eleven individuals have ever received the pinnacle of volunteer service awards — the 15-year lapel pin. This year, one honoree will be added to that list, while one honoree has reached the 20-year lapel pin level.

Nancy Munson, Silver Trail Middle, 15-year lapel pin honoree
Maryann Cockerille, Harbordale Elementary, 20-year lapel pin honoree

MENTORS OF THE YEAR

ELEMENTARY: Dr. Arnold Miller, Nova Blanche Foreman Elementary
Conscientious and amiable, Dr. Arnold Miller enjoys working with students and, of course, that is the secret to his success and perhaps the most essential quality of any mentor. All of the children he mentors have shown positive gains socially and academically thanks to his constructive influence. This mentor is creative in his approach to identifying and responding to the individual needs of the students he mentors and his efforts are a true reflection of what mentoring is all about.

SECONDARY: Dr. Daniel Austin, Piper High
Dr. Daniel Austin has tutored and guided his mentee for the past two years. Thanks to his involvement, his student has demonstrated a greater capacity for recognizing and overcoming social obstacles and academic challenges. While Dr. Austin has supported this young man’s growth in math and reading, he has also encouraged him in drama and chorus to such an extent that recently this student was selected for the lead role in the Piper High annual play.

CO-MENTOR TEAM: Iris Kaufman and Dr. Phyllis Schiffer-Simon, McFatter Technical High
For the past five years, McFatter High has been exceptionally fortunate to have the talents of  Iris Kaufman and Dr. Phyllis Schiffer-Simon working with 21 young women who are participating in the Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program. Both Kaufman and Dr. Schiffer-Simon have had a great influence on the girls’ development by providing opportunities for them to experience real-life career experiences, fun projects, post-secondary education visits, and a spirit of volunteerism, all designed to build the girls’ self-confidence, social adjustment and academic excellence.

PARTNERSHIPS OF THE YEAR

More than 140 outstanding school-based and District-based partnerships have been nominated as Partnerships of the Year.  Winners will be announced at the event.

EVENT SPONSORS

Broward County Public Schools thanks the following sponsors for their commitment to the students, families and communities of Broward County.

Platinum Sponsors
Fischler School of Education & Human Services
Nova Southeastern University

Sunshine Child Programs

Gold Sponsors
Vista Healthplans

Silver Sponsors
After School Programs, Inc.

BrightStar Credit Union

YMCA of Broward County

Copper Sponsors
All County Music
Florida Marlins
Hinson Office Supply

Bronze Sponsors
Florida Power & Light

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