Volunteer of the Year

The gift of time is precious, and volunteers are truly generous when it comes to investing this valuable resource in our schools and with our students.

The Volunteer of the Year program acknowledges the crucial role school volunteers play in students’ lives and how they enrich our schools with their selfless dedication.

Awards are bestowed at the elementary and secondary level in the following categories: “Adult Volunteer of the Year,” “Youth Volunteer of the Year” and “Senior Volunteer of the Year.” These winners are selected from among more than 100 people named “Volunteers of the Year” at their respective schools.

The Volunteer of the Year Awards Program is sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.

This year, the district’s Volunteers of the Year were honored with surprise recognitions at each volunteer’s school. Each was selected by a panel of judges, chosen from the Volunteers of the Year at individual schools.

Each winner received a generous package of gifts. Thank you to our title sponsor, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, as well as our gift sponsors, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa and the Lakeland Magic.

“I am honored to celebrate you and your efforts,” said MidFlorida Senior Vice President/West Regional Manager Ryan Rogers, in a statement to the district’s Volunteers of the Year.

“On behalf of MidFlorida Credit Union, we’d like to thank you for your incredible dedication and service to our students and schools, and for being real-life superheroes to many of our children. As you know, our schools need role models like you to build our future leaders.”

Want to Volunteer?

The Polk County School District is the seventh largest in Florida with more than 150 school sites and over 105,500 students. With so many schools and students to serve, volunteers are needed to dedicate their valuable time to accomplish important tasks, and help students reach their educational and career goals. For more information about volunteering, visit polkschoolsfl.com/getinvolved or call 863-457-4708, option 2.

Award Winners:

Elementary Level Award Winners

Brooke Allard Spessard Holland Elementary Youth Volunteer of the Year Brooke serves as a dedicated volunteer where her own school days began: Spessard Holland Elementary. She’s now a sophomore at Bartow High and part of the school’s Future Educators Academy. Brooke uses her teaching skills at Spessard, where she reads to students, provides tutoring, creates lessons and gives presentations. She also helps out in the media center.
LaDonna Teti Sandhill Elementary Adult Volunteer of the Year LaDonna is the PTO president at Sandhill Elementary and also spends much of her time working in the media center and helping out with various school events. In addition, she puts together gifts and treats to make students and staff feel appreciated, and has been a major fundraising force at Sandhill.
Joanne Gabel Willow Oak School Senior Volunteer of the Year “Ms. Joanne” is described as an outstanding reading tutor at Willow Oak School, where she provides extra support that helps students succeed. She carries out her duties with a personal touch, giving students special treats for holidays and birthdays. Willow Oak staff say they could not ask for a more “dedicated and compassionate” volunteer.
Secondary Level Award Winners Darcey Martin Frank E. Brigham Academy Adult Volunteer of the Year Darcey serves as president of Winter Haven High’s advisory council and is heavily involved in many other initiatives that support students, parents and staff. She also contributes to student volunteer projects, as well as efforts that reward students for good habits. In addition, Darcey creates resources that assist students with pursuing scholarships and preparing for college.
Inez Rogerson East Area Adult School Senior Volunteer of the Year The former accountant and math teacher has invested more than 14 years of service at East Area Adult School, where she serves as a math tutor and has been instrumental in many student success stories. Students and staff alike appreciate Inez for her energy and expertise. On campus, she’s known as “the math lady.”