Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com

Published - Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Volunteers deserve recognition

By Gay Mortensen / Winona

April 28 through May 3 is designated as Volunteer Recognition Week nationally as well as throughout our area.

Volunteers and their invaluable service are at the heart of our community and they are our greatest treasure. They give in various ways and to various agencies.

I would like to recognize those hundreds and hundreds of parents, community members, businesses, university students, older adults and youth who give of their time, talents and resources toward the enrichment and support of education in the Winona Area Public Schools.

With thousands of donated hours annually, these education volunteers commit to the ideal of sharing the responsibility of educating our citizens.

These volunteer individuals, agencies and businesses assist in classrooms; give time in media, computer and career centers; athletic event volunteers; community education program volunteers; early childhood and families volunteers, clerical help; fine arts and athletic booster clubs, classroom resource presenters; health screening; parent and advisory boards; field trip, fun night and dance chaperones; special event organizers; tutors and mentors; fundraisers galore; and much more.

Education volunteers in the Winona Area Public Schools see a need, nurture a hope and give from the heart. I wish to say, on behalf of all the staff of Independent School District 861, thank you for the time and talents you have shared with our school district. Your care and concern joins with all the district’s efforts to nurture and direct our learners to become confident, competent, caring adults that will, in turn, give back in a productive and sharing way with their communities.

These special people make our schools and learning programs such special places to grow.

Mortensen is the Winona Area Public School District volunteer coordinator.