This post was created on 02/27/2024.
The Outstanding School Volunteer Award is presented annually to school volunteers who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida. Award winners are selected based on character, type and breadth of volunteer service, and impact of volunteer contribution. Each year, Pasco County Schools recognizes outstanding volunteers in three categories – youth, adult, and senior.
Our Senior Outstanding School Volunteer is Ann Birch.
Ann has volunteered for Gulfside Elementary School, a community partnership school, since September 2020. She volunteers an average of 16 hours a week and has contributed 1,311 volunteer hours. Ann is the lead volunteer in the community market which includes the food pantry, clothing, and school supplies. She makes sure the area is organized and welcoming to the families and staff when they need resources. She is also the team lead for the Feed Tampa Bay food delivery and grocery box distribution where she coordinates 2,800 pounds of food that is delivered every two weeks. Ann has also assisted the wellness coordinator with students receiving services like dental screenings and eye exams in the school-based health center. Ann is always welcoming and creates a great climate, ready to provide support for those in need. Gulfside Elementary School is so grateful that Ann joined their volunteer team.
Our Adult Outstanding School Volunteer is Gretchen Frapwell.
Gretchen Frapwell is the definition of a volunteer. She has been volunteering at Veterans Elementary School for five years and has logged 220 volunteer hours so far. With two children attending Veterans, she serves on the SAC committee and is a PTA member which supports 91 staff members and 675 students. The PTA recently provided recess equipment for each grade level. She is there for every school event including book fairs, school carnivals, science nights, and holiday shops. Gretchen has shown her creativity by planting a pumpkin patch in the courtyard for the teachers and students to utilize. It was a great idea for learning purposes, but also brought beauty to the school. We appreciate everything she does for Veterans Elementary School to improve the overall morale for the teachers and students.
Our Youth Outstanding School Volunteer is Avery Hoskins.
Avery is a remarkable young woman who has chosen to give back to her community through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. She is a part of the school-based program between Anclote High School and Gulfside Elementary School. As a Big volunteer, she is committed to meeting with her Little for one hour on a weekly basis. Avery has been in the BBBS program since 2022 and has had more than 40 visits with her Little. The program shows the outcomes of success in providing emotional support and helping to make a difference in her Little’s life. Her time with her Little gives the child one-on-one attention that can help increase his self-esteem and confidence to be a better student. Avery is an example of how a Big should be; consistent, caring, enthusiastic, and supportive.
