Youth Division:  Cali Ann Gardener is a student at Green Cove Springs Junior High, but she frequently makes the trip to nearby Charles E. Bennett Elementary, where she has endeared herself to the library staff.  She helps scan books, helps students and faculty check books out, assists with CEB’s Book Fair and often helps the school’s news team with their morning broadcast.  “Cali has a kind and quite manner, yet takes the initiative to step up and do what needs to be done,” says Mark Phelps, CEB Assistant Principal. Cali has been volunteering at CEB for the past 2 years.

Adult Division:  Joy Molock has been volunteering at Paterson Elementary ever since the school opened 14 years ago.  Sandi Dunnavant, PES Media Specialist, says Mrs. Molock “truly exemplifies the Spirit of Volunteerism!”  Mrs. Molock, over the years, has volunteered in nearly every capacity including in the classroom, front office, media center, mailroom, and the cafeteria.  She has also single-handedly organized before-school events and after-school events.  Mrs. Molock currently serves on Paterson’s SAC Committee. She has also served as PFA (Parent/Faculty Association) Coordinator, Co-Coordinator, Parliamentarian and in a variety of other capacities. What it all comes down to is that Mrs. Molock has turned her position into the equivalent of a “full-time” job.

Senior Division:  Hazel Geiger is described by the faculty and staff at S. Bryan Jennings Elementary as an “Amazing Woman!”  Ms. Geiger, who was a teacher for 32 years, now volunteers at SBJ four days a week from 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.  That adds up to over 800 hours a year and over 12,000 hours for the last 15 years.  She also takes work home and helps in the summer. Ms. Geiger especially loves the media center, where she assists students and teachers in every way possible.  “Hazel Geiger loves working with children. She will turn 83 this month, but she says that working with the children at SBJ keeps her young,” says Lee Oliver, SBJ Principal.

As in years past, the volunteers were chosen by a district committee based on the volunteers’ applications. The applications include number of years of volunteer service, average hours of weekly service and a brief summary of the individual’s volunteer services.  Clay County’s winners will now go on to compete for “Regional Volunteer of the Year” in their respective categories. Their names and their applications have been submitted to the Department of Education’s Bureau of Family and Community Outreach Office.