The PCPS surprise patrol recently made the rounds to announce the district-level winners of our annual Volunteer of the Year program. PCPS honored five winners for 2022. 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. For more information on becoming a PCPS volunteer, please visit polkschoolsfl.com/getinvolved. Without further ado, congratulations to our winners for 2022: * Brooke Allard – youth volunteer winner, elementary school 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. * Joanne Gabel – senior volunteer winner, elementary school “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. * Darcey Martin – adult volunteer winner, middle/high school 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 – senior volunteer winner, middle/high school 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.” * LaDonna Teti – adult volunteer winner, elementary school 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.

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