Region 15 Honors 2006-2007 Volunteers of the Year

            Each year, the Pomperaug Regional School District 15 recognizes and honors a Volunteer of the Year at each of the seven schools in the region.  The Volunteer of the Year is selected by teachers, building administrators and staff members.

            Volunteers are essential to the success of the Region 15 school system, and the following nine people have made significant contributions toward that achievement and are being recognized as the 2006-2007 Volunteers of the Year.

            At Pomperaug Elementary School (PES), Mrs. Mary Silverman has been a valued volunteer for many years.  Her varied contributions include being a Room Parent, chairing and assisting with the school’s Book Fairs, lending a hand with the gymnastics unit of the school’s physical education program, the district Art Show, in the computer lab, and as Chairman of the Spirit Wear committee. 

            Mrs. Silverman devotes two afternoons every week to PES Art Teacher, Nancy Neal and the school’s Art program.  Several years ago, she created the yearly spring Book Swap for PES students. 

            Mrs. Silverman has worked for many years with Mrs. Debbie Fein’s second grade classes, where she brought to students the Home to Home Foundation that her husband, Dr. Richard Silverman founded several years ago.  This initiative helps to bring happiness to nursing home residents through connections with different members of their communities. 

            This year, Mrs. Silverman founded the New Family Committee to assist new families at PES.  The committee provides information to help them acclimate to their new school and community. 

            “Mary’s commitment to helping our new friends’ transition to PES is greatly appreciated by everyone,” said PES Principal, Mrs. Carissa Keepin.  “She has a talent for figuring out what needs to be done for the greater good, and volunteers to get it going.  Mary shares her generous spirit, creativity and strong commitment to all children every day at Pomperaug Elementary.” 

            Mrs. Susie Jones, who serves Gainfield Elementary School (GES) as PTO President, was selected as one of her school’s Volunteers of the Year.  

            Mrs. Jones has been an active parent, room mother and volunteer.  Over the years she has assisted with such events as the recycling project, the Gainfield school wide elections, reading incentive program, Poetry for Lunch, Nutmeg Children’s Book Award and special classroom events.  

            Mrs. Jones has actively supported and raised funds for the library, physical education, music and art programs.  This year she co-chaired the Gainfield Gala Dinner Dance and Auction, which raised funds to provide a new sound proof stage divider.

            “Susie’s leadership as PTO President has been exceptional,” said GES Principal, Mr. John Mudry.  “Her leadership skills have enriched the culture of our school.”

            Mr. Greg Gibson has also been selected as one of Gainfield’s Volunteers of the Year.  Mr. Gibson is described by Mr. Mudry as a man of many talents who willingly shares them with the Gainfield community.

            Mr. Gibson has spoken to GES students about Germany, volunteers as a “Room Dad,” served as a guest reader and cooked green eggs and ham for a first grade class.  He has documented numerous school activities with his camera, creating and editing videos for students, teachers and the school website.

             “Mr. Gibson is loved by the students because of his kindness, sensitivity and generosity,” said Mr. Mudry.

            At Middlebury Elementary School (MES), Mary Ann Dzinski and Brigitte Weimann have been selected as Co-Volunteers of the Year. 

            According to MES Principal, Mr. Jack Zamary, Mrs. Dzinski is an indelible figure at his school, serving many volunteer roles such as Junior Great Books Leader, visiting author chairperson, classroom volunteer, room parent and physical education volunteer, just to name a few. 

            “Mary Ann always goes about her work in a way that shifts the spotlight from the adults and puts it squarely on students,” said Mr. Zamary.  “She is a selfless, dedicated and caring volunteer who contributes countless hours to Middlebury Elementary and seeks nothing in return for her many contributions,” he said.

            Brigitte Weimann is a retired teacher from Greenwhich, CT, “Who just can’t stay home from school,” said Mr. Zamary.

            Mrs. Weimann shows up consistently to help students and staff with various library functions.  According to Mr. Zamary, she brings with her the excitement and optimism of a first year teacher, as well as years of experience with student literacy. 

            “Needless to say, Middlebury Elementary School is very fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated member as part of our school community,” Mr. Zamary added. 

            “When you think of enthusiasm, when you think of energy, when you think of a large happy smile, you are thinking of the Long Meadow Volunteer of the Year, Mrs. Valerie Sullivan,” said LMES Principal, Richard Gusenburg.

            Mrs. Sullivan has been an active and involved parent volunteer for the past six years, supporting teachers at almost all grade levels.  In addition, Mrs. Sullivan has served as Chairperson of a number of Committees including Ice Cream Social, Family Night, Rock Cats Baseball Game, PJ Story Hour, Fall Fundraiser and Teacher Appreciation Basket.  Not to mention having served LMES as a volunteer for the Book Fair, Mother’s Day Plant Sale, 5^th Grade Moving On Event, The Bookworm and the Annual Art Show.

            “Valerie is a key member of our community,” said Mr. Gusenburg.  “She has made Long Meadow a better place through her energy, planning and creativity.”

            Last year at Rochambeau Middle School, Mrs. Ami Conlan was selected as Volunteer of the Year.  Awed by her hard work and devotion, new school Principal, Anthony R. Salutari Jr., couldn’t resist choosing her again this year.

            Three years ago, Mrs. Conlan proposed establishing a Booster Club to create school spirit, an intramural program and to support school teams as needed.  The Booster Club began by selling RMS car window decals and setting up a daily concession table of snacks and drinks for students who participated in after school activities. 

            Under Mrs. Conlan’s leadership, the club flourished, and expanded its efforts to include lowering the cost of admission for basketball games, paying for basketball chaperones, creating a “triple shot contest” during half times, purchasing a pitching machine for the baseball and softball teams, and establishing the yearly “March Madness” basketball game between staff and students. 

            Mrs. Conlan has also established an after school intramural program, which includes flag football, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball and dance.

            “Ami saw the need for change and was willing to donate the time and effort to see it through,” said Mr. Salutari.  “Her hard work and effort have obviously been a labor of love and the entire RMS community has been greatly enhanced by her efforts, commitment and spirit,” he said.

            John Sieller, Principal of Memorial Middle School (MMS) will tell you there is nothing Suzanne Kenishea hasn’t done or attempted to do in support of his school. 

            Along with re-energizing all of the traditional PTO programs and activities, Mrs. Kenishea is credited with many new activities that have developed during her “reign”.  These include Mustang (the school mascot) mural paintings, a new PTO website, an in-school video network, hand sewn and stuffed mustangs for parents and teachers, special snacks and morale boosting gifts for MMS staff during the holidays, Marvelous Mustang awards and a Family Fun evening. 

            Mrs. Kenishea has been a big support to the art department in the past few years, assisting with the annual art show.  In addition she spearheaded the writing of a constitution, Teacher Helper Program, and a quick MMS reference guide for parents.

            On the first day of school, Mrs. Kenishea could be found with pom poms in hand, cheering on the student body to kick off the school’s annual fundraiser. 

            “Suzanne is a cheerleader for the staff and kids, and constantly demonstrates this through her greetings, smiles, and exuberant hugs, when she's in our building,” said Mr. Sieller.  “Suzanne’s excitement is contagious, and the entire MMS PTO has evolved to a higher level of energy and commitment to the students and teachers.”

            The Pomperaug High School community has selected Mrs. Andrea White as their school's Volunteer of the Year. 

            Mrs. White has successfully chaired the Grad Night Committee for the past three years.  PHS Principal, James Agostine, says her attention to detail, commitment to the seniors, and organizational skills have made the Grad Night celebration the huge success it has become. 

            Mr. Agostine describes Mrs. White as being dedicated and tireless in her support of all things to do with PHS, the Region in general and her involvement in community affairs.  “It is my privilege to recognize and to work with Andrea White,” said Mr. Agostine.  “She is a model of excellence and a strong supporter of Region 15,” he said.

            Region 15 extends congratulations and thanks to all of the 2006-2007 Volunteers of the Year.