Region 15 Honors 2005-2006 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 ten people have made significant contributions toward that achievement.

Selfless, dedicated and caring, is how Principal Jack Zamary described Middlebury Elementary School’s Volunteer of the Year, Nancy Belden.  Ms. Belden serves MES as PTO Secretary and has chaired numerous subcommittees.

“No job is too large or too small for Nancy.  From Bingo Night to the Middlebury Elementary School Spring Social, Nancy always contributes her valuable time and leadership skills,” said Mr. Zamary. 

The Long Meadow Elementary School staff has chosen Len Hamm as this year’s Volunteer of the Year.  According to school Principal, Richard Gusenburg, Ms. Hamm has been an effective worker and advocate for many years, having taken a leadership role both at Long Meadow and in the Region.

Over the past six years Len has served the LMES PTO in such capacities as President, Vice President and as Chairperson for numerous committees.  Len also serves as Co-Chairman of the Region 15 PTO Advisory Council. 

“Although short in height, Len is someone of immense stature who has made a wonderful impact on the LMES culture and on the Region,” said Mr. Gusenberg

Rochambeau Middle School Principal, Lauren Robinson said Volunteer of the Year, Ami Conlan has been a vital force within the school building over the past two years.        

According to Ms. Robinson, Ms Conlan’s leadership led to the creation of the school’s Booster Club, an extension of the PTO.  The initiative has enabled parents and staff members to work together to provide opportunities for students to engage in activities that are a natural extension of their school day.

“We are so fortunate to have someone with her enthusiasm and energy involved at RMS, said Ms. Robinson.  Ami has made a marked difference in the lives of our students.”

At Memorial Middle School, Principal John Sieller set a new school record by naming three Volunteers of the Year, Taffy Fitzmaurice, Eileen Clarke and Jackie Desmarais.

A full-time lawyer, Ms. Fitzmaurice has planned and coordinated the fall and spring PTO Book Fairs for the past two years.  She also established and serves as Chairman of the school’s Cultural Arts Enrichment Program.  “She always puts students first in all she does,” said Mr. Sieller.

Ms. Clarke, a nursing student, is a new member of the MMS PTO.  She has been labeled the school’s “Martha Stewart” mom, sharing her fresh baked goods at Student-Parent Orientation, Open House, Monthly PTO Meetings and Teacher Appreciation Brunches.  According to Mr. Seiller, “She has a cheerful, wonderful attitude that is contagious”.

For the past two years, Ms. Desmarais has planned and organized, Teacher In-Service lunches in August.  While working full time, she serves as the school’s Volunteer Coordinator, organizes the collation of the school’s bi-monthly newsletter, and assists the MMS art teachers with matting student art work and setting up the Region’s annual Art Show.  “Jackie always has a funny story for us and her friendly, happy attitude is an inspiration to us all,” said Mr. Seiller. 

Pomperaug Elementary School Principal, Carissa Keepin said Volunteer of the Year, Kelley Gurvis, has been a huge help to PES as PTO Vice President and as Chairman and volunteer on numerous PTO Committees.

“Kelley is a strong and vocal supporter of Region 15 and actively participates in getting the message out about the budget vote,” said Ms. Keepin.  “She will do whatever the school and children need, and has often donated countless supplies and equipment to our school.  She is a talented woman who is valued by the staff of PES.”

Senior resident, Margaret Nye has been named Co-Volunteer of the Year at Gainfield Elementary School alongside PTO member, Teresa McLean. 

Ms. Nye, a retired librarian has been volunteering at GES for the past 15 years in the school’s media center.  According to the school’s Principal, John Mudry, her vast knowledge of titles and authors is evident when sharing and reading books aloud to students. 

Affectionately known as Grandma Nye to students and staff, she shares her famous home baked cookies with all.  “Her loving, caring and thoughtful ways, add a very special dimension to our school culture,” said Mr. Mudry.

Ms. McLean has been a lively member of the GES family for many years, having coordinated school wide presidential elections, serving as room mother or PTO Secretary.  She is a frequent face at Board of Education meetings, and has coordinated hot air balloon landings on the school’s playground delighting parents, staff and students.  “She is a special lady with many talents,” said Mr. Mudry.  “We are fortunate to have her at Gainfield.”

Pomperaug High School Principal, James Agostine said Volunteer of the Year, Shelley Porter who serves the PHS PTO as Co-President, has been instrumental in making significant improvements at the school. 

Under her leadership, Ms. Porter has streamlined and expanded the teacher grant process, initiated the first ever, Main Office Volunteer Program, implemented the school’s first PTO email system, and developed an effective Speaker Program, which attracts crowds to PTO meetings.          

“Her commitment to all the students at PHS along with her ready smile and can do attitude is contagious and bolsters student, staff and parent morale,” said Mr. Agostine.    

Region 15 extends it congratulations and thanks to all of the 2005-2006 Volunteers of the Year.