By: Helen Elkins
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Friday, December 5, was a day full of Christmas cheer as the EAGLE Volunteer Coordinator Angie Lashaway threw a thank you holiday party for the volunteers.
Teachers supplied the food and Angie put the party together to give back and show appreciation for all the hard work and dedication the volunteers display throughout the year.
The EAGLE Volunteer Program partners junior high and high school students, as well as adults, with young students who need additional help in the classroom.
Giving them a party is just one way Angie can say thank you to the volunteers for making the program so successful.
The gratitude is not one-sided. Julia Rhinard, a senior at North Central, and volunteer since her freshman year, said, “Mrs. Lashaway has always been dedicated to the program. She sees the special connection between the tutors and students, and we can all see the growth in the children.”
“And Angie throws an awesome party for us out of the goodness of her heart,” Julia added.
When asked why she gives up her time, first-year volunteer Nan Mitchell, with tears in her eyes, offered, “I just want to help. I know there are kids who need it. I’m retired, with time on my hands, so I knew I could be of service.”
So many of the students and adults have a soft spot for the little ones. Junior high student Macie Willson said she volunteers “because I like helping little kids, and I like seeing the smiles on their little faces when they see us helping and having fun.”
When asked why he became a volunteer, Derrick Kemarly, also a junior high student, said, “It sounded fun and I get to help my cousin.”
Willingness to give, and give back, has made the EAGLE Volunteer Program a huge success for so many people.
Helen may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
