As part of National Volunteer Week, Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) honored its school volunteers who go above and beyond in support of students and staff. On Thursday, WCPS presented its 2023-24 Volunteer of the Year Award to Kevin Randolph, a Wayne School of Engineering (WSE) volunteer, during a district reception held at the WCPS Professional Development & Family Engagement Center.
Mr. Randolph has invested approximately one hundred and fifty volunteer hours supporting WSE students and staff. He provides support with the school’s Trailblazers Outdoor Adventure Club, working directly with approximately 30 students, teaching students skills such as safety, fishing, camping and team building. As a chaperone for multiple trips, he has spent many hours supporting the school by cleaning camping gear, drying tents soaked in the rain on trips, and transporting essential gear to and from the school. In addition to the club support, Mr. Randolph also provides assistance at the school where needed.
“Mr. Randolph is a faithful volunteer who cleans up messes, builds fires to keep students warm, and gives one-on-one time to some young people who lack a fatherly influence,” states Dr. Gary Hales, WSE principal. “He also helps students get unplugged from their devices to enjoy the outdoors through the school's Go-Youth-Outdoors Grant from the Wildlife Resources Commission of North Carolina.”
In addition to the WCPS Volunteer of the Year, the district also honored its 2023-2024 School-Level Volunteers of the Year. They include: Lindsey Howell (Brogden Primary), Vanessa Stovall (Dillard Middle), Ashley Brown (Eastern Wayne Elementary), Chasity Hill (Fremont Elementary), Patricia Standriff (Grantham Elementary), Penesia Faison (Greenwood Middle), Sheri Fine (Meadow Lane Elementary), Tyree Boyd (North Drive Elementary), Janet Hinnant (Northwest Elementary), Josie Shy (Rosewood Elementary), Jeannie Jackson (Rosewood High), Michael Schriver (Rosewood Middle), Georigia Hill (Spring Creek Elementary), Susanna Miller (Tommy’s Road Elementary), Maliyah Cox (Wayne Academy), April Jernigan (Wayne Early/Middle College High School) and Kevin Randolph (Wayne School of Engineering).
“School volunteers have a critical role in supporting our schools and touch countless student lives through their service,” states Ken Derksen, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Student & Family Support. “We appreciate the opportunity to recognize those who go above and beyond, giving of their time and their talents, to help our schools provide the highest level experience for our students, staff and families.”
As a part of the volunteer celebration, Community Supporting Schools of Wayne County (CSSWC) Executive Director, Selena Bennett, recognized three CSSWC Elementary Reading Buddy Volunteers of the Year. They included Phyllis Smith (Brogden Primary), Ann-Marie Majeskey (Carver Elementary), and Charles Wright (Carver Heights Elementary).
School volunteers serve in many ways. Some answer phones and support the front office. Others assist with campus beautification efforts, assist in classrooms, serve as hallway and lunchroom monitors, lead fundraising campaigns, serve as mentors, and so much more. Parents or community members interested in becoming a school volunteer can learn more by clicking on Become a Volunteer.