Celebrating Outstanding Volunteers in Northumberland

Each year, thousands of incredible volunteers support our schools, and bring to life the mission, vision, and values of our school board. 

Through their caring actions and giving spirit, volunteers have a significant impact on the well-being of the school community and the overall educational experience of students across all grade levels. Whether they are supporting classroom activities or field trips, coordinating nutrition programs, planning fundraising initiatives, supporting School Council, extra-curriculars or promoting community and parent engagement – the work of volunteers and their presence truly brightens the days of students and enhances the opportunities that are available to them both inside and outside the classroom.

We extend our appreciation to all volunteers for being valued partners in education, and for sharing their time, talents, and expertise to support students and the KPR community. 

As part of our continued recognition of National Volunteer Week this month, schools were invited to nominate outstanding volunteers for the annual Volunteer Accolade Awards. From these nominations, a total of nine award recipients were chosen, and recognized for their exceptional volunteer service at this week’s Board meeting.  

As we continue to highlight outstanding volunteers at KPR, we are pleased to introduce you to three volunteers in the Northumberland region who exemplify KPR values in all that they do. These individuals also received Accolade Awards at this week’s Board meeting in recognition of their exceptional volunteer service.  

Deb Hoogwerf is a longstanding volunteer at Brighton PS who consistently goes out of her way to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for students. In addition to supporting LLS classes, Mrs. H is the Lead Coordinator of the Student Nutrition Program, arriving at the school even before most staff to ensure that a healthy breakfast awaits all students. “Mrs. H’s kind heart and constant acts of kindness supports our goal of ensuring that all students feel welcome and supported at BPS,” shares Andrea Hunt-Schmoll, Principal. 

Shelise Morgan is recognized and appreciated for creating a warm and welcoming environment at Burnham Public School. Shelise dedicates countless hours of her time to the breakfast and snack program – ordering, preparing, and organizing healthy snacks and meals to ensure every student has the opportunity to start the day in a positive way and is ready to learn. In her role as Chair of School Council, Shelise promotes parent engagement and is seen at every school event, either running an activity, helping with set up or take down, handing out treats, or simply participating in the fun! “Without her, Burnham would be a very different place,” shares Martha Harp-McMurray, Principal. 

Kelly Glover is described as an enthusiastic, friendly volunteer that “spreads cheer and positivity everywhere she goes” and a “true ambassador” of the school community at Colborne Public School. Kelly sits on School Council, supports the nutrition program, helps with fieldtrips, serves weekly hot lunches, plans and supervises school dances, bakes with LLS and Kindergarten classes, organizes fundraising initiatives and coordinates involvement in community events among many other significant contributions. She also organizes a Fun Fair that is a well-attended and popular event for the school each year! “In over 25 years in education, I have not encountered a more dedicated volunteer than Kelly Glover,” shares Lyn Westlake, Principal.