Celebrating Outstanding Volunteers in Peterborough

Thank You to Our Volunteers!  

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.  

In our third and final volunteer recognition story, we celebrate the contributions of three volunteers in the Peterborough region who have each made a lasting and meaningful impact on students, staff and the overall school community. These amazing individuals were recognized with Volunteer Accolade Awards at this week’s Board meeting.  

Alec Reid supports students in reaching their personal and athletic goals in his role as volunteer coach for the Senior Football Team at Adam Scott CVI. Alec is recognized for his positive and energetic approach with the players and is described as “inspirational” and an “excellent role model” for students both on and off the football field. Traveling long distances and spending hours behind the scenes doing film analysis in preparation for games and practices, Alec is not only committed to the team but also models amazing work ethic and dedication. “Alec has had an invaluable influence on the lives of the student-athletes that he has coached and the number of hours spent volunteering his time is staggering,” shares Darrell Wright, Teacher and fellow coach. 

Denise Dunford is recognized and appreciated for her remarkable contributions to the Breakfast Club at Apsley Central Public School. Described as a “ray of sunshine,” Denise can be seen smiling and laughing with students and her colleagues as she serves delicious and nutritious breakfast items each morning. As a result of her incredible dedication, the school’s breakfast program has grown from zero cooked breakfasts served last year to an average of 90+ breakfasts served each morning. From planning creative menus to going out of her way to pick up food items in Peterborough, Denise plays an important role in the Apsley Central PS community. “Students, staff and families are forever grateful that she re-invigorated the school breakfast program. Denise is amazing – just ask the kids!” shares Lynn Kostuch, Principal. 

Mary Coulas is an outstanding and passionate volunteer that has made a meaningful impact at Edmison Heights PS. As Leader of the school nutrition program, Mary seeks out funding to support the program, organizes volunteers to help each day, and even mentors future leaders of the program to ensure it continues on! In addition to supporting this program, Mary also works closely with administration and secretarial staff to bring new learning opportunities to students.  

“Mary plays a vital role at Edmison Heights and we appreciate her! Her leadership cannot go unrecognized as it contributes to the strong fabric of our school culture.” shares Lorena Haley-Twiss, Principal.