Volunteers of the Year

In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Superintendent Wade Smith is proud to announce Laura Segovia, Jon Giard, Leslie Snyder, Ken Paine and Joe Drazen as the district’s 2017-2018 Art Regier Volunteers of the Year.

(Photo: School Board President Derek Sarley, Laura Segovia, Ken Paine, Joe Drazen and Superintendent Wade Smith. Jon Giard and Leslie Snyder were not available to attend the recognition ceremony)

The Award
The Art Regier Outstanding Volunteer Award was instituted in 1991 as a memorial to “Grandpa Art” Regier. Regier, a retiree who devoted years of service to elementary schools in Walla Walla and epitomized the spirit of volunteerism in education. His tireless dedication and concern for the students he served are the inspiration for this award.
Criteria for selection may include the following:
1. Exceptional service or contributions to the children of Walla Walla Public Schools
2. Unusual dedication
3. Demonstration of care, compassion and empathy

Jon Giard - Blue Ridge Elementary
Nominator – Heidi Cohan
• Jon began volunteering at Blue Ridge three years ago to support math instruction
• This year he has volunteered in Heidi Cohan’s classroom every day for two hours
• He also is helping with the Math Club which meets a few times a week during lunch
• Jon specializes in math and also has a gift of developing positive relationships with students

Nominator Heidi Cohan said: “Mr. Jon is a quiet and humble volunteer who has endless patience and exudes a calmness needed in a fourth grade math class. Adding and subtracting fraction? No problem. Mr. Jon can explain it seventeen different ways in a soothing voice until the lightbulb goes on. He welcomes every question and graciously helps each student no matter their ability or aptitude.”

Jon says: “I am thankful to be able to work with these kids and value their friendship and love how they generously share with me.”

Laura Segovia - Blue Ridge Head Start/ECEAP Preschool
Nominator – Cresencia Duran
• Laura has had six of her seven children attend the district’s Head Start/ECEAP program
• She volunteers regularly passing out flyers, updating bulletin boards and assisting staff
• Laura helps other moms in the program by providing childcare so they can attend meetings
• She is leading several parent committees which plan family nights and parent training

Nominator Cresencia Duran said: “Laura is an amazing woman. She manages to do all these great things for our program while raising her seven children, helping her husband run his business and juggling many daily tasks. She is the definition of a super mom.”

Ken Paine - Prospect Point
Nominators: Kate Van Cleve, Gina Cox, Beth Thiel and Darlene Greenwood
• Following retirement from Whitman College’s IT Department, Ken Paine began helping with 5th grade math at Prospect Point
• He soon added Garden Club, Science Night, field trip chaperon, Field Day volunteer, reading with kindergarteners, teaching soccer skills to students in the Developmental program and starting a cooking and gardening club at Garrison to his volunteer resume
• Nominators say they appreciate his calm and caring demeanor which helps students feel safe and supported
• Ken is known for being reliable, respectful and a person who inspires students to do their best

Nominator Kate Van Cleve said: “Little did he know when he called to volunteer that he would end up working four to five hours a day. Mr. Paine is the type of volunteer turns our schools from good to great.”

Joe Drazen - WWPS District Office
Nominator: Susie Golden
• Joe has spent countless hours over many years creating digital images of historical Walla Walla photos, written articles, and various memorabilia
• He has shared these wonderful treasures through his BYGONE WALLA WALLA project
• Joe has graciously given to Walla Walla Public Schools over 6,000 images related to our local schools
• These images will continue to be made available to the public through the district’s History of Walla Walla Public Schools webpage

Nominator Susie Golden said: “Joe’s many resources include Whitman College Archives, Walla Walla Union Bulletin, Walla Walla area schools, Walla Walla school alumni, Walla Walla families, local businesses, and even local thrift stores. Joe’s hobby leaves a lasting legacy for the Walla Walla community and those who love our town!”

Leslie Snyder - Walla Walla High School
Nominators: Michelle Higgins, Julie Cox and Julie Laufenburg
• Leslie is a parent volunteer who spearheaded the revival of Big Blue Weekend
• This event went dormant for several years, but Leslie wanted to bring it back
• Her oldest daughter attended the event in Central Oregon and she wanted her other two children and their friends and classmates to have a similar experience
• Hundreds of students participated in the event at Hayden Lake Idaho
• The event aims to enhance school culture and promote positive relationships
• Leslie plans to take the lead again on next year’s event

Nominator Julie Laufenburg said: “Leslie understands the importance of building relationships and community among students and staff. Her passion for providing this experience for all students inspired her to take on the majority of the advocacy, fundraising, planning, and communication to coordinate such a large off-site event. Without Leslie Snyder, the tradition of Big Blue Weekend would not be a reality.”