District names Art Regier Volunteers of the Year

District names Art Regier Volunteers of the Year
In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan is proud to announce Kara Schulke, Tim Meliah, Janis Nelson, Kay Barga, Jamie Griffith (Trinity Baptist Church), and Norma Facio and Elsa Araiza as the district’s 2015-2016 Art Regier Volunteers of the Year.

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, 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

Kara Schulke – Prospect Point Elementary (for more than 11 years)
Nominators – Kate Van Cleve, Kami Kuhlmann and Suzann Rose
· Prospect Point PTA board member for years
· Sorts and labels books for “Take Home Book Bag” program
· Supports the school garden, helping set-up irrigation and straw bales
· Coordinates staff appreciation, supports math groups and literature circles

Nominator Kate Van Cleve said: “Kara has a vision for our whole school. When she puts effort into something, it is with consideration for equality now and later. Her efforts will live on with our school after she has gone.”

Tim Meliah – Walla Walla High School
Nominators: Mindy Meyer, Pam Jacobson and Miranda Lincoln
· Provides support and counseling in times of tragedy
· He specializes in trauma-informed practices and supports the whole child
· Tim has compassion for all and helps the district recover during challenging times
· Tim is committed to making our community a better place and goes above and beyond for others

Nominator Pam Jacobson said: “Tim has spent countless hours volunteering his time in different capacities over the last few years. Tim’s efforts in supporting our students, parents and staff during some of the most difficult times we have faced, have been appreciated more that words can say. Watching Tim’s passion in comforting those who grieve is staggering.”

Janis Nelson – Green Park Elementary (8 years)
Nominators: Gina Yonts, Elizabeth Razo, Tressa Baker and Lucy Gregoire
· Janis volunteers three times a week
· She helps students with science, social studies, art and reading
· She attends all special events and field trips
· Famously know as “Grandma Janis” she plays many different roles and always with a smile on her face

Nominator Tressa Baker said: “Grandma Janis is a cheerleader for our students and is always there to help celebrate their success. We call on her to do a variety of tasks with our students and she is always willing to step right in and get the job done.”

Jamie Griffith and Trinity Baptist Church – Blue Ridge Elementary (3 years)
Nominator: Kim Doepker
· Jamie and Trinity Baptist purchase backpacks and fill them with supplies
· They donate turkeys and support the Turkey Trot program
· They have organized a clothing and shoe drive for students in need
· They graciously prepare and provide lunch, dinner and snacks to teachers during conferences

Nominators Kim Doepker said: “Jamie and Trinity Baptist are a caring and compassionate group of people who are constantly looking for ways to help students and families at Blue Ridge.”

Norma Facio and Elsa Araiza – Blue Ridge Elementary (8 years)
Nominator: Kim Doepker
· These dedicated parents come in during the summer to help teachers get ready for the school year
· They organized a decorating committee to enhance each family event to make it more special
· They do a variety of office tasks, such as stuffing envelopes and counting flyers
· They volunteer about 10 hours per week, despite having jobs outside of the home

Nominator Kim Doepker said: “Norma and Elsa are exemplary in their service to Blue Ridge. I greatly appreciate and praise them for their enthusiasm and dedication.”

Kay Barga – Sharpstein and Edison Elementaries, Districtwide (3 years, following 22 years as a WWPS teacher)
Nominators: Cindy Meyer, Jo Anna Gogl and Sharpstein PTA Board
· Coordinator of the Back-on-the-Road bicycle repair and helmet giveaway at all six elementary schools
· She coordinates the Wonderful Wuzical Wednesdays at Sharpstein to bring in local musical talent
· Supports afterschool science club, Picture Lab, PTA, drama club and the Ms. Manners program
· Organizes the Books for Babes program so all new borns and their families get a book to take home

Nominator Cindy Meyer said: “We all know it takes a mite longer to get any job done when we work with little helpers, but Kay is teaching these children the value of community service, and she is teaching the rest of us great things happen when we invest our time in the students of our valley.”

(NOTE: Norma Facio and Elsa are not in the photo)