Three individuals were honored as St. Johns County 2019-2020 Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year. Superintendent Tim Forson recognized these volunteers April 28 via a video conference. Chase Magnano, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School, is the district’s Outstanding Youth Volunteer. His service in the areas of Sources of Strength, Freshmen Hacks Lunch and Learn, JaxThrive, Refugee Summer Leadership Program, Teens Take A Stand and many other areas has shown his determination to make the world a better place. Chase was also chosen as the state’s Region II Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year, making him one of the top five youth school volunteers in Florida.
The district’s Outstanding Adult Volunteer is Jennifer (Jen) Stevenson who volunteers at Sebastian Middle School (SMS). Jen’s active participation in the Parent-Teacher Organization has produced real-world learning opportunities for students at SMS through the Eagle Store, Inquiry Hour, Green House for STEM Education, and many other avenues. Her leadership and true heart for students are evident through all that she does. Jen was also chosen as the state’s Region II Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year, making her one of the top five adult school volunteers in Florida.
This year’s Outstanding Senior Volunteer is Lynda Eidson who volunteers at SMS. As a master gardener, she put her skills to excellent use in the varying exceptionalities classroom. Her instruction and patience with students have given them skills they can use for a lifetime. Even more importantly, their attitudes and excitement for learning show that Lynda truly gives from her heart.
In addition, the SJCSD Family and Community Involvement Awards are presented to one elementary school and one secondary school for innovative school practices that increase family and community involvement. This year’s winners are Ocean Palms Elementary School and Valley Ridge Academy.
Ninety-three volunteers have been designated as 2019-2020 Outstanding Youth, Adult or Senior Volunteers for the St. Johns County School District. Their recognition reception slated for April 2 was canceled due to Covid-19. Volunteers help with activities in schools including reading and math tutoring, taking part in booster clubs to ensure success for sports, music and art clubs, chaperoning field trips, mentoring students, and much more. This year 25,000 school volunteers provided more than 185,000 hours of service to the county’s schools. This total would have been much higher if schools had not closed as the spring months bring many needs for volunteers.
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