School system honors volunteers

Time is one of the most valuable gifts a person can offer to others. Several community leaders, school administrators and educators gathered to pay homage to local volunteers and announce the winner of this year's Lorraine S. Mummert 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award to Kings Creek School's Lynn Dillard, during Thursday's luncheon at Cedar Rock Country Club.

The 13th annual celebration also provided an opportunity to recognize the 26 award nominees for continuing to volunteer countless hours of their time and attention to students through various projects and activities at area schools.

Gray Sheer, director of community relations for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp., recognized the nominees who each received a certificate of congratulations.

“All (of the nominees) share qualities that make them good people,” Sheer said. “They are a huge asset to our schools and a role model for students.”

Sheer said it is was not an easy task for the committee to select this year's award recipient, and a lot of long hours were spent reviewing each nominees application. He said Dillard embodies all of the characteristics that make her a standout, even in such an outstanding group of volunteers.

“(Dillard) has raised the bar for volunteerism and is showing without telling that volunteering is important,” he said.

Although Dillard was unable to attend the luncheon she showed her gratitude for the honor during a video acceptance speech that was viewed during the event.

“When I found out I had been selected I was quite surprised and honored,” Dillard said. “I'm thrilled I was selected to be this year's Lorraine S. Mummert Volunteer of the Year.”

Dillard said she considers it a privilege to be able to take on some of the tasks she does throughout the school day so teachers can focus on educating students in the classroom. As a grandparent Dillard said volunteering also helps her to create bonds with a different generation of students.

“It keeps me young and in the loop with what children are learning these days,” she said. “I encourage other grandparents to volunteer in the schools.”

The keynote speaker of the afternoon was Caldwell County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone, who also volunteers his time as a Communities in Schools mentor.

Stone thanked the nominees and highlighted the important role volunteers play in the lives of local students.

“If a child were speaking here instead of me I think one of the things they'd like to say is ‘I love you,'” Stone said.

Stone spoke of a student he previously mentored and how at first he had to search for ways to relate to her. Eventually Stone said he was able to find common ground with the student through their shared enjoyment of reading and found this subject sparked dialogue and allowed him to gain a better understanding of the shy student.

“It made me realize there are a lot students out there that are so humble they don't want to ask for things,” he said. “I personally thank you for giving of your time. Your time is precious. I also thank you for giving of your talent, and our kids thank you for giving your hands, hearts and ears.”

Stone said without the more than 6,000 hours the volunteers already have donated in the Caldwell County School system this year many students would miss out on realizing their own potential.

“I am very proud of what you do every day for Caldwell County Schools,” Stone said. “I thank you for everything you do. Our community and public school system is a better place because of you.”