The Osceola School District announced on Good Friday that it has named the following individuals as its 2023 Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year, in recognition of their exceptional commitment to student learning and success. They will be recognized at the May 16 School Board meeting, and they will be submitted by Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace as nominees for the Florida Department of Education's 2023 Outstanding School Volunteer Award at the state level.
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Riley Wigand, student at Harmony High
"Riley volunteers at least six hours each week at Harmony Community School, donating over 150 hours this school year alone. She has had a direct impact with the foundation of learning for 23 first-grade students who rely on her help at least one day a week on a variety of projects during Drawing Club. With Riley's extra set of hands, these students have created over 170 different pieces of art. As a senior at Harmony High School, Riley teaches the students the importance of setting goals and working hard by sharing her future college plans, which is an important part of the school's AVID program. Riley works tirelessly to assist wherever she can help, and she is always willing to work on the next classroom project."
Adult Volunteer of the Year: Christine Munns at Harmony Community School
"With 1,057 students at Harmony Community School, Mrs. Munns keeps every student in mind when setting up any kind of event. She has been an integral part of Harmony Community School for seven years, and her contributions have had a visible impact on each of the students. Mrs. Munns continuously led Harmony’s Parent/Teacher Organization as President for the last five years and Vice President for two years. Through her fundraising efforts, the school has accumulated approximately $40,000 in the PTO treasury. She also prepares a 'Whoot Whoot' wagon monthly, letting the school's 120 exceptional teachers and staff know they are appreciated, which contributes to the overall school environment. Mrs. Munns also donates her time as a volunteer track and field coach for the school."
Senior Volunteer of the Year: Leonie O'Meally at Koa Elementary
"Ms. O'Meally has volunteered at Koa Elementary for two years. She worked with over 100 kindergarten students last year, and she continues to offer her support with over 100 first-grade students this school year. She took the initiative to prepare and organize decodable readers from the Open Court manuscript after recognizing that her first-grade grandson had difficulty keeping track of his homework materials. As a result, Ms. O'Meally worked to complete this task for over 100 first grade students. She is honored for her enthusiasm she brings to the school and for being proactive for students."
