Westgate Appreciates their Generous Volunteers

Mary DeMaria

The staff at Westgate Elementary School recently took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate all their volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Reception. "Westgate's generous parent volunteers raise the level of instruction at Westgate by uniting with teachers to provide an even greater educational experience for our student body," said 2nd grade teacher Amy Arce.

Fourth grade teacher Carol Nelms and her students are especially grateful to all the wonderful volunteers like the Art Appreciation volunteers. "A huge thank you to everyone who takes the time to come into the classroom and help out."

At the Volunteer Appreciation Reception, staff and fellow volunteers specifically celebrated those special volunteers whose youngest are graduating from Westgate. Jim Emmerson has spent countless hours photographing every event at Westgate and always feels "welcome and appreciated."

Alanna Lennon, longtime volunteer in many areas reflected, "Volunteering at Westgate gave me the opportunity to become acquainted with the teachers, to get to know the other children, and of course, to see my children. I feel grateful Westgate affords so many different options for volunteering. By also getting to the know the staff and other volunteers, it has given me the feeling of community that will last beyond my children's years at Westgate."

Jill Knaack, former PTA President cherishes many memories from volunteering at Westgate. "Volunteering through the years has been a fulfilling experience. I've interacted with my children and their peers, their families, the teachers and staff, and they have become an extension of my family. Moving on is natural, but bittersweet."

Jill sums up volunteering at Westgate with her favorite quote by Gayla LeMaire, "Volunteers are paid in six figures - S.M.I.L.E.S."