Sarasota County Schools recently celebrated its amazing volunteers, business partners, and community partners at the school district’s annual Outstanding Volunteer Awards reception.
Held annually in April in observance of National Volunteer Recognition Month, the Outstanding Volunteer Awards reception recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to support Sarasota County’s students, teachers, staff members, and school communities during the school year. Sarasota County Schools’ Department of Strategic Engagement noted a combined 88,522 hours of service during the 2025-2026 school year so far – 5,598 hours more than the previous year — equaling a cash value of in-kind hours totaling $2,815,025.04.
“We are incredibly thankful for the unfailing support of our volunteers,” said Dr. Harriet Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement for Sarasota County Schools. “All of our volunteers make a tangible impact every day within our school communities. This event is our way of celebrating the achievements of our Outstanding Volunteers of the Year and honoring their efforts to help our students succeed. Our school district is fortunate to have a community that is committed to uplifting every student, every day.
Please join Sarasota County Schools and the Department of Strategic Engagement as we celebrate the following outstanding volunteers of the year:
Ms. Susan Sanderson – Outstanding Senior Adult Volunteer (Brentwood Elementary School): Ms. Susan Sanderson exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism through her dedication, leadership, and compassion at Brentwood Elementary. As co-chair of the First Presbyterian Church Steering Committee, she recruits volunteers, leads school supply drives, supports Adopt-a-Classroom, and organizes the Holiday Blessing Tree for 50 families. She also volunteers weekly with ELL students, building confidence and academic growth, even remaining engaged during summer months.
Ms. Sara Winter – Outstanding Adult Volunteer (Atwater Elementary School): Ms. Sara Winter represents the heart of volunteerism at Atwater Elementary. She supports classrooms, manages PBIS activities, and helps run the school store, reinforcing positive behavior and responsibility. She also plays a key role in family engagement events such as Title I Bingo Night, Trunk-or-Treat, and Teacher Appreciation Week. Her creativity, reliability, and selfless service strengthens school culture and make students, families, and staff feel valued.
The Rotary Club of Sarasota – Outstanding Business Partner (Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Booker Middle School, Booker High School): The Rotary Club of Sarasota has impacted not one, but three schools… all of Booker Nation! They have transformed Booker High, Booker Middle, and Emma E. Booker Elementary through the Booker Nation Initiative – investing over $500,000, supporting academics, arts, athletics, wellness, and facilities. Their partnership helped all three schools earn State B ratings, including a 75-point gain at Booker High. This organizations’ leadership and generosity continue to strengthen students, schools, and the community.
Ms. Alyssa Bartolome – Outstanding Youth Volunteer (McIntosh Middle School): Ms. Alyssa Bartolome is currently a senior at Sarasota High School and a former student of McIntosh Middle School, where she has returned to serve with dedication and heart. She supports classrooms, organizes materials, and consistently looks for ways to give back. Through her Eagle Scout Art Show project, she is raising resources for the art program while celebrating student creativity, demonstrating leadership, gratitude, and community pride.
Sarasota County Schools and the Department of Strategic Engagement would like to thank the following organizations and businesses for sponsoring the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer Awards reception:
Gold Sponsor
Neal Communities
Ivory Matthews, Vice President of Community & Governmental Affairs
Silver Sponsors
Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Jennifer Vigne, President/CEO
Thomas Williams, Chief Collaboration Officer & PLANit Sarasota Director
Amber Rylak, Development Director
Sara Glendening, Chief Marketing Officer
Take Stock in Children
Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director
Melanie Custer, Director of Operations
Diana Dill, Development Director
Bronze Sponsor
Collier Companies
Lindy Lee, Lease Up/Marketing Strategist
Support Sponsors
Carnegie Learning
Corey Appelbaum, Senior Account Executive
Watershed Hospitality Concepts
Anne Rollings, Executive Director of Communications
Taco Fusion Express
Francisca Ruis-Tagle, Owner
Troy’s Tropics
Community Partners
Carl Reynolds & Kamilla Brannan of Carl Reynolds Law
Kirsten Russell & Rebecca Abrahamson of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County