Sarasota County Schools recently honored its amazing individual volunteers, businesses, and community partners at the school district’s annual Outstanding Volunteer Awards reception. This year’s theme was Recognizing Pillars of Excellence: Engaging in Learning, Empowering Success, Every Student. Every Day!
Held annually during 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 throughout the year. Sarasota County Schools’ Department of Strategic Engagement noted over 9,400 active volunteers during the 2024-2025 school year (so far), with the thousands of combined volunteer hours equaling $2,636,983 in in-kind hours.
“We are honored to have the indefatigable support of so many compassionate, talented, and generous individuals involved in our schools,” said Dr. Harriet Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement for Sarasota County Schools. “This annual celebration honors all of our amazing volunteers, but in particular the Outstanding Volunteers of the Year. They have each made an indelible mark on the hearts, minds, and lives of their respective school communities. We are blessed to have these pillars of excellence in our extended school district family.”
Please join Sarasota County Schools and the Department of Strategic Engagement as we celebrate the following outstanding volunteers of the year:
Mrs. Ellen Heath – Outstanding Senior Adult Volunteer (Brookside Middle School)
Mrs. Ellen Heath’s unwavering dedication in the Brookside Middle School media center has significantly impacted the school community. She has also taken on an active role as a reading tutor for a student in need of additional academic support. Mrs. Heath not only tailors her sessions to meet the student's unique needs, but she also fosters a supportive environment that builds confidence and skills. Her role as a mentor and positive influence has transformed the student’s learning experience.
Ms. Rikki Pellegrino – Outstanding Adult Volunteer (Sarasota Military Academy)
Ms. Rikki Pellegrino is a committed volunteer, celebrated for her unwavering support for the students, teachers, and staff at Sarasota Military Academy. Each day, she maintains the safety of school entrances and manages the supply and uniform room, where she distributes military uniforms and tracks inventory. Her assistance also includes running errands, making copies, and supporting teachers. A proud alumna from the class of 2010, Rikki’s perseverance inspires others to also maintain their focus and strive for their goals; she is a diligent worker and a role model for many.
South shore Community Church – Outstanding Business Partner (Alta Vista Elementary School)
South Shore Community Church remains a vital partner for Alta Vista Elementary, offering generous donations and support for students, families, and staff. Each year, they ensure that students in need have uniforms – including shorts, pants, underwear, and socks – so they can be ready for the school year. They also provide snacks for classrooms and distribute over 100 holiday meals to families. In the past two years, the church has enabled 100 families to shop for their children with $100 Amazon gift cards, while also hosting a Welcome Back breakfast and special lunches for staff during appreciation week. Additionally, they sponsor the Eagle Fest at the end of summer, providing fun activities and volunteering their time, making it a highly anticipated event for families.
Ms. Izabella Shaffer – Outstanding Youth Volunteer (Booker Middle School)
Ms. Izabella Shaffer is an exceptional volunteer at Booker Middle School, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and leadership through her involvement in various initiatives. Over the past three years, she has dedicated around 10 hours each week to volunteering, positively impacting over 200 individuals, and inspiring her peers. Her contributions include leading projects in the Interact Club and the National Junior Honor Society, as well as reading with elementary students to foster a love for literacy. Additionally, her participation in community efforts like Keep Sarasota Beautiful and Feeding the Hungry highlights her dedication to addressing local needs and enhancing school spirit.
Sarasota County Schools and the Department of Strategic Engagement would like to thank the following organizations and businesses for sponsoring the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Awards reception:
Neal Communities
Ivory Matthews, Vice President of Community & Governmental Affairs
Katie Alderman, Community Affairs Coordinator
Take Stock in Children
Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director
Melanie Custer, Director of Operations
Diana Dill, Development Director
Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Jennifer Vigne, President/CEO
Mark Cole, Chief Development Officer
Amber Rylak, Development Officer
Thomas Williams, Chief Collaboration Officer & PLANit Sarasota Director
Carnegie Learning
Corey Appelbaum, Senior Account Executive
And to our outstanding Community Partners:
Carl Reynolds and Kamilla Brannan of Carl Reynolds Law
Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact, and Rebecca Abrahamson, Director of Community Impact, from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County