The Escambia County School District Celebrates our Volunteers

The 31st Annual District Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was held last Thursday at New World Landing.

400 people attended this wonderful event, to include four members of the school board, County Commissioner Doug Underhill, NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Keith Hoskins, Dozens of uniformed military volunteers, outstanding teachers of the year from all of our district schools, and many district business and faith-based partners.

The superintendent's office was represented by Norm Ross, who thanked the crowd profusely for their support of the schools.  (Supt. Thomas was in So. Florida attending to other district matters)

Marty Stanovich, the director of 1st Tee of Northwest Florida and former College Professor, served as master of ceremonies.

Many schools were recognized for their efforts in achieving higher levels of community involvement, and several schools have received the highest designation for this achievement (Gold Level) for decades running.

Marty Stanovich welcomes the attendees of the Escambia County School District's Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon 2015 at New World Landing Pensacola, Thursday May 7, 2015

As District 5 Board Member Bill Slayton put it in his very well-delivered  opening remarks to the assembled crowd, "We can't do what we do without you (community) supporting us."

The highlight for me was having the chance to meet and congratulate the individual award recipients on stage, and the outstanding senior volunteer of the year Margaret Gardner made a splash with everyone in the Hall.  As this 90 year old came up on the stage, she loudly proclaimed "I don't need this cane, the doctor said I do, but I don't need it"  She proceeded to High-five everyone on stage as she received her award.

It is great to be able to say thank you to all those folks that do so much for our students, and this nice event is one meaningful expression of this thanks!