The Virginia Children and Youth Task Force has announced that two Rockingham County school volunteers are recipients of this year's Region 5 "May is the Month for Children Awards." The recipients are Nancy Byrd, who volunteers at Ottobine Elementary School, and Selina Sanders, who volunteers at Plains Elementary School.
Mrs. Byrd, of Dayton, has participated in the Big Brothers / Big Sisters mentor program at Ottobine for the past four years. She is the second consecutive winner from Ottobine. Last year, the Task Force recognized Ottobine volunteer Kenneth "Jake" Cook, who also participated in the mentor program.
Ms. Sanders is a senior at Broadway High School and her goal is to become an elementary school teacher. Through Broadway's Peer Tutor program, Ms. Sanders has served throughout the year in Anne Moomaw's third-grade classroom at Plains. She is a daughter of Roger and Toni Sanders of Harrisonburg.
This is the fifth year that the awards have been given by the Task Force. In 1995, the Virginia General Assembly resolved that each May will be "The Month for Children" in Virginia. The mission of the award program is to provide a yearly forum to recognize and appreciate children, youth and their mentors for the good they do, and to create awareness throughout the State of the contributions they make to the communities in which they live and learn. The Rockingham volunteers will receive their awards during a May 4 reception, sponsored by the Task Force, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.
For further information about Mrs. Byrd, please contact Lisa Stefancin or Donna Detrich at Ottobine Elementary School (879-9712). For further information about Ms. Sanders, please contact Michelle Ornstein at Broadway High School (896-7081). For general information about volunteer programs in Rockingham County Public Schools, please e-mail or call Bob Grimesey, Director of Grants and Partnerships (564-3231).