PUSD pays tribute to top volunteers

Nearly 60 volunteers were recognized for their service at the Peoria Unified School District's annual Volunteer Recognition at Cactus High School on April 23.

One volunteer is selected from each school as a VIP - Volunteer In Peoria. These honorees possess qualities such as dependability, dedication, cooperative nature and an overall passion for helping others.

Throughout the 2007-08 school year, nearly 3,500 volunteers logged more than 45,500 hours on behalf of the more than 37,000 students and more than 4,000 staff.

Four volunteers won honors for their contributions. This year's Volunteers Make A Difference award winner is Heidi Sanchez from Desert Valley Elementary. Cheyenne Elementary's Carol Snyder received the 'Volunteering is Priceless' award which is given to Peoria's top senior (55 and older) volunteer. The Peoria Educational Enrichment Foundation selected Cynthia Marin as it's top volunteer award recipient; and PUSD's Arts Education department chose Michelle Myers as an outstanding volunteer for her efforts at the Annual Arts Festival.

A volunteer from each of the District's 37 schools was recognized at the event. The volunteers from the elementary schools are: Trina Mohler, Alta Loma; Richard Sporski, Apache; Jamie Deffner, Canyon; Yesenia Granado, Cheyenne; Marilyn Baker, Copperwood; Won Ohlinger, Cotton Boll; Nancie Vaughn, Country Meadows; Theresa Gunn, Coyote Hills; Sandi Politte, Desert Harbor; Mary Andreacchi-Roberts, Desert Palms; Heidi Sanchez, Desert Valley; Joetta Cardis, Foothills; Carol Satran, Frontier; Deby Guffy, Heritage; Russell Vandendriesche, Ira A. Murphy; Kim Brezinski, Kachina; Rebecca Knollhuff, Marshall Ranch; Angie Riggs, Oakwood; Carole Vesely, Oasis; Kathy Mihocko, Parkridge; Diane Herr, Paseo Verde; Maria Sigala, Peoria; Leslie Locklear, Pioneer; Paula Toepfer, Sahuaro Ranch; Lisa Espinoza, Santa Fe; Val Bondeson, Sky View; Cari McDaniel, Sundance; Donna Gorman, Sun Valley; Tara Bare, Vistancia and Jaclyn Gonzalez, Zuni Hills.

The VIPs from the high schools are: Victoria Alzona, Cactus; Billie Murillo, Centennial; James and Judy Wolfe, Ironwood; Jessica Goeller, Liberty High; Norm Zimmerman, Peoria High; Ann Rawlings, Raymond S. Kellis High; and Lloydean Dupont, Sunrise Mountain.

Additionally, some schools have outstanding senior (55+) volunteers who were recognized. The seniors honored this year are: Suzanne Grant, Alta Loma; Debi Wojnar, Apache; Carol Snyder, Cheyenne; Donna Billingsley, Copperwood; Shelagh Brunet, Coyote Hills; Lorna Niemantsverdriet, Desert Harbor; Carol Turner, Foothills; Rosanne Kole, Frontier; Betty Glynn, Heritage; Yvonne Mackey, Ira A. Murphy; Jeanine Hartt, Kachina; Joyce Heard, Oakwood; Donna Erbland, Oasis; Roberta Yancy, Peoria Elementary; Barb Kalish, Pioneer; Sue Hudson, Sun Valley; Joan Simpson, Sunrise Mountain High; Barbara Keller, Vistancia; and Raul Rios, Zuni Hills.

The district thanks the Macerich Company for its support and acknowledges the generous donations from: Arriba Mexican Grill, Bill Johnson's Big Apple Restaurant, Carrabba's Italian Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, Chick-fil-A, Cucina Tagliani, Desert Schools Coyote Center, Dillon's Restaurant, Elephant Bar Restaurant, Five and Diner, Harkins Theater, Lone Star Steakhouse, Mimis Café, Sandbar Mexican Grill, Stephanie's Hair Design and Day Spa, and Westcor.