The Selma Times-Journal

Eighty-nine volunteers were honored during the Dallas County School System’s Volunteer and Business Appreciation Luncheon last week at the Carl Morgan Convention Center.

Parent facilitators Dorothy Irvin, Elaine Poole and Dorothy Adams coordinated the annual event. All agree the luncheon is a means to express the school system’s gratitude for its dedicated volunteers.

“The education process is a shared responsibility of students, staff, parents and the community,” Adams said, “and it is when we all come together as a team that we can empower out children to reach for the stars and beyond.”

“This is a time we always set aside to honor them and they look forward to it,” added Poole. “(The luncheon) is a way to show our appreciation.”

Local businesses were also thanked for their support, notably JCPenney, McDonald’s, Taylor Sports, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie. Irvin says the businesses have “gone over and beyond” to help the school system.

Guest speaker was District Judge Bob Armstrong, who told the volunteers they are responsible for planting the seeds of hope for generations to come.

“Keep on keeping on, keep doing what you’re doing because it’s making a difference,” Armstrong said.

Following Armstrong’s address, the Keith High School Choir sang “Oh Happy Day” for the volunteers. Superintendent Dr. Fannie Major-McKenzie also offered words of inspiration after the volunteers were treated to a catered lunch.

Irvin said volunteer numbers are on the rise within Dallas County schools, especially in the high schools, where volunteers are often sparse.

(Volunteerism) is so important because it helps (students) achieve more,” Irvin said. “Grades go up, truancy goes down…”

Dallas County principals were on hand to recognize volunteers at their respective campus. Volunteers honored are:

Southside Primary

Jalania Buchanon, Teresa Carter, Leone Childers, Jacqueline Dower, Mary Ann Guthridge, Brenda Hall, Dorothy Hardy, Tracy McConico, Selma Christian Ministries, Wanda Perez, Virginia Thicklin and *Angela Williams.

Bruce K. Craig

Brennetta Brown, Sonya Brown, Willie Malone and Sophonia Surles.

Southside High

Jackie Averhart, Alton Brown, Roosevelt Byrd, Patricia Hall, Wil Jackson, Hosea James, Yvette Marzette, Rick McConico, Ovetta Moultrie, Clarence Smiley, Alberta Smith, Gail Thicklin, James Watts, James Williams and Valerie Wilson.

Tracey Bell, Sandra Blevins, Jimmy Hardy, Felicia Marsh, Catherine Rayford, Amanda Thomas and * Rev. Darrell Tucker.

J.E. Terry

Darren Atchison, Denise McKinney and Belinda Strout.

Tipton

Earl Bender, Emily Richardson, Doris Sprague and *Pandora Wilkerson.

Dallas County High

Chuck and Lisa Bagby, Thomas and Vicki Beach, Dave and Melanie Davis, Lesley Felts, James Frederick, Robert Green, Mundi Ingram, Mike and Laurie McAfee, Mike and Chris Melton, and Art and Pam Powers.

Brantley

Betty Ford, Louise Howard and Vera Waller.

Five Points

Addie Allen, Lonzy Clifton, * Roy Edwards, * Shirley Edwards, Deborah Hatcher and Carmen Parker.

Shiloh

* Michael Jackson and Patricia McGuire

Keith High

Melvin F. Brown, * Betty Ellis, * Darrell Irby, Vivian James, Joann Johnson, Ammie Jones, Bertha Jones, Dorothy and Herbert Jones, Louvenia and William Lumpkin, Felicia Pettway, JoCeleste Pettway, Sonya Pettway, Lorenzo Richardson, Lee Ester Underwood and Lula Waters

(*) Indicates individual volunteers at more than one school.