ViPS Awards and Annual Recognition
'An Evening for the Stars' is an annual volunteer appreciation event for all who support the district, giving of their time and resources to make a difference in our schools.
LRSD volunteers were recently celebrated at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center during National Volunteer Appreciation Month (April 2025). Seventy award nominees were honored . The following award recipients were spotlighted :
Rachel Knox, Jane Mendel Award | Kimberly Badejo, Family Volunteer Award |
Katy Campbell, Leadership Award | Lauren Ritchie, Family Volunteer Award |
Colton Gilbert, Mentor-Tutor Award | Melvin & Karen Swift, Community Volunteer |
Legendary Institute, PIE Mentor Award | Keith Saine, Community Volunteer Award |
Darian Smith, Alumni Volunteer Award | Deborah Ramsey, Employee Volunteer |
Ethan Sadli, Student Volunteer Award | Marthelle Hadley, Employee Volunteer |
Saint Mark Baptist Church, PIE Award | Kevin Pranoto. Community Resource |
Aaron Lubin, Champion Award | CDI Contractors. Community Resource |
Forest Park PTA, Family Engagement |
The following individuals reported over 250 volunteer service hours for the 2024-2025, qualifying for the President's Volunteer Service Award. Congratulations Jason Crader and Susan Jackson for achieving Lifetime Recognition, with each serving over 4,ooo hours in a ten year period!
The ECONOMIC IMPACT of LRSD volunteer service to our district is worth over $23 million.
Thank you volunteers and partners for sharing your time, services, and resources with our students and schools.
Take a look at the 2024 Event Review:
2024 'An Evening for the Stars': The ViPS Board of Directors hosted the 2024 'An Evening for the Stars' at the City Center on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Volunteers, Partners in Education, LRSD employees and the community celebrated their support, which has benefited LRSD schools and students. Volunteer service reported for 2023-24 totaled 709,269 hours, with a district-wide economic impact worth over $22,500,000. Nominees and winners were honored at this annual event with U of A legendary basketball player - Pat Bradley - serving as emcee.
(Left to Right) Debbie Bass, Rita Qualls, Lisa Hope, Nell Matthews, Charlene Kirk, Dr. Jermall Wright - Superintendent, Gabriel Bond - 2024 Jane Mendel Award, Phil Burch, Pat Bradley - emcee, Ginny Belotti, Greta Freeman, Denise Persons and Patty Barker
