Hawks honored as Surry County Schools Volunteer of the Year

Each year, individual schools select one volunteer to represent it and to compete for the coveted title of Surry County Schools Volunteer of the Year.

Surry County Schools recently announce Liesa Hawks as the 2024 Surry County Schools Volunteer of the Year. Hawks volunteers at Franklin Elementary.

Principal Sharia Templeton said, “Liesa Hawks has been selected as the VOY for FES for the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Hawks has volunteered at our school for several years but has truly gone above and beyond this year to make her presence felt by both our students and our staff. She can often be found helping in the media center to shelve books, clean, or even run the Book Fair.

“She has packed food bags, filled the clothing closet, washed clothes, glued together warm fuzzies, created bulletin boards, helped to hide hundreds of Easter eggs, and simply been a willing person to help in any way she may be called upon.”

Templeton added, “She takes time to sincerely talk to students and staff, and is described as being kind, caring, upbeat, positive, and always having a smile to share whenever you see her in the hallways. Like most volunteers, she frequently works behind the scenes and never expects recognition from anyone in return. Mrs. Hawks has shown through her efforts that she is dedicated to helping Franklin Elementary be a place that is inviting and supportive for us all! She has truly made an impact on our school and we give her a huge Paws high as our 2023-2024 Volunteer of the Year.”

Superintendent Dr. Travis L. Reeves thanked Surry County School System volunteers at the program, stating, “Surry County Schools is so fortunate to have so many volunteers working with our students in our schools. We are grateful that you are here this afternoon as the representatives for your school. We are grateful that you return day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year to donate your time and energy to the success of our students.”

While Hawks took home the top honors across the distinct, school across the district recognized their own Volunteer of the Year.

Individual school winners were:

Cedar Ridge Elementary: Chester McMillian

Central Middle: Ricky Thomas

Copeland Elementary: Ashley Bingman

East Surry High: Mindy Chilton

Flat Rock Elementary: Melissa Wight

Gentry Middle: Debbie Jarrell

Meadowview Magnet Middle: Jessica Montgomery

Mountain Park Elementary: Debbie Money

North Surry High: Donald Bingman

Pilot Mountain Elementary: Charlotte Cassell

Pilot Mountain Middle: Bethany Riddle

Rockford Elementary: Mollie Coe

Shoals Elementary: Kimberly Snow

Surry Central High: Beth Atkins

Surry Early College: Tina Beasley

Westfield Elementary: Heather Johnson

White Plains Elementary: Judy Joyce