District honors foster grandparents for classroom volunteering and celebrates Lakeview girls' state championship

Superintendent Dr. Eloy used part of the April 8 school board meeting to recognize community volunteers and student achievement. He introduced Miss Ramona Winder and the district’s foster grandparent volunteers, and recognized Coach Fuller and the Lakeview Lady Gators after the team captured the school’s first girls basketball state championship.

Ramona Winder said the district’s foster grandparent program has made a notable impact in classrooms during its first year. She told the board the district currently has seven foster grandmothers serving in classrooms at Weaver and LP Vaughn, and that an eighth volunteer will start later this week; the board did not provide a definitive school‑level split for the current seven. Winder said host teachers reported the volunteers “have been a blessing” and serve as “the extra hand” and emotional support many students need.

Several foster grandmothers were named and invited to the front of the board room for certificates and photographs, including Barbara Hillaire, Vioria (spelled in the record as) Neil, Brenda Pack, Sheila Lodridge, Sheila Peer, Barbara Samuel and Sandra Patterson. The record indicates one planned volunteer, Anita DuBois, was not present.

Superintendent Dr. Eloy also invited Coach Fuller and members of the Lady Gators to the dais. Fuller described a season of “ups and downs” and praised his assistants and players: “These young ladies put a lot of hard work into it,” he said. The board presented official LSSA state championship medals and took group photographs.

Superintendent’s office and community partners contributed refreshments and gift items to recognize volunteers; local businesses and donors listed during the meeting included Chick‑fil‑A, Engaged Federal Credit Union, Raising Cane’s, John Torrance State Farm, Tasty Teas Treats LLC, Walmart, and Southern Classic (as reported by district staff).