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Okaloosa School Board recognizes Reverend Hayes as District Volunteer of the Year
Summary
At its meeting, the Okaloosa County School Board honored Reverend Hayes for 13 years of mentoring and more than 1,300 volunteer hours supporting Walker Elementary students and the Crestview community.
The Okaloosa County School Board on Wednesday recognized Reverend Hayes as the district's 2024'25 Volunteer of the Year for his work at Walker Elementary School.
Superintendent Chambers told the board that "Reverend Hayes has been a devoted volunteer mentor at Walker for 13 years, given over 1,300 hours of his time to support more than 60 students," praising his weekly mentoring, goal-setting and role on the school advisory council. Assistant Principal Miss Young said Hayes' mentoring gives stability for students who do not always have consistent adults at home, adding that "we can't do the job that we do without him." Reverend Hayes, accepting the recognition, said he was "double thrilled" to learn he had been chosen districtwide and that he plans "to continue to work until we can't do it anymore."
Board members offered additional praise during the recognition. One board member noted that the Hayes family has long roots in North Crestview and called the family "a pillar in our community." Another said volunteers like Hayes "open doors every day" for schools across the district. The board did not take a formal vote on the recognition; the presentation was part of the meeting's recognition segment.
The board highlighted the broader scale of community support for the district: one member said the district had received nearly $500,000 in community gifts and donations over the previous 10 to 11 months and emphasized that donated time has a separate, "priceless" value.
The presentation included remarks from Superintendent Chambers, Walker Elementary assistant principal Miss Young, and several school board members; a short photo opportunity followed the ceremony.
