Highlands County School Board honors volunteers, dedicates reading nook in memory of longtime helper

The Highlands County School board recognized volunteers from across the district at its April meeting, honoring individuals who reported from about 18 to 800 hours of service and dedicating a new reading area at Lake Country Elementary in memory of longtime volunteer James Bozeman.

Board Chair and Superintendent introductions opened the district’s volunteer recognition segment, which included presentations by school staff and district volunteers coordinators. Jasmine Hamilton, the district volunteer coordinator, and Carla Ball, director of human resources, presented Volunteer of the Year awards from individual schools.

Why it matters: The board’s recognition highlights the scale of unpaid contributions that district staff and schools rely on for activities ranging from classroom reading to organizing fundraisers and chaperoning trips.

Staff and school representatives described hours and roles for award winners. Sebring High School presented Rebecca Brake, credited with about 125 hours working with the band program, including organizing chaperones and fundraising. Cracker Trail Elementary honored Tricia Cox for more than 85 hours of service. Memorial Elementary recognized Judith Eckstein for about 18 hours focused on reading support. Lake Placid Elementary honored Mike Floyd for roughly 42 hours of volunteer work that included facility improvements and event support. Sebring Middle School named Rachel Moore for about 150 hours designing costumes and supporting theater productions. Sun and Lake Elementary honored Vincent Walker for about 150 hours running a boys’ mentoring program. Park Elementary recognized Shavon White for about 60 hours organizing events and the school’s annual Christmas shop. Lake Country Elementary’s Volunteer of the Year, James Bozeman, was credited with an estimated 800 hours; he died before the ceremony and his daughter accepted the recognition.

Lake Country principal Mrs. Halloran said Bozeman “never had a lack of a sense of humor” and described his decades of service; the district announced the dedication of “Bozeman’s Book Nook,” a new reading center in the school library. District officials also read names of volunteers who could not attend, including Christie and Ray Bossert (Woodlawn Elementary, ~200 hours) and Timothy Ferreira (Avon Park High School, ~400 hours).

The board and administrators thanked bus drivers, principals and administrative assistants during the same segment as part of broader appreciation remarks. Several board members and the superintendent made brief remarks praising volunteers and noting the role volunteers play in school events and student support.

The recognition segment concluded with brief board business that followed the ceremonial presentations.