Arlington schools honor parent volunteers in IKEA-sponsored awards

The Arlington School Board on Monday recognized a slate of parent volunteers across district schools in a monthly presentation sponsored by IKEA.

Superintendent Dr. Clark opened the segment by noting IKEA's support for district partnerships and workforce-aligned learning opportunities and introduced Larry Edwards of IKEA, who attended the meeting to present awards. "Each month, IKEA sponsors the parent volunteer award," Clark said, noting the company's support for student learning and extracurricular programming.

Recipients included Gary Smart of Arlington High School, who was lauded for years of service to the marching band and presented a certificate and a $100 IKEA gift card; Lisa Powers (read in absentia) of Arlington Middle School for sustained PTA and volunteer leadership; James and Heather Harden of Arlington Elementary School for eight years leading the school's parade float effort; and Diana Stewart of Donaldson Elementary for organizing room parents and fundraising events.

The board and audience responded to the recognitions with extended praise for the volunteers and the district's band program, which board members said had recently performed in a large stadium and earned multiple awards. "Above all else, Mr. Smart is a friend to everyone he meets and helps make Arlington High School a truly special place," the superintendent read when presenting Smart's nomination.

The recognitions underscored ongoing partnerships between the district and outside supporters; Edwards and the administration said the awards are part of a broader effort to connect business partners to classroom and career-preparation experiences.

The meeting then moved on to other agenda items.