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In February, the Valhalla School Board rolled out its new Valhalla Volunteer Service Award. The award was developed by the seven-member board to motivate residents and to promote good deeds throughout the community.
The program’s goal is to encourage more individuals – both students and adults, whether or not within the school district – to give back to the local community. All Valhalla community members are invited to participate, regardless of age or involvement with the school district.
“The VVSA was developed to inspire residents and students, and to evoke the spirit of volunteerism,” said School Board Member Robert Ierace. “Volunteers learn quickly that the rewards of seeing a program meeting the needs of the community far outweigh the time and effort spent putting that program together."
The award is earned for volunteered service hours during the previous 12-month period. The inaugural Valhalla Volunteer Service Award ceremony, where participants will be recognized for their achievements, will take place in June 2016.
The award’s needed service hours differ based on age range. Children between 5-10 require more than 75 hours, while those between 11-15 need more than 100 hours. Young adults between 16-19 need 250 hours. Adults 20 and older require more than 500 hours.
The Valhalla Volunteer Service Award also offers a special Lifetime Achievement Award for participants who complete more than 4,000 hours of community service in their lifetime with this program.
“This is a different type of program,” said Valhalla School Board President LaVerne Clark. “It’s an opportunity to highlight the service that our students, staff, parents and community members are doing for Valhalla. Without them, the district wouldn’t be what it is.”
At a June 2016 Board of Education meeting celebrating the participants, the award recipients will receive a personalized certificate and an official token from the Valhalla Board of Education.
Flyers, criteria, eligibility requirements and downloadable forms are available on the Valhalla Schools’ website and from the District Clerk, Rosa Abbondola.
Next May, the completed forms can be submitted to Abbondola at rabbondola@valhallaschools.org.
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