​ Elna Flynn Outstanding Volunteer Awards 2020: Care in Chaos

The Elna Flynn Outstanding Volunteer Awards are inspired by the life of Elna Flynn (1930-1987). Elna Flynn was the consummate Pacifica volunteer who spent her time in classrooms and served as president of the PTA at Portola School and of the Laguna Salada PTA Council, served on the 17th District PTA for San Mateo County, and was a founder of the Oceana Scholarship and Activities Foundation.

The annual awards ceremony to recognize the 2019-2020 individual school recipients was postponed due to Shelter in Place and COVID-19 restrictions. The event has now been pre-recorded and will be broadcast on Pacific Coast TV (PCT) on Thursday, November 12th at 6:30 pm. A YouTube link will also be provided for friends and families to view that live outside of Pacifica.

This award celebrates those individuals who volunteer countless hours of time in the name of education.

Listed below are the commendations of those who received peer recommendations. Information was provided by school representatives:

Congratulations to Roxane Fields, Cabrillo Elementary School’s Elna Flynn recipient! When her son started kindergarten Roxane remembers, “During those first few years it felt like I lived there but it was worth it! I got to know the teachers and students really well. I’m lucky that my job encourages volunteering and allowed me to adjust my schedule to volunteer at school.”

For the last nine years, Roxane has served in almost every capacity including classroom volunteer, Art teacher, field trip driver and coordinator, class liaison, scheduler and fundraiser. She also got volunteers from her work, to help at Cabrillo’s Pop of Color 5k and Candyland fundraisers. Thank you, Roxane!

In 2016, when Erika Heusser’s daughter Alana was a 6th grader, she started volunteering at Ingrid B.Lacy Middle School (IBL). Since then, she has served as the PTO Volunteer Coordinator, chaperoned field trips, and sold countless popsicles! She helped at Picture Day, Greek Fest, and Challenge Day. Her most rewarding volunteer moment came during 8th grade commencement activities. She had known many of the graduates since they were in preschool. She appreciates the wonderful staff and teachers who have been so welcoming to her. As her son Mark finishes his last year at IBL, we reflect on how grateful we are for all that Erika has given to our school!

Stacy Russell has been instrumental in guiding the IBL PTO over the past six years, first as President and then as Vice President. Her leadership helped to fund field trips for every student at IBL, purchase thousands of dollars of books for the school library and IBL’s 1:1 Chromebook program. At any time, you could find Stacy helping with Greek Fest, selling Spirit Wear, chairing PTO meetings, or spearheading multiple school fundraisers. Her dedication and commitment over the years has helped to make IBL a wonderful school for our community. We truly thank her for all that she has done.

In her work with Linda Mar Educational Center (LMEC), Ann has dedicated countless hours providing instruction to our students and volunteering her time to help take care of the beautiful garden that she designed. She worked with local businesses to get materials donated, built garden beds and provided our school with everything needed to make an organic, sustainable garden. Ann provides exciting and interactive weekly lessons that teach students about food and nutrition. She has created a space of tranquility for our staff as well. As we cope with changes brought on from the pandemic, we all benefit from taking time to slow down, visit the garden and recharge.

Ocean Shore School recognizes Aprile Uhland, a parent of three, who has been part of the school for 16 years. She has been a lead Art Coordinator most recently, guided Oceans 411 themes, and is responsible for beautiful mosaics all over campus. Aprile says “As art coordinator, I have been able to find my tribe, a wonderful, dedicated, group of creatives, artists, and makers who bring so many different strengths and who lovingly teach art to the students of OSS. I am thankful to my own family for being supportive of me.” Aprile’s organization, energy and creativity will be deeply missed.

Ocean Shore recognizes Petra Schumann, also lead Art Coordinator. Petra taught art at OSS for nine years. She remarked on the wonder of watching Rosie, her child, and peers grow from energetic little scribblers into creative, talented teens. A fellow parent said, “We are so lucky to have someone with an extensive background in the arts. Petra spends time not just with kids who are interested in art, but also with kids who aren’t. She invests energy in making them feel amazing after achieving what they thought they couldn’t.” OSS hopes Petra will stop by from time to time.

Ocean Shore also recognizes Katie Weitz as part of the Art Trio. Katie, grandma to three OSS children, has been lead "art-grandma" for 12 years. She “will greatly miss my time at OSS. I love the volunteer program and I truly believe it brings a special spirit of participation and volunteerism to the children”. Mary Sue Baldassare, also an Elna Flynn recipient in 2018, says of her mother “her work ethic and willingness to help others has been the model for how I have lived my life.”. Katie touched so many school-wide art projects that she will not be forgotten.

Ortega Elementary School is ecstatic to honor Julie Stewart and Lisa McNichol as the recipients of the Elna Flynn Award for Outstanding School Volunteer. Ottertown thanks you for your positive energy, meticulous planning, and creativity that has brought joy to many students, families, and staff over the years.

After being introduced to each other in the Ortega parking lot 5 years ago, the two paired up to focus on free social events that would build upon the school community. Lisa and Julie served as Ortega's Activity Coordinators from 2016-2020. Described as the “dream team” by Ortega families and staff, they organized over 80 school events over the years. Favorites events include outdoor Movie Nights, Back to School Ice Cream Socials, the annual Hoedown, and the talent show.

Julie and Lisa are proud to have contributed to Ortega's community and to have added to their children's school memories. Julie's children Hayden, 8th grade and Kyra, 6th grade have graduated while Lisa's children Jack, 5th grade and Lucy 3rd grade are currently attending Ortega. Lisa is still a member of the Ortega PTO and is currently serving on the Fundraising Committee.

Lisa Weiss is the proud parent of a now-2nd grader at Sunset Ridge Elementary School. “I first met Lisa on a school tour. She immediately connected with our school community and began volunteering in our Spanish class with Maestra Otero before her son started,” wrote Amy Ferrell Cole. She spent hours supporting all students in the Spanish classes- helping with copying, preparing, and organizing activities for the kids. She joined the PTO as a member at large and has volunteered at school events including Boo Fest, Pancake Breakfast, and a lot of PTO meetings. She has been a room parent multiple times assisting with classroom activities and field trips.

Anrey Bartoszynski is the proud parent of a 4th grader and a 2nd grader. An quickly became an integral part of the Sunset Ridge community. She joined the Sunset Ridge PTO and this year is Vice President. An loves technology as it relates to social media. She has revamped the school’s PTO website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. She is fabulous at keeping all the sites up to date. An also organized Sunset Ridge’s first ever rummage sale and coordinated the school’s spirit wear. An was the Spirit Squad coach- winning the coveted Spirit Trophy at the Jr. Olympics.

Vallemar School is proud to announce Charlotte Allen as our 2020 Elna Flynn recipient. Charlotte has been a dedicated Vallemar parent for nine years! With the support of her two amazing children Avery (9th Grade) and Quinn (5th Grade), and her husband Jim by her side, Charlotte has made such a tremendous impact on our school.

When asked to describe Charlotte, this is what was said by our community: “Charlotte is the most dedicated, caring, selfless, loving, giving volunteer I know. She has helped raise thousands of dollars for our school, has run many fundraisers from start to finish, some with little to no help and some of her own creation. Charlotte will literally lay awake at night and think of ways to make Vallemar a better place for our kids. She has cried, sweat, and bled for our school. Nailing every kindergarten tour, hauling heavy tables, running a vAcademy class, baking at 5am, wearing costumes at every event possible, standing in the rain asking for donations, promoting online, donating her own funds, all while keeping a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She embodies the best of Vallemar School and deserves this award.”

“Charlotte is dedicated to making Vallemar School the best place for staff, students, and our families. She is truly a super-mom! She is selfless in every way and inspires us on a daily basis to be better and work harder. Her positive attitude is infectious and makes us all want to be the best we can be. She is truly an inspiration to us all.”

During her time as PTO president, Charlotte has been dedicated to fostering community building and family engagement through her positivity and actions. She is always available to respond to an email, take a phone call, or lend a helping hand to ensure that everyone feels supported. Charlotte has encouraged volunteerism, direct donations, and has helped add back the fun in FUNdraisers, making the PTO efforts more successful than ever!

Some of Charlotte’s favorite volunteer moments include doing the kindergarten tours, starting the kindergarten summer play dates at Frontierland Park, attending field trips with her children, helping with all aspects of the outdoor movie nights, being the MC for our Fall Fun Fest, helping out as the Mystery Reader in Mrs. Shives’ class, participating in the Family Engagement Team, and being the auctioneer at our parent auction night.

“Charlotte contributes her heart and soul to every fundraiser, and activity, is the first to arrive, and the last to go home. She has truly gone above and beyond to make Vallemar the best school for all who have the honor to attend! We are so very fortunate to have Charlotte and her family as part of our school family. Thank you!”