Elna Flynn Outstanding Volunteer Awards: Doing Great Things for Littles

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 Elna Flynn Awards dinner will take place on Friday, May 12, 2017. It is typically a sold out event. Please contact the PTO board of your child’s school if you are interested in attending.

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

Below are the peer recommendations provided by school representatives:

Cabrillo Elementary School’s 2017 Elna Flynn Recipient, Danielle DeCot Ferris, describes the value of volunteerism in her own words, “I started volunteering because I was the mom who had a hard time letting go of her child. I wanted to keep an eye on my sons and make sure that they were happy and succeeding while they were at school.

Once I became involved, I didn't want to stop. The people that I was lucky enough to work with became my friends and my journey as a volunteer became my passion. I not only wanted what was best for my two children, I wanted what was best for all of the children at Cabrillo.

It is bittersweet to have my youngest son graduating from Cabrillo this year. While I am extremely proud of the young men that my sons have become and I am looking forward to see what the future holds for both of them, I will miss the wonderful staff and parents at Cabrillo and all of the "littles" that I have had the pleasure of meeting and helping along the way.

The last 13 years have left me with many wonderful memories that I will cherish for years to come.”

“Find a need and fill it” (from the movie “Robots”) is the motto of Ingrid B. Lacy’s Elna Flynn Recipient, John Hall. John’s volunteering days started with him signing up to work the annual Walk-A-Thon in 2008 when his son was in Kindergarten at Ortega Elementary School. John’s volunteering resume includes (but not limited to) the following: Walk-A-Thon, chaperoning field trips, helping in class/building things for teachers, Fog Fest, Chocolate Fest, Book Fairs, E-waste fundraisers, IBL website manager and PTO Board member. His favorite thing to volunteer for is the E-waste fundraiser – a labor intensive job where he is known to drive around and pick up heavy E-waste items from people he doesn’t even know. John always raises his hand with a smile when help is needed! When he’s not volunteering his time, John spends time with his family going on road trips, watching movies, and being a scout leader for Boy Scouts (again volunteering).

Barbara Bualat began volunteering for Ocean Shore School in 2005, always willing to help her two children’s teachers. Over the next twelve years, she continued to serve the community in many ways. She began her service helping in the primary grades, but continued in the school’s ombud role for the principal and the 7th and 8th grades. Barbara supported most field trips for her children’s classes including overnight trips. She even attended the weeklong Yosemite trip, spending the week supporting students and teachers alike. Barbara enjoyed her role as a classroom art volunteer, sharing her knowledge with children of various ages. She has also served the schools as a school assistant, educational services support, and now as a library media technician and reading intervention specialist. Everyone loves Barbara’s warm smile. On any day you can find her surrounded by a group of smiling and laughing children!

Nicolas Kapp, PhD and wife Tina have been parents at Ocean Shore School for 12 years. He has been a tireless volunteer, especially when it comes to the science program. Over the years Nick has taught popular hands-on science classes to students. Additionally, Nick has been involved with the after school program teaching science and robotics for many years. He is especially dedicated to involving girls in STEAM programs. In fact, he spearheaded the Ocean Shore all-girls robotics team, which has participated in many competitions and presentations. In addition to enhancing the science program Nick can be counted on to drive field trips and generally lend a hand with whatever teachers need, even when he had all three children at the school. Perhaps most noteworthy is Nick’s easy-going and fun-loving attitude that have made him a fan favorite with both teachers and students alike. We are delighted to honor this awesome volunteer.

In 2008, as her son was beginning kindergarten, Julia Hall didn’t know anyone at Ortega Elementary School. She was looking for a way to meet people and get involved in the community. On her first day, she met Laverne Villalobos, who suggested she volunteer in the school library. Soon, Julia was running the Book Fair, and restructuring it to make the library self-sufficient.

Julia’s next major project was launching Ortega’s science program with Mary Cheng in 2009. The program was rolled out one grade at a time, and before long it was thriving. In 2013, Julia, Mary and Stephanie Trelogan won the prestigious J. Russell Kent award from the San Mateo School Boards Association for their work with the science program.

Beyond the library and the science lab, Julia and her husband (fellow Elna Flynn winner John) chip in all over the school. As Julia said, “If someone needs help, I always help them.”

When people are asked to describe Corinne Cottrell, the same phrases show up again and again: exuberant, fun, upbeat, “positive energy.” Despite dealing with a serious illness, Corinne has brought this positive energy to countless volunteer roles at Ortega, from fundraising to Field Day. Whether she’s encouraging students as they decorate the school office, or just serving them popcorn, she manages to connect with each child personally.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the school variety show, which Corinne has directed several times. She brings her theater background and infectious enthusiasm to the production. “I just encourage the kids to express themselves,” she said, “and I love to see how happy it makes them.”

Corinne draws inspiration from the “heart of gold” of Ortega school secretary Lynne Maggioncalda, who was once her preschool teacher. She also credits her grandfather. “He had a simple motto: if you can, do”

Sunset Ridge is proud to announce our two Elna Flynn winners, Liz Blasier and Christina Zuffinetti.

Christina Zuffinetti. is mom to twins that are in 5th grade. She has spent numerous hours supporting her children over the years and has had a positive impact on the lives of the rest of the children at Sunset Ridge. She is our PTO Secretary and has done an amazing job supporting school events. Christina has participated in many school fundraisers, attended multiple fieldtrips, and attended countless meetings. Christina has helped out with our Girl Scout Troop. She has also been Room Parent and helped plan special events for children and staff. She also helped with the plan the 5th grade promotion as a 4th grade parent. Christina has made a difference not only in her own children’s lives but in the lives of each and everyone of the children at Sunset Ridge.

Liz Blasier is our PTO President and has had a big impact on our school community. She has created a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. Liz is a parent to a 2nd grader and future Kindergartener. Liz has great organizational skills and has built a team that gets things done. She has organized and participated in fundraisers and community events including the Boo Fest, Shopping it’s a Trip, Pancake Breakfast, and countless other events. Liz has a secret weapon that supports her and Sunset Ridge. Her husband, Dave, is always around and willing to help out. Liz and Dave have created our weekly Paw Print that provides information about school happenings to our families. They are the people behind the famous “Movie Nights”. They are a dynamite team and we look forward to their continued support.

Vallemar School is proud to announce Jennifer Guibadoulline and Sherri Murray as our two 2017 Elna Flynn recipients.

Jennifer Guibadoulline has been a dedicated Vallemar Parent for nine years. She has three children: Sonja (5th grade), Emil (7th grade), and Berg (Vallemar graduate). She has helped out in her children’s classrooms with art projects and making copies. Jennifer has been a lead parent in our after school Junior Olympics program for eight years, helping with registration and attending practices and events. She has also been an active volunteer in our band program for 3 years, helping with uniform distribution, chaperoning band events, and helping with all that is needed. Most recently, Jennifer has become our go to parent for supporting our English Language Learners. She works with them one on one on developing their reading, writing, and speaking English skills. It quite amazing what she accomplishes with those students who come to us with little or no English.

Sherri Murray is graduating after nine years as a parent volunteer! Her daughter, Julia, will be walking across the stage this year with the class of 2017. Sherri has supplied us with her talents and sense of humor for many years. She is one of our go-to parents for graphic design for flyers, signs, and t-shirt design. Sherri has been a supporter of our band program for 3 years volunteering where needed with a smile. She has helped prepare class materials, projects, and helped with PE activities. Sherri has also been an active volunteer for our Book Fair set-up and take down, the Art Show, Jump/Hoops for Heart event, our Ability Awareness event, and the Variety Show.

Jennifer Guibadoulline and Sherri Murray are dedicated to our school, students, staff, and community. They are always there to lend a helping hand. We are very fortunate to have them and their children as part of our school family.