Volunteers Recognized by Pasco School District

Two volunteers from New Port Richey and Holiday schools were recognized by the Pasco County School District for outstanding service on Tuesday.

Schools district-wide nominate one youth, one adult and one senior volunteer to compete for Outstanding School Volunteer. The nominations are reviewed by a committee, which selects one volunteer in each category.

The judging criteria includes years of service, extraordinary contributions and impact, according to the Pasco School Board.

In the senior category, "Chef" Vince Blancato, a volunteer at Gulfside Elementary School, was chosen for his contributions to the health and wellness of Gulfside students. Blancato sings and dances with the children, works with them in the school's garden and teaches health and nutrition classes to second graders, according to a video shown during the award ceremony at the school board's regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 22.

In the youth category, Longleaf Elementary School volunteer Austin Lindhorst was selected by the committee for his dedication to the students. Lindhorst, a River Ridge senior, has volunteered at the school for three years, assisting students and teachers with classwork, errands and activities.

“I enjoy making people happy and helping others, ” Lindhorst said in the video presentation.

The third winner, Delores Kitchner, won in the adult category from Fox Hollow Elementary School in Port Richey.

Do you know outstanding volunteers? Let us know about them by commenting below!