Volunteer Recognized for Sharing Musical Talents

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) recognizes educators, employees and volunteers each month from September to June during the school year. Awards are presented at Board of Education meetings and Patch is pleased to announce the honorees.

The January "Volunteer of the Month" is Jackie Knox, who shares her talents with students at Broadneck Elementary and Magothy River Middle School. According to the AACPS website, the Volunteer of the Month is chosen by a committee made up of staff from the Office of School & Family Partnerships and parents.

Here is the text of the speech presented at the Jan. 9 meeting in honor of Knox:

Plato observed, “Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”

Surely our Volunteer of the Month knows this to be true.  For years, she has generously shared her passion and musical talents with the students of Broadneck Elementary School and now Magothy River Middle School.  The Board of Education is pleased to honor Mrs. Jackie Knox as January’s Volunteer of the Month.

Broadneck students know Mrs. Knox as the ever-present pianist.  She has accompanied music teacher Pete Thompson and students during chorus programs, 5^th grade plays, and school-wide programs for seven years.  Mrs. Knox devotes tremendous time practicing at home and with students to help ensure successful performances, and always with a reassuring smile.  “It is amazing how many hours of service Mrs. Knox has donated to Broadneck Elementary School!” exclaims Principal Alison Lee.

In addition, Mrs. Knox has chaired the PTO’S Enrichment Committee, organizing and overseeing many activities such as the Book, Chess, and Spanish Clubs and the newly-formed Destination Imagination Teams. 

When her eldest daughter moved onto Magothy River Middle School, Mrs. Knox assisted both schools’ music programs.  She helps the middle school’s drama program with costumes and even tutors several students in science. 

Even now, with her children in middle and high school, Mrs. Knox continues to provide her services for every Broadneck Elementary chorus performance, totaling no fewer than twelve events per year.  Music teacher Pete Thompson says, “Parents, teachers, and students have all come to know and love Mrs. Knox.  Our school’s many programs and activities wouldn’t be the same without her.”

Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Roberts, writes, “Mrs. Knox fills our school with beautiful music for our children to sing along to.  Our community is spoiled to have such a devoted volunteer.  I am not sure we could ever fully express how much we appreciate the gifts of her talent, time, patience and willingness she gives to our school.”

Jackie Knox, would you please come forward?  With great appreciation, I would like to present this Volunteer of the Month Certificate and Bell to you.

Click here to nominate a deserving AACPS educator, employee or volunteer.

Do you know Jackie Knox? Tell us in the comments.