Dianne Uzzell honored as Volunteer of the Year
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 25, 2018 5:50 AM
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Dianne Uzzell, center, a volunteer at Eastern Wayne High School, was chosen volunteer of the year for Wayne County Public Schools for 2017-2018. Also pictured during the recent ceremony recognizing volunteers from each of the district schools, as well as businesses and organizations making contributions to the school, were Board of Education members Chris West and Patricia Burden.
Dianne Uzzell, a volunteer at Eastern Wayne High School, was named 2017-2018 Terry Eugene Pilkington Volunteer of the Year for Wayne County Public Schools recently.
Individual volunteers of the year from each of the district schools were also handed out, along with recognitions for businesses and organizations which support the schools throughout the year.
Uzzell has invested an estimated 275 hours supporting students and staff through such efforts as beautification projects and fundraising. She is treasurer for the Eastern Wayne High Parent Teacher Support Group and athletic booster club, playing an active role in planning events to fund teacher mini-grants, athletic programs and staff appreciation activities. She is also credited with rolling up her sleeves and pulling weeds, raking, painting and even cleaning locker rooms, officials said.
"Mrs. Uzzell's financial knowledge, leadership and management skills have helped the school sustain its athletic programs, purchase classroom tools and provide morale boosting incentives for staff," said Lee Johnson, EWH principal. "Additionally, her willingness to serve in any capacity, even if it means getting her hands dirty to help improve the appearance of the school, further reflects her devotion and unselfish giving."
The annual award is given in memory of Pilkington, who worked for the district for 20 years. During that time, he coordinated the Volunteer of the Year program.
Individual recipients for their respective schools were: Jane Allen Beaman, Brogden Middle; Mandi Overby, Brogden Primary; Caitee West, Carver Elementary; Rainee Coakley, Carver Heights Elementary; Aaron Johnson, Charles B. Aycock High; Jan Cagle, Dillard Middle; Shannon Elliott, Eastern Wayne Elementary; Edgar Best, Eastern Wayne Middle; Cliff Farr, Edgewood Community Developmental; Marcia Mooring, Fremont STARS Elementary; Lisa Lee, Goldsboro High; Sue Jennette, Grantham Elementary; Danny Weeks, Grantham Middle; Crystal Earl, Greenwood Middle; Natalie Gerringer, Meadow Lane Elementary; Carol Mele, Mount Olive Middle; Carol Barrett Hobbs, North Drive Elementary; Janet Hinnant, Northeast Elementary; Camilla Melton, Northwest Elementary; Shelley Radford, Norwayne Middle; Adreana Hernandez, Rosewood Elementary; Hardy Sullivan, Rosewood High; Scott Albert, Rosewood Middle; Adrian O'Neal, Southern Wayne High; Veronica Chavez, Spring Creek Elementary; Ronda Barfield, Spring Creek High; Melissa Tillman, Spring Creek Middle; Uganda Gay, Tommy's Road Elementary; Merle Elam, Wayne Early/Middle College High; Lena Chadwick, Wayne Middle High School Academy; and Kenya Williams, Wayne School of Engineering.
The district also recognized its top Partners in Education, or PIE. Since 1995, businesses and organizations have donated time, expertise, materials and funds. There are currently 180 partners filling this role, with awards given according to size of the business or organization.
This year, Men of Faith, Integrity and Character, nominated by Mount Olive Middle, received the award in the small partner category (for having one to five employees or members). Eureka United Methodist Church, nominated by Northeast Elementary, received the award in the large partner category (for having more than 50 employees or members).
The Olivia Whitfield Pierce Award Distinguished Partner Award was presented to Wayne Community College, a partner with Wayne Early/Middle College High School for the past 12 years.
This marks the second year for that award, given in honor of Pierce, retired WCPS administrator. For more than 15 years, she coordinated the PIE steering committee, building a bridge between schools and community partners toward providing resources and support for students and staff.
Nominees for that award must have demonstrated an ongoing partnership for five or more years to support students and staff at the nominating school.