RV counselor Donna Aromando receives Governor’s Volunteerism Award

After 41 years serving Rancocas Valley Regional High School, counselor Donna Aromando has retired. Aromando supported students as a special education teacher, track and field and field hockey coach, and counselor. In an unofficial role, she worked to instill in the entire school community an appreciation for volunteering and serving others. Her legacy lives on at RVRHS in the many events she established to provide young people with opportunities to find fulfillment in giving back.

“I do not encourage students to volunteer because it looks good on a resume, but rather help them connect with people or a cause they feel strongly about helping,” she said. “I know that when they find their passion, they will keep contributing in meaningful ways.”
Aromando was recently honored at the New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Awards, where she was named the medalist in the category “Service by/for Armed Service Members/Veterans Military.”

The daughter of an Air Force veteran, Aromando grew up with a deep appreciation for members of the military. She learned from her father the strength of character it took to serve. When she heard about Pat Tillman leaving the NFL to enlist in the Army and ultimately sacrifice his life for the country, she knew his story would resonate with students. She spearheaded the Devil Dash obstacle course race in 2012 at RVRHS as a fundraiser for the Pat Tillman Foundation and a way to celebrate Tillman as a role model.

At peak participation, the Devil Dash drew close to 1,000 racers. Funds raised since 2012 total about $255,000 for the Pat Tillman Foundation and other military causes, including the donation of a service dog to a marine coping with PTSD.

Aromando also established an Armed Services Recognition Day at RVRHS to spotlight students who have committed to military service. They share with their peers what has inspired them to serve and what steps they will take next in their journeys.

Aromando also has incorporated another interest of hers, health and fitness, into her role at RVRHS. In addition to serving as a staff and student wellness coordinator and fitness coach, she also established a weight training program for at-risk students.

“My goal has been to target students, especially female students with the weightlifting program, who could benefit from a healthy activity that encourages them to build relationships with others and subsequently build their own self confidence,” she said.

Additional initiatives Aromando helped establish at RVRHS include Grandparents Day, where students invite their grandparents to breakfast followed by time spent together in classes, and the Varsity Club’s assembly of Easter baskets for donation to area individuals and families in need.

“Donna has been a bright light at RV over the past 41 years, helping to firmly establish our values as a district,” said RVRHS Superintendent Chris Heilig, Ed.D. “She has both led and embraced the power of collaboration, involving our school community and so many business partners and civic leaders in her efforts to have a tremendous impact both at RVRHS and beyond our campus.”

In retirement, Aromando, a Lumberton native, will continue serving as an ambassador with A Write to Heal, which assists PTSD veterans on a pathway to healing through writing, filmmaking and job apprenticeships. As a certified USA powerlifting coach and participant, she also will continue her own fitness routine and work in her local gym.

Aromando will enjoy additional time with her two grandsons and join Wilmington University as a guidance supervisor for students in internships.