Valhalla School District Champions Volunteer Service Award Program

A recently launched volunteer program, created by the Valhalla School District, is designed to give back to the local community.

Called the Valhalla Volunteer Service Award (VVSA), the program was developed by the seven-member Board of Education “to motivate residents and to promote good deeds throughout the community.”

Both students and adults in the community are encouraged to participate in the program, regardless of age.

“The VVSA was developed to inspire residents and students, and to evoke the spirit of volunteerism,” said School Board Member Robert Ierace in a statement. “Volunteers learn quickly that the rewards of seeing a program meeting the needs of the community far outweigh the time and effort spent putting that program together. The camaraderie felt and lifetime friendships formed with other members of the organization has a value that is simply priceless. Volunteers add value to the lives of others – there is nothing more rewarding.”

The award is earned for volunteered service hours over the previous 12-month period. The first annual Valhalla Volunteer Service Award ceremony, where participants will be recognized for their achievements, will take place in June 2016.

From a press release about the program:

The award’s needed service hours differ based on age range. Children between 5 and 10 require over 75 hours, while teenagers between 11 and 15 need over 100 hours. Young adults between 16 and 19 need 250 hours. Adults over age 20 require over 500 hours.

The Valhalla Volunteer Service Award also offers a special Lifetime Achievement Award for participants who complete more than 4,000 hours of community service in their lifetime with this program.

“This is a different type of program,” said Valhalla School Board President LaVerne Clark. “It’s an opportunity to highlight the service that our students, staff, parents and community members are doing for Valhalla. Without them, the district wouldn’t be what it is.”

At a June 2016 Board of Education meeting celebrating the participants, the award recipients will receive a personalized certificate and an official token from the Valhalla Board of Education.

Flyers, criteria, eligibility requirements and downloadable forms are available on the Valhalla Schools’ website and from our District Clerk, Rosa Abbondola. Next May, the completed forms can be submitted to Ms. Abbondola at rabbondola@valhallaschools.org.

Photo: Valhalla Board of Education. Photo credit: Contributed

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