The Okaloosa County School District’s Volunteers of the Year were recognized at the August 28, 2023, School Board meeting for their dedication, commitment, and willingness to volunteer. Congratulations to Senior Volunteer, Pat Smales; Adult Volunteer, Patricia Harris; and Student Volunteer, Jacob Clifton.
Pat Smales - Senior Volunteer of the Year, Plew Elementary School
Pat Smales has spent many hours processing library books for several libraries in Okaloosa County. She was trained by Media Specialist, Patty Davis, when her children were students at Plew Elementary School and has spent hours upon hours learning how to do her work professionally and correctly.
Mrs. Smales is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) veteran and has continued to serve this school district without anyone truly knowing the depths of her volunteer service. She has single-handedly saved schools hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, by quietly processing library books. Mrs. Smales catalogs, labels, researches, covers, shelves, and delivers books to multiple schools in only a few days’ time. Principal Tammy Matz, stated, "This is not the work of a "regular" or "run of the mill" volunteer... she even takes her volunteer work home; we call that homework in the education world." Mrs. Smales also willingly drives long distances to give her time generously to not only Media Centers, but to the teachers, students, and families that attend our schools.
Pat is a mother to seven children, grandmother to three, substitute teacher, circulation desk volunteer, reader, encourager, and community volunteer, too! Her impact on the students and families in our school district is immeasurable. She is the dream of every school district and exactly the kind of volunteer we need more of in our communities. Willing to give abundantly of her time and talents for the betterment of others, especially our children.
Patricia Harris - Adult Volunteer of the Year, Wright Elementary School
Patricia Harris is an active-duty USAF service member and can be seen at Wright Elementary School anytime there is an event to plan, coordinate, and run at the school. She's Vice President of the PTO and occasionally fills in as Secretary to take minutes, always willing to help! Mrs. Harris greets the parents and helps them get signed into the meetings. If the parents are non-English speakers, she will quickly pull up Google Translate and communicate the meeting information to them. Mrs. Harris also helps the school and students in other creative ways. She has washed and sorted large bags full of student coats from the lost and found, and assembled and fixed items for events such as the Fall Festival. For any special event, she arrives early for set up and stays late for clean-up. She visits businesses to gain sponsorship and donates items on her own for prizes.
Not only does she serve in the Air Force, Mrs. Harris is currently taking coursework toward earning her Master's Degree. She has helped Wright Elementary School plan many events such as the Fall Festival, Parents' Night Out, Math and Science Night, and Literacy Night. She has also been instrumental in assisting with the planning and coordination of fundraisers for the PTO.
As one of Wright's staff members put it, "Patricia will help anywhere she can when she's not working or sleeping! She is one of the parents who keeps our PTO alive!"
Mrs. Harris has been volunteering at Wright Elementary School since her family moved to Okaloosa County early in the 2021-2022 school year. Much of the volunteering she does occurs during PTO meetings and events and off campus as she works behind the scenes to coordinate events. She volunteers approximately ten hours per week but sometimes more depending on what is going on at the school that week. Principal Suzanne Boyd said, "Because she is so willing to help in many capacities, her impact reaches all students. Our climate is made better through the many family events she supports. We are very grateful for the dedication, time, and talents of Patricia Harris!"
Jacob Clifton - Youth Volunteer of the Year, STEMM Academy (currently at NHS
Jacob Clifton is an All-American young man who is delightful to have around. Gifted, kind, inspiring, and empathetic, he has a theater performance background but is also academically talented with a 4.20 GPA. He was selected by his peers to serve as a HOPE Squad Officer because he stops drama and keeps information from other students confidential.
"Mr. Clifton is always first to volunteer when help is needed moving anything, or delivering anything to another location," said Principal Scheree Martin. When a student leader is needed, he is chosen first. He is a natural mentor to the younger students. They look at this 8th grader who is nice to them and takes time to actually carry on a conversation. Also, if he is working collaboratively with other students, he listens to the input of others and is always respectful.
Jacob Clifton volunteers approximately seven to eight hours a month at the STEMM Academy. Several students benefit from his volunteering as he is setting the standard that they should model. His positive attitude has created a positive aspect of the school culture. When students are transitioning to their next class, other students have copied his habit of walking with his hand being held up in the air, anyone walking opposite his direction can give a high-five! He is an awesome young man!