Feature stories

Where would we be without them?

Community volunteers like these are the backbone of many schools across the city

by Dorothy Callaci | January 31, 2013 New York Teacher issue

Miller Photography

Beverly Reid The classroom volunteer

Beverly Reid is a mainstay at CS 300 in the Bronx. A daily volunteer in the East Tremont school, “Miss Beverly” is cited by Principal Venessa Singleton for her “commitment and caring” and her willingness to go “above and beyond.”

Jimmy Orr The computer whiz

“If any PTA president and parent volunteer ever deserved recognition, it’s Jimmy Orr,” said Chapter Leader Andrea Carte of PS 114 in Brooklyn’s Canarsie neighborhood. He makes sure that technology is up to par and solves any glitch that’s called to his attention.

Laurie Windsor The neighborhood activist

“A lifelong resident of District 20, where she attended PS 186, IS 96 and New Utrecht HS, Laurie Windsor devotes her free time to ensure that the neighborhood and its schools stay strong for this generation. Now a resident of Bath Beach, Windsor has served on the District 20 Community Education Council as treasurer, vice president and now president for eight years and is active on two School Leadership Teams.