Students enjoyed an extended lunch and shorter class periods on Monday to make time for the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.
Almost 100 administrators, teachers, and parents came together to commemorate the contributions of Paly’s volunteer community at the special annual occasion, which was held in the Senior Court this year.
The attendees were first treated to a buffet-style lunch, complete with desserts and drinks. After everyone had taken their seats, PTA president Christine Shambora began her speech with opening remarks and special recognition of volunteers for helping in numerous programs on campus throughout the year, including the All-School Picnic, Spirit Week, International Festival, and Graduation.
Parents of graduating seniors who had volunteered extensively throughout the years received special thanks.
“It’s hard to list all that they’ve done, because they’ve done so much,” Shambora said.
Also, Jagdish Basi, Darsha Davidoff, Cathy Jensen, and Mona Siegal received the California PTA’s ‘Very Special Person’ award, and a monetary donation to Paly was made in their honor.
Shambora announced Mary Ann Harris as the recipient of the Tower Award, “Paly’s highest volunteer award,” for her “outstanding contributions to Paly,” especially noting Harris’s work with the Paly Beautification Project and her service with the PTA. Shambora then presented Harris with a plaque and a photography piece of the Tower Building by Paly alumnae Drew Durham.
Finally, Principal Scott Lawrence concluded the event by acknowledging retiring staff member, English Department Instructional Supervisor, Tom Schellenberg.
In the words of Paly parent, Nancy Cassidy, who wrote the lyrics for and composed the music of a ‘Tribute to our Paly Volunteers’ which appeared in the event program, the occasion was successful in honoring “the people who give loving service.”