Phyllis Steel named Volunteer of the Year at Two of the Region’s Schools For the First Time in Region’s History

 Each year, the Pomperaug Regional School District 15 recognizes a Volunteer of the Year at each of the seven schools in the region.  The Volunteer of the Year is selected by teachers, building administrators and staff members.

    While all volunteers are vital to the success of the Region 15 school system, this year the spotlight shines on one special woman.  For the first time in Region 15’s history, one person, Mrs. Phyllis Steel, has been named 2004/2005 Volunteer of the Year at both Long Meadow Elementary School (LMES) and Pomperaug Elementary School (PES).

    What makes her special?  Mrs. Steel is not the parent or grandparent of an LMES or PES student, as is often the case with school volunteers.  She is an 85 year old, senior citizen and generous spirit who “comes out of love for the children,” she says.

    "Phyllis is an excellent representative of the many senior volunteers who have worked in our schools over the years,” said Richard Gusenburg, Principal of LMES.  “She is an intelligent and caring person who is very conscientious about her work.  She has endeared herself to the staff, especially those people in the library who work most closely with her.

    A kindergarten teacher for 27 years, Mrs. Steel came to her volunteer work shortly after retiring in 1980.  Her first call to duty was as a dental hygienist for the “Swish and Spit” program at PES.  When the program ended in 1982, she realized she wanted to stay.

    Offered volunteer work in either the schools’ kindergartens or the media center, known then as simply the “library”, she chose the media center.  “I love books and I had spent many years with kindergartners, I thought it would be nice to be among all the elementary school children,” she explained.

    According to PES Principal, Carissa Keepin, 23 years later, Mrs. Steel has outlasted nine PES Media Specialists.  In a poem she wrote called “Phyllis the Great”, Ms. Keepin writes, “Children grow up, staff and principals move on.  No need to worry… Phyllis is always here to help.  She is truly the “P” in PES!”

    Mrs. Angie Groman became the Media Specialist at PES in 1988, and she and Mrs. Steel became fast friends.  When Mrs. Groman moved to LMES in 1997, “I brought Phyllis with me”, she said.  Devoted to both Mrs. Groman and PES, Mrs. Steel decided to volunteer at both schools. 

    As dependable as the U.S. mail, through rain, sleet, snow or hail, you’ll find her at PES on Mondays and LMES on Thursdays, between the hours of 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.  “The friendships I’ve made at the school and the appreciation they show, means the world to me,” said Mrs. Steel.

    “While working on the project of the day, Phyllis will carry on a cheerful conversation with any workroom visitor,” said Mrs. Groman.  “She shares recipes and baked goods, health tips, tax advice, travel ideas, and which local grocery stores have the best sales that week.  Phyllis has become a treasured part of our personal lives,” she said.

    A resident of Heritage Village, Mrs. Steel is the proud mother of three children and grand parent of two, both graduates of the Region 15 school system.  “It is a parent’s duty to their children to volunteer their time in schools,” said Mrs. Steel.  “But, we also have a duty to our community.  More people should volunteer and spend time in our schools to see how well our tax monies are being spent,” she said.

    Region 15 extends it congratulations and thanks to the following 2004/2005 Volunteers of the Year:  Middlebury Elementary School:  Amy VonCulin; Gainfield Elementary School:  Connie Herr, Sharon McDonald and Sue Monroe; Long Meadow Elementary School:  Martha Lucas; Memorial Middle School:  Mary Ann Piasecki; Rochambeau Middle School:  Cathy Powell and Vicki Watterworth; Pomperaug High School:  Karen Suter and Patty Gmuer.