Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

        Volunteers are critical to the continuing excellence of Stuart Mesa Elementary School.

        Individuals help the teachers with projects, testing, grading school and homework and serve as chaperons for field trips.

        In recognition of their time spent supporting the students and teachers, the school held a volunteer appreciation ceremony, May 21.

        “We have so much support from the volunteers,” said Dr. Lois Grazioli, principal, Stuart Mesa Elementary School. “This is our way to show them that we appreciate their time.”

        Award recipients received a Certificate of Appreciation and the Excellence in Education award from the Stuart Mesa Elementary School staff. More than one hundred volunteers were recognized during the event.

        “This is a small token of our gratitude,” Grazioli said.  

        “Helping the teachers with their workload is something we enjoy,” said Shannon Ganzer, president, Parent-Teacher Organization of Stuart Mesa Elementary School. Receiving the recognition is not as rewarding as seeing the kids smile or the improvement in the school work, she said.

          Even though Lance Cpl. James Baker does not have any children, he said he enjoys spending time with the students and helping the teachers.

        “I love volunteering. The opportunity appeared and I jumped into it,” said Baker, comptroller, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.

        Baker said his time spent with the kids was enjoyable and he plans to volunteer when the school year begins again next year.

        The volunteers not only helped with school activities, they are also our voice between the school and the community, said Grazioli.

        “They help inform the community of what is going on in the school and they tell us what is needed for the community,” she said. “We want to try and be there for the community. They are a part of our family.

It is amazing how much gets accomplished due to the hard work of the volunteers, she said.

        “They work so hard and a lot of these volunteers have gone through deployments and family hardships and have never complained,” she said.