Volunteer Recognition Award Recipients

The Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon celebrates the contributions of the County’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Foster Grandparent Program participants. Each year, the event is held in May to commemorate Older Americans Month and celebrate the achievements made by older adults.

2019 Award Recipients

Mr. Brenon Washington is a Foster Grandparent at Francis T. Evans Elementary School in Clinton, MD. He volunteers five days a week and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of his 2nd graders, whom he works with daily, assisting them with their reading skills. The children mirror his enthusiasm for learning and are attentive when he speaks. Grandpa Washington is truly making a difference and is trying to recruit more male volunteers.

Ms. Diane Williams has been a Foster Grandparent volunteer at H. Winship Wheatley Special Center, in Capitol Heights, for 12 years. Grandma Williams' Pre K class looks forward to her cherry "Good Morning" every day. She encourages the children to use their words and helps them with their social and emotional development. Ms. Williams has left a legacy that will live on in the lives of the children she has helped nurture.

Grandma Carol volunteers at Avalon Elementary School in Fort Washington, MD, where she has helped a non-verbal student, in particular, through patience and love. Having had a daughter with developmental challenges, Grandma Carol has poured that same special grace and dedication with her student at Avalon Elementary. As a result, the student is now able to speak and form full sentences because of Ms. Hammiel's efforts. Grandma Carol is truly a leader and always gives 100% to her students.

Ms. Earnestine Vaughn volunteers at H. Wheatley Early Childhood Center in Capital Heights and has been an active volunteer for 15 years, working mainly with children on the autism spectrum. Described by school teachers as thoughtful, compassionate, dependable, strong and hands on - Grandma Vaughn has worked in some of the most challenging classrooms. She offers words of encouragement and is known to gently redirect behavioral situations into positive outcomes. Grandma Vaughn is a team player that brings a mature structure into the classroom.