Next week is Volunteer week in the HF-L School District to recognize all the volunteers who give of their time to make our district one of the top districts in the state. We may have volunteered ourselves when our kids were in school or know someone who did. Every once in a while the district is privileged to have a volunteer who goes above and beyond and deserves special recognition.
We at The Sentinel would like to recognize Michele Shone for her many years and countless hours of giving to our community. Here is a sampling of what others had to say.
From Laura Villanti: “I fondly recall the first time I ever spoke with Michele. I know it was July 2001, as I was holding my newborn in my arms as I was talking to her…and she commented, ‘That sounds like a newborn baby.’ She was calling to invite us to a ‘get to know each other’ gathering for the children and moms of the 4 year old nursery school class. It has been 15 years since that first connection. In that time, I have witnessed Michele’s generous volunteer contributions at every school, and in every type of endeavor from PTA to chaperoning events to sports boosters and so much more. She is one that has perpetually given of her time, and always happy to do so. Thank you Michele for your thousands of hours of volunteering here in our community!”
Ann Bailey, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Principal says “Michele Shone sets the standard for exemplary volunteering. Michele volunteered at HFL schools so often, that for the longest time, I thought she was an employee. Her countless years of tireless volunteering at HFL made ALL of us look really, really good. She worked behind the scenes to make whatever program she was undertaking a huge success, never asked for anything in return, and she let the school get all the credit for her efforts. She became the go-to volunteer to get things done. Michele leads by example, always gives 100%, and earns the respect of all who know her. Michele Shone is inspiring. She is altruistic, caring, focused, Super Organized, and has endless energy. She left huge shoes to fill and we miss her. Michele did so much, that it was easy to take it for granted that when something needed to be done, Michele would pick it up and run with it.”
From David Roth, High School Principal, “Michele was an amazing asset to our District. She spent countless hours volunteering in the copy room, as our PTA representative, facilitating the Senior Bash, etc. We are happy to have had her and her presence will be missed. Thank you for all you have done.”
Brian Donohue, HF-L Athletic director writes, “Michele Shone was an incredible volunteer and a joy to work with. One of her greatest assets was her energy, she was involved numerous projects throughout the district simultaneously. As a Sports Booster volunteer she was instrumental in keeping the Chow Hut operating. She volunteered countless hours to make sure it was open for games and that it was run efficiently.
Michele is a doer. If she saw something that needed to be improved, she didn’t just share ideas, she led the charge to implement them. As an example, as a member of our District Asset Committee she created a subcommittee and Facebook page called ACT, whose charge was to implement action steps around ideas generated from the committee.
In the spring of 2014, the HFL athletic department recognized Michele’s efforts with a Chapter 5 Appreciation Award. This recognition is given by Section V to individuals who have made a significant difference in their communities. Michele was an easy choice and well deserving of this honor.”
I think Laurene Hoffmann current District PTA chair sums it up, “Michele was an exemplary PTA role model. She was passionate about our school, our students and our community. Many of the activities that continue today are because she paved a sturdy road ahead of us!”
