April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re #AISDProud to recognize the Austin ISD 2023-24 Volunteers of the Year. We know public schools could not work without the people from the community who step up to do what’s needed, and this is our chance to salute the best of an indispensable bunch.   

Every year, each campus picks one or two Volunteers of the Year, Mentors of the Year, Parent & Family Ambassadors and several Business & Community Partners, including Austin Partners in Education Champions, who have given exceptional support to support their schools.

Volunteers of the Year

Whether tutoring a group of students, helping out in the cafeteria, decorating a bulletin board or serving as a field trip chaperone, all of our volunteers make a big difference for our students.

Please join us in celebrating the following volunteers who were selected by their school as Volunteers of the Year.

• Allison Elementary: Jessica Herrera, Tomas Ruedas
• Andrews Elementary: Maria del Carmen Ruiz, Reyna Cruz
• Ann Richards YMLA: Alyssa Ybarra, Yvonne Ybarra
• Baldwin Elementary: Priyanka Sarda, Hayley McGregory
• Baranoff Elementary: Colleen Seeley, Sasha Haagensen
• Barbara Jordan Elementary: Brenda Luna, Ashley McGraw
• Bear Creek Elementary: Jenilee Ramirez, Lauren Darling
• Becker Elementary: Laura Rogers, Katherine Icenhauer-Ramirez
• Boone Elementary: Holley Simons, Amy Garrett
• Bowie High: Alcina Silva, Sufa Awan
• Campbell Elementary: Ryan Rinaldi, Deidre Hernandez
• Casey Elementary: Amanda Cordero, Santa Deolloz
• Clayton Elementary: Elizabeth James
• Cook Elementary: Katy Ayala, Claudia Aviles
• Covington Middle: Eva Tang, Kristi Katanick
• Cowan Elementary: Linh Woo
• Cunningham Elementary: Rebekkah Schear, Sarah Espiritu
• Dawson Elementary: Jessica Erfan, Cally Murray
• Dobie Middle: Sayra Castro, Marcela Garcia
• Gorzycki Middle: Linda Gorzycki, Melanie Zoerner
• Govalle Elementary: Joseph Carmona, Dolores Perez
• Gullett Elementary: Natalie Poulos, Sarah Levithan Daniels
• Harris Elementary: Maria Espinoza, Rosa Chavez 
• Highland Park Elementary: Nils Marchand, Lori Keller
• Houston Elementary: Alicia Randle, Evelia Balderas Martinez
• Joslin Elementary: Allie Cassel, Tina Walker
• Kocurek Elementary: Florence Ebert, Bobbie Brown
• Langford Elementary: Oscar Gutierrez, Milton Alger
• LBJ ECHS: Barbara Scott, Edward Hughes
• Maplewood Elementary: Ginger Enger, Pat Pilkington
• Mills Elementary: Molly Kinney
• Murchison Middle: Emily Bakunas, Karin Canipe
• Northeast ECHS: Sayra Castro
• Oak Hill Elementary: Nancy Nicolas
• Odom Elementary: Marlyn Lopez Lazo, Juan Maya and Victoria Gutierrez
• Ortega Elementary: Alys Jackson, Daniela Garcia-Soto
• Palm Elementary: Alma Duran, Janet Rodriguez
• Patton Elementary: Gina Sanchez Decanini
• Pecan Springs Elementary: Nidia Baez, Juana Noria
• Perez Elementary: Esther Guiterrez, Larry Bugh
• Pillow Elementary: Gilda Garcia, Darlene Watson
• Ridgetop Elementary: Jill Jones, Emily Arreaza
• Rodriguez Elementary: Joana Benejam Lliteras,
• Sadler Means YMLA: Dr. Mark Cunningham, Karen Davenport
• Summitt Elementary: Karen Reyna, Donna Di Carlo
• Travis Heights Elementary: Alejandra Gonzalez, Elizabeth Stevens
• Walnut Creek Elementary: Marisela Tello-Gomez,
• Webb Middle School: Maria Rios, Jarintzyn Sotomayor
• Widen Elementary: Jesus Isabel Diaz Morales, Joventina Crystal Martinez- Lopez
• Williams Elementary: Neil Mckown, Courtney Cooper
• Wooten Elementary: Lisa Byal, Barbara Anderson
• Zavala Elementary: Mary Todd, Joyce Garcia
• Zilker Elementary: Karen Cotter, Anne Sudac

Mentors of the Year

Mentors serve as positive role models, and we are thankful to them for their devotion and commitment to making a difference. Mentors provide guidance and support to students across AISD campuses, ranging from academic support and career guidance to helping resolve issues that impede success. 

Please join us in celebrating the following mentors who were selected by their school as Mentors of the Year for their outstanding dedication to their mentees.

• Allison Elementary: Leroy Nellis, Will Jones
• Andrews Elementary: Deb Libert, Elizabeth Morales
• Bailey Middle: Mike Domingo, Veronica Moreno
• Baranoff Elementary: Kimra Hamilton
• Barbara Jordan Elementary: Maggie Stephens, Nina Wilson
• Becker Elementary: Sue Jones, Martha Bowles
• Covington Middle: Valerie Cabrera, Fernando Cantero
• Cowan Elementary: Christina Raymond
• Crockett ECHS: Doug Allen
• Cunningham Elementary: Beth Vanderkolk, Michele High
• Doss Elementary: Monica Fazzini, Ralph Haurwitz
• Govalle Elementary: Gregory Mace, Sherri Goodman
• Harris Elementary: Katherine Nesbitt
• Houston Elementary: Donna Brannon, Dennis McFall
• Joslin Elementary: Katie Casstevens, Jim Moore
• Kocurek Elementary: Kay Henry, Sally McKenzie
• Langford Elementary: Alia Solarz
• LBJ ECHS: Lee Dawson, Jr.
• Maplewood Elementary: Cynthia Howlett, Vanessa Faulkner
• Northeast ECHS: Jennifer Heath
• Oak Hill Elementary: Debbie Brown
• Murchison Middle: Alishba Javaid, Jacob Ashton
• Oak Hill Elementary: Debbie Brown
• Ortega Elementary: Jeri Hudson, Andies Shepherd 
• Palm Elementary: Prisco Acevedo, Shauna Duby
• Pecan Springs Elementary: Natalie Long, Tess Gillespie
• Perez Elementary: Jadaisha Smith-Aguilar, Alison N. Norman, Ph.D.
• Ridgetop Elementary: Andrea Arca, Alice Kolence
• Rodriguez Elementary: Elizabeth Catalan-Santoyo
• Sadler Means YMLA: Letricia Bynoe, Charlynn Yonikas
• Summitt Elementary: Sarah Hayslip, Rachel Hubka
• Walnut Creek Elementary: Eric Shaughnessy
• Webb Middle: Nicole Partin, Ebony Carter
• Williams Elementary: Neil McKown, Courtney Cooper
• Wooten Elementary: Jeremy Cruz, Carol Brookhart
• Zilker Elementary: Sandra Alvarez

Parent & Family Ambassadors

Parent Ambassadors model good parental involvement by establishing links between home and school, making strong connections with school staff, participating in school decisions and engaging in volunteer leadership.
 
Please join us in celebrating the following parents who were selected by their school as Parent Ambassadors. 

• Allison Elementary: Elizabeth Torres, Agueda Padilla
• Andrews Elementary: Maria Tello, Mayra Mendoza
• Baranoff Elementary: Jennifer Frels
• Bear Creek Elementary: Leann Torrez, Sarah Gagliardi
• Becker Elementary: Christine Allen, Gustavo Bernal
• Boone Elementary: Kevin Glienke, Dave Glienke
• Campbell Elementary: Ryan Rinaldi
• Cook Elementary: Katy Ayala, Amir Emamian
• Covington Middle: Janell Moyes, Nancy Knight
• Cowan Elementary: Leora Davis, Amanda Stocks
• Crockett ECHS: Mandee Anguiano
• Cunningham Elementary: The Swantner Family, Brenda Reed
• Dawson Elementary: Cally Murray
• Govalle Elementary: Jessica Wilson, Jessica Bacak
• Gullett Elementary: Natalie Poulos, Sarah Levithan Daniels
• Harris Elementary: Nalleli Molina, Alice Graulty
• Highland Park Elementary: Jen Harold, Jen Ruggero
• Houston Elementary: Erika Gonzalez, Irene Benitez
• Joslin Elementary: Penelope Lim, Sabrina Joy
• Kocureck Elementary: Melanie Richardson, Kristen Flebotte
• Langford Elementary: Lorena Villarreal
• LBJ ECHS: Para Agboga
• Maplewood Elementary: Cassidy Rogala, Rosy Falcon
• Northeast ECHS: Veronica Martinez
• Oak Hill Elementary: Alexis Brown
• Ortega Elementary: Alys Jackson, Yadira Lara Rodriguez
• Patton Elementary: Kellie Brinkkoeter
• Palm Elementary: Emily Rebollar, Valeria Mauricio
• Pecan Springs Elementary: Nidia Baez, Juana Noria
• Perez Elementary: Kelly Bochette, Dolores Hernandez
• Pillow Elementary: Kirsten Thurman
• Ridgetop Elementary: Patrin Family, Steven Knapp
• Sadler Means YMLA: Elizabeth Knapp, Jennifer Miller-Potter
• Summitt Elementary: Tyler Lavan, Timmie Bui
• Travis Heights Elementary: Lucia Gamboa, Lydia Hattrup
• Walnut Creek Elementary: Marisela Gomez-Tello
• Williams Elementary: Jemy Alfaro, Lauren Boyles
• Wooten Elementary: Natalie Burtzos, Chia Berry
• Zavala Elementary: Alicia Ford, Megan Peck
• Zilker Elementary: Kira March

Business & Community Partners

Businesses, service organizations, educational institutions and governmental agencies all serve a huge role as partners in various capacities. These partners provide volunteers, donations, school improvement support and more. 

Please join us in celebrating the following partners who were selected as Partners of the Year for their outstanding support of our schools. 

•  Allison Elementary:
  • Brighter Bites
  • Communities in Schools
  • PODER
  • Saint John's United Methodist Church
  • Operation School Bell
• Andrews Elementary:
  • E-Lit Realty
• Baranoff Elementary:
  • Austin Oaks Church
  • Slack, Davis Sanger
• Barbara Jordan Elementary:
  • NXP
  • ViBe Austin
  • Seedling
  • Colony Park Neighborhood Association
  • Flint Hill
• Bear Creek Elementary:
  • Smile Crew Orthodontics
  • Womak Real Estate
  • Madam Mam's
• Becker Elementary:
  • Communities in Schools
  • Creative Action
• Boone Elementary:
  • HEB
• Campbell Elementary:
  • Operation School Bell
  • Hungry Souls Food Pantry
• Casey Elementary:
  • Mosaic Church
• Cook Elementary:
  • University of Texas – Austin
  • Austin Voice for Education
  • Experior Financial
• Covington Middle:
  • Bala Smiles Orthodontics
  • Zion Rest Baptist Church
• Cowan Elementary:
  • Lovepacs
• Crockett ECHS:
  • Kona Ice
• Cunningham Elementary:
  • The Emeril Lagasse
  • Ally Medical @ Menchaca
  • Classroom Connection
  • PEAS (Partners for Education Agriculture and Sustainability)
• Dobie Middle:
  • Frost Bank
  • Austin Chinese Church
• Govalle Elementary:
  • Fabworx
  • RBFCU Credit Union
  • Conspirare
  • Art All Summer
  • Enboarder
• Harris Elementary
  • Read the Room
• Highland Park Elementary
  • Crenshaw's
  • Moontower Signs
  • Whitt Ross Events
  • Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin
  • Roots Real Estate
• Houston Elementary
  • Community In Schools (CIS)
  • Austin Voices for Education and Youth (AVEY)
  • Side by Side Kids
  • Steenport Leadership Coaching
  • One Chapel
• Joslin Elementary:
  • Woodlawn Baptist Church
  • Ally Medical
  • Office Depot/Office Max Store#0477/6745 Austin
• Kocurek Elementary:
  • Kocurek PTA
  • Academy 4
  • Hungry Souls
  • Westoak Wood Baptist
  • Bethany Lutheran Church
• Langford Elementary
  • Baranoff PTA
  • South Austin Costco
  • Brighter Bites
  • PEAS (Partners for Education Agriculture and Sustainability)
  • Akins High School PALS Program
• LBJ ECHS:
  • KeepItDigital
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Tater Que
  • Chipotle Mueller
• Maplewood Elementary:
  • Cherrywood Coffee House
  • HEB
  • Fairways Cantina
• Murchison Middle:
  • Northwest Community Church
  • Northwest Hills United Methodist Church
  • Neighborhood Helpers Free Pantry
• Northeast ECHS:
  • HEB in Mueller
• Oak Hill Elementary:
  • A+ Federal Credit Union
  • PEAS (Partners for Education Agriculture and Sustainability)
• Odom Elementary:
  • Assistance League Austin Outreach
  • Cort Furniture
  • Brighter Bites
• Ortega Elementary:
  • Dell Medical School Pre-Health and Distinguished Scholars
  • Brighter Bites
  • Central Texas Food Bank
  • Bridge Lacrosse
  • American Association of University Women - Austin branch
• Palm Elementary
  • Fresh Donut
  • Rosal Bakery
• Pecan Springs Elementary:
  • SH Donuts
  • Andy Roddick Foundation
  • Rotary Group 5640
  • Camp Fire
• Perez Elementary:
  • Clayton Care Group
  • Brighter Bites
  • Communities In Schools
  • ACE Afterschool Program
  • H.E.B.
• Pillow Elementary:
  • LAUNDRO LAB
  • Brighter Bites
• Ridgetop Elementary:
  • Jewboy Burgers
  • Helping Hornz
  • Education Connection
  • Trinity Church of Austin
  • Midtown Church
• Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy:
  • Austin (TX) Links
  • Austin Soundwaves
  • Ballet Afrique
  • Texas Performing Arts
  • Texas State Talent Search
• Summitt Elementary:
  • Rambler Water
  • Jack Allen’s
• Travis Heights Elementary:
  • Soco Episcopal Church
  • Austin Ridge
• Walnut Creek Elementary:
  • We’re All Neighbors
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Saint Marks United Methodist Church
  • Austin Voices in Education
  • Austin Chinese Church
• Webb Middle School:
  • Webb Family Resource Center
  • PTA
  • Communities in Schools (CIS) 
  • Council on At-Risk Youth (CARY)
• Widen Elementary:
  • Assistance League of Austin (Operation School Bell)
  • Assistance League of Austin (operation School Bell
  • Brighter Bites
  • Dove Springs Proud
  • River City Youth Foundation
• Williams Elementary:
  • Kids Hope USA
• Wooten Elementary:
  • Austin Subaru
  • Toyota North
  • El Buen Samaritano
  • Redeemer Lutheran Church
  • HEB – Burnet
• Zavala Elementary:
  • Central Texas Food Bank
  • ZAP (Zavala's After-School Program)
  • Feed Kids Right Now

Volunteer and Partnership Opportunities:

For more information on how to become an approved volunteer, please go to Austin Partners in Education’s website.

To learn more about other volunteer opportunities at AISD, visit the Office of Innovation Department's website.