'Every little thing that you do makes a difference for a student': Houston ISD celebrates 50 years of volunteer service

During a virtual ceremony, the Houston Independent School District (ISD) recently honored one of the largest volunteer groups in the city – Volunteers in Public Schools – for 50 years of service to the community and to students.

Grenita Lathan, Houston ISD interim superintendent, said that the organization has approximately 44,000 volunteers who work in the district’s schools, according to a post on the district’s website. 

“Many, many students would not be where they are today without your tireless efforts. During those five decades, you’ve shown Houston the power of public education,” Lathan was quoted as saying in the post. “Time and time again, you showed up and worked hard, believing in HISD students every step of the way.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner even joined the virtual gathering to offer his own thoughts and a proclamation that made April 23 – the organization’s anniversary – VIPS 50th Anniversary Celebration Day, the post stated. The proclamation was accompanied by a similar declaration for the district itself by Patricia Allen, Houston ISD Board of Trustees president.

Pat Rosenburg, a 30-year volunteer with the organization, addressed some of what the program has meant to her, according to the post. Reflecting on her time since starting to volunteer at West University Elementary School in 1987, she encouraged other volunteers to keep going and stay dedicated.

“Every little thing that you do makes a difference for a student. Please keep doing it. Please keep encouraging others to do it,” Rosenberg was quoted as saying in the post. “That simple smile, that simple compliment, you have no idea how that can transform Houston’s future.”

In addition to honoring the organization’s mission, the ceremony also recognized community volunteers, parents and organizations, the post stated.

Eugene Tuckwiller was recognized as the Charles Harding VIPS Senior of the Year for his work with Sutton Elementary School, and Jose Velez and Christina Mendoza were recognized as Parent Partners of the Year for their work at DeZavala Elementary School, according to the post. Organizations recognized for their work included Students for Cause – receiving the Youth Volunteer of the Year for their work with Grissom, Briscoe and Harris elementary schools – and Texas-French Alliance for the Arts/ Be the Peace - Be the Hope – receiving the Jean David Myers Volunteer Service award for their work at Sutton Elementary.