Celebrating Our Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

At Great Hearts, we believe in the power of partnership between families, faculty, and the broader school community. During National Volunteer Week, we pause to recognize and thank the incredible parent volunteers and Parent Service Organizations (PSO) who pour their time, energy, and love into supporting our academies.

From organizing events and socials to supporting teachers and students, our volunteers make a huge impact every single day. At Veritas Prep, the PSO plays a vital role in the life of the school. As PSO Co-President Jessica Bushard shared, “We have our hand in pretty much every activity that goes on at the school, from lunches, to socials, to dances, to teacher support, and student support.”

Lily Tirone, next year’s PSO Co-President added, “We just really want to make this the best experience for our kids.” The PSO ensures every event runs smoothly and stays on budget, but their hearts are focused on something deeper: community. “That’s what I think a big part of our job is. Overseeing all the little bits and pieces of our parent board and trying to make this a great experience for everybody involved.”

That experience includes major events like prom, homecoming, and spring socials, but also the joy of simply being present on campus. “One thing I love about volunteering is being on campus and seeing my kids and my kids’ friends,” shared volunteer and upcoming Co-President Lindsay Ledesma. “It’s actually really fun to walk down the hallway in between classes… They recognize me and they kind of give a little wave.”

For parents of seniors, the year can be especially emotional. “I think what I enjoyed most was being around other parents who are going through the same thing,” reflected High School Social Chair Amelia Schaefer. “Being able to talk to other people. Ask them, ‘How are you doing this? How are you doing that?’”

Katie French, a PSO volunteer at Archway Veritas, captured the heart behind parent involvement. “Volunteering is a tangible way to show our kids that we think this is valuable and we think this is an important place to be. And I hope that the trickle down of that is that they think this is an important place and a valuable place to be.” When parents show up, pitch in, and give their time, students notice, and they carry that sense of value with them throughout their academic career.

The commitment of our volunteers enhances the student experience while strengthening the ties between families and building lifelong friendships. “There is never a time to be too involved,” recounted Catherine Mason, current PSO Co-President and mother of three Veritas students, about a conversation she had with her husband. “You’re not going to look back and be like, ‘I wish I did less when they were all three at school there.’”

That involvement brings about a sense of belonging that is truly special. “I absolutely love coming into the school and having all the kids know my name and come up and talk with me… I’ve made some of the best friends, and it really is heartwarming to be a part of this community,” shared volunteer Carolyn Burch. “And you don’t know that until you step inside and you start giving of yourself.”

“I would say you’ll get just manifold rewards by giving your time to our community and watching the way that our kids and our community flourishes because of your time and your efforts,” shared Shawna Marvin, PSO President for Archway Veritas.

“Sign up. Just come to a meeting. Come to something you’re interested in. You will make friends,” said Schaefer. “There are just a million things, and we really do need hands on deck. Many hands make light work,” added Mason.

From all of us at Great Hearts, thank you for supporting our scholars and lifting our academies higher.

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.