Volunteers appreciated at Lounsberry Hollow Middle School

VERNON — The many volunteers who help out a Lounsberry Hollow Middle School were honored with a “Sock Hop” brunch held in their honor in the school library before the school year ended. Guests were entertained by a student orchestral group, the Sixth Grade Choir and the school’s own Jazz Band. The 1950s inspired party included many creative compositions created by teachers and the fifth- and sixth-grade students. These included “33-1/3 record” placemats, ice cream soda centerpieces fashioned out of flowers, and many poems, posters, artwork and thank you cards from many of the school’s grateful students. There was also a slide show of students participating in activities paid for by the School and Community Association and a 1950s trivia game. Besides the meal, volunteers were given certificates honoring their work in the school. "There were so many special touches that showed how much we were appreciated," said Renee Gardner, parent volunteer and incoming SCA president. "The home cooked food from the teachers, a special theme and decorations and even our hostess dressing in costume. The handmade cards from the students and the performances from our talented music students, showing also to them that just giving of your time can mean so much." The event was organized by a committee of teachers from the school and donations came from the faculty and staff. Co-chairwomen Janice Mitchell and Barbara Monschauer completed the scene by dressing in period attire including poodle skirts and bobby socks. As a final tribute to the volunteers a monetary donation was made to Harvest House, a local community program in honor of the volunteers. Monschauer listed some of the many things the volunteers bring to the classrooms and the students: “From A to Z; author visits to contributing to the fifth-grade trip to the Bronx Zoo, the contributions of our volunteers’ time, talent and treasure ensure that our students have a multitude of experiences here at Lounsberry.” School principal Dr. Stewart Stumper offered more appreciation. “We simply cannot thank our volunteers enough for the hard work and ongoing support for the students and staff of LHMS," he said.