Professor earns school volunteer award
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| Dr. Betty Green |
Prof. Betty Green of Daytona State’s School of Education was recently awarded the VIPS 20-Year School Volunteer Award from Volusia County Schools.
Dr. Green has been a longtime supporter of the area’s public schools, particularly at Campbell Middle School in Ormond Beach.
Annette Martinson, area superintendent for the school system, said dedicated volunteers like Dr. Green are making a difference in the success of the area’s students. “Last year alone, Volusia County Schools recorded 814,545 hours served by volunteers,” she said. “This equates to a value of over $15 million. Through the individual commitment of all, our students will graduate with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be successful contributors to our democratic society.”
Daytona State lady hoopster earns top conference honors
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| Abigail Asoro |
The 6-foot-1-inch Asoro, who hails from Sweden, was the top vote-getter among 12 players chosen to represent the 2012-2013 All-Conference First Team. She received a total 95 votes. Although the Lady Falcons finished fourth overall this season in Mid-Florida Conference play, Asoro was recognized for her outstanding individual performance, having averaged 23.4 points per game and 10.1 rebounds.
"We are very proud of how Abigail has developed as a player," said Falcons Coach Cal Cochran. "Her fundamentals are outstanding, she plays with an intensity that motivates our entire team, and I believe the best is yet to come with her."
Cochran said Asoro's feat is even more noteworthy when one considers that she only began playing basketball about five years ago. "She's a late bloomer," he said, "but I think Cinderella has finally arrived at the ball."
Asoro also is in contention for NJCAA All-American Team status to be announced this spring.
Three students were named to the Mid-Florida All-Conference Second Team.
Ka’ya Johnson, a guard and forward, ranked 15th in the coach's poll. Guards Paden Smith ranked 17 and Kyla Muhammad ranked 20th. All are freshmen who will return to the team next year. Freshman guards Jeena Potts and Diajah Davis received honorable mentions, ranking 30th and 33rd respectively.
School of Emergency Services to hold March 6 open house
The Daytona State College School of Emergency Services will hold a ceremony and open house to celebrate the new location at the college’s Advanced Technology College, Wednesday, March 6, at 2 p.m.
Current students in criminal justice, emergency medical services and fire science programs will open the ceremony promptly at 2 p.m. with presentation of colors. The open house continues until 4 p.m. and offers industry leaders and the public a chance to see what these programs do to prepare topnotch practitioners in the field.
The Advanced Technology College is located at 1770 Technology Blvd., Daytona Beach (1/2-mile north of LPGA Blvd., off Williamson Blvd.).
For additional information, call (386) 506-4202.
Daytona State administrator receives national volunteer honor
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| Kent Ryan |
Established in 2003, the award is the highest national honor bestowed upon Americans in recognition of their volunteer service. Award recipients must meet specific volunteer criteria that meets national or community needs.
“It is an honor to be recognized,” Ryan said, “but the reality is I love what I do, so to me it is second nature to help others. I believe in our communities and I have for years tried to help wherever I can.”
Among his many volunteer and community service activities, Ryan has been a longtime fundraiser for the Boy Scouts of America. Last year, he also founded the Volusia/Flagler chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), an international organization that works to advance philanthropy and foster the growth of fundraising professionals by promoting high ethical standards in the profession. He also is co-founder and a board member of the Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast, a group that promotes education and communication among estate planning professionals.
Ryan noted volunteer service is increasingly important, nowadays, particularly in the non-profit world. By the same token, those who give of their time and talents gain a treasure trove of intangible benefits. “Many of these organizations, whatever their mission is, cannot survive without volunteers,” he said. “This is why it is so important to step forward and help. But the relationships that you build in doing so, some of them become lasting ones, which to me is a personal reward that is immeasurable.”
There are three levels and four categories of the volunteer award varying by age. Awards can be received by an individual, family or group for volunteer hours given during any 12-month period. Ryan’s award recognizes his more than 4,000 hours of documented volunteerism and represents a lifetime of service.
Recipients receive an official award pin, a personalized certificate of recognition and a letter of congratulations from the President of the United States.
