Each week a dedicated volunteer or community partner will be recognized for the time and talents dedicated to Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS).

Amy White was a bus driver for the division when she began volunteering for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She started small, volunteering in her son’s kindergarten class, which quickly grew.

“I was in the school volunteering each day with my son’s classes and wherever I saw the need for help,” White explains. “The more time I spent the more I saw how important volunteering was for the teachers and the assistants.”

Each day after doing her morning route to Birdneck Elementary School, White would park her bus in the parking lot and come into the school to volunteer the rest of the day.

“If I wasn’t on the bus, I was in the school,” she added.

White was such a staple at Birdneck Elementary School that when an opening for an assistant library media specialist became available she was asked to join the school’s team.

Even though she now works during the school day, White still finds ways to volunteer her time. “I help with setting up the morning announcements. I take photos at events. I also like helping people find where they can volunteer, which is probably why I enjoy being a community engagement liaison.”

White’s main motivation for volunteering is bringing the family together.

“Of all the events that we’ve had, the ones that involve engaging families are my favorite,” said White. “Family is important and an important part of education, and I don’t think people understand how much of a role family plays in a child’s education. For them to see the school as not only an institution, but as a facilitator of bringing family together is remarkable.”

She is further motivated by the additional contributions volunteers bring to school every day, and believes those efforts influence the students.

“We have a mentoring program where a group of adults come in and help the children read. Someone who is specifically spending time with them,” said White. “That one-on-one attention doesn’t go unnoticed by the students. I get pulled to the side by students asking if today is reading day all the time.”

For White, helping people has been a lifelong love. “I’ve volunteered my whole life. I love it so much. I lived with and took care of my grandmother for 10 years. I volunteer with my church a lot. If you’re not volunteering you’re missing out on a lot of joy because volunteering brings joy to you and to the one you are helping.”

Volunteering has brought joy into White’s life and a countless number of students. “I always wanted six kids, but only had one. Now, I have more like 600 kids.”

Become a volunteer or community partner today and make a difference in students’ lives. For more information on volunteering visit vbschools.com.