By Cindy Butler Focke

The Virginia Beach Council of PTAs and the VBCPS department of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) hosted the 2025-26 annual PTA “Volunteer of the Year” dinner and awards program May 20 at Princess Anne Middle School.

Superintendent Dr. Donald E. Robertson Jr. welcomed guests.

Volunteers are critically important to success in our schools, he said.

“Your efforts really matter.”

Council President Tara Campbell thanked attendees for the countless hours devoted to their schools and PTA/PTSAs.

“Without all your dedication and hard work, we would not be here this evening,” she said.

Each beach public school selects a “Volunteer of the Year.” The Virginia Beach Council of PTAs then chooses a citywide primary and secondary “Volunteer of the Year.”

This year’s recipients are Jessica Gooden of Christopher Farms Elementary and Natalie Biggie of Virginia Beach Middle.

FACE Director Dr. Admon Alexander presented Gary Cason with a new citywide award designed to encourage more male volunteerism in schools.

Certificates and plaques were also awarded for membership achievements and exemplary service.

Citywide PTA Primary “Volunteer of the Year,” Jessica Gooden

Gooden’s children, fourth grader Austin and third grader Lillian, attend Christopher Farms. She volunteers at most PTA events, helps decorate the school for holidays and performs countless behind-the-scenes tasks.

She is a regular volunteer during lunchtime in the cafeteria and has helped revitalize the school’s winter dance, co-chaired teacher appreciation initiatives and led after-school activities, including “Cookies with Santa.”

The volunteer is passionate about making sure events are inclusive for children with special needs. In fact, she came up with ideas to assure every child would feel comfortable while attending.

Campbell applauded Gooden for her help fostering a “school environment where students, families and staff feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed.”

Gooden said she enjoys connecting with students.

“I want every child to feel accepted, included and proud of who they are,” she said.

Citywide PTA Secondary “Volunteer of the Year,” Natalie Biggie

Biggie has served as PTA president for the past two years at Virginia Beach Middle, where her daughter Evie is currently an eighth grader.

She has planned numerous fundraisers, initiated ideas for student recognition, such as candygrams, and started an informative newsletter for families.

In addition to organizing school dances, Biggie has spearheaded donations for teacher supplies, faculty breakfasts and lunches and more.

Cambell said Biggie’s “dedication, creativity and selfless willingness to help wherever needed” has made a huge impact on the entire school.

Biggie said she volunteered to be engaged in her daughter’s education and contribute to the “spirit, activities and events that enrich our school’s culture.”

“Male Engagement Volunteer of the Year,” Gary Cason

Retired 35-year VBCPS educator Gary Cason received the first citywide “Male Engagement Volunteer of the Year” award for mentoring young men in several schools.

He was also a coach and led the Princess Anne High  basketball team to a state championship.

“Growing up, I had mentors and coaches,” Cason said.

He founded the nonprofit organization “Coaching Skills for Life” to help guide students in the right direction.

Eugene Newman, Parkway Elementary’s 2025-26 “Volunteer of the Year,” helps Cason mentor approximately 15 fourth and fifth grade boys at the school.

“I’m so appreciative of my guy Coach Cason for bringing me onto the mentor team,” Newman said.

The group meets regularly and participates together in community engagement activities.

Cason also mentors at Renaissance Academy, Birdneck Elementary, and Corporate Landing and Independence middle schools.

Renaissance Academy principal Anthony Smith said achievement scores have risen and behavior issues have decreased, thanks to Cason’s mentoring group.

“It’s helped change the narrative at my school,” he said.