April is National Volunteer month.

In West Columbia, and the United States, volunteering is a way of life. Our institutions, locally and nationally, would not function nearly as well without volunteers. That is true of our schools, too.

Susan Bonnette is a volunteer at West Columbia’s Saluda River Academy for the Arts. She said it is very important for her to volunteer. “It’s an opportunity to give back,” said Bonnette. Bonnette’s granddaughter Emma Sturkie, is a student at SRAA. Bonnette said volunteering at the school provides a great chance for grandparents to get involved in their grandchildren’s lives.

She also said other volunteers come into the school too, like firefighters and police officers. “It’s an opportunity for the students to learn from other professionals in the community, not just the teachers,” Bonnette said.

Bonnette said volunteer-based programs sponsored by West Columbia Police Department Master Patrol Officer India Taylor, who is the SRAA School Resource Officer, are well-received by the students. In March, Taylor was presented with a resolution from the West Columbia City Council, recognizing her for the creation of the Bobcat Boys and the Bobcat Girls at the school.

Jim LeBlanc, SRAA principal shared his thoughts on the importance of volunteers.

“Volunteers play a critical role in the overall success of our school. Volunteers assist us with providing snacks for students, joining classes on field trips, supporting families in need, manning our Bobcat Store, and the book fair,” said LeBlanc. “Volunteers read with students, speak with our Bobcat Boys and Bobcat Girls, and assist us with each of our arts performances. The students appreciate having the opportunity to interact with the volunteers on an ongoing basis. Our staff members are thankful for the helping hands that are afforded through our volunteer programs.”

LeBlanc said volunteers strengthen SRAA.

“As a school, we are in the relationship business and volunteers from the community are extremely important,” he said. “Having members of our school community join us makes our family stronger and adds to a loving, caring, and inviting culture for our students.”

In addition to elementary schools, West Columbia students in middle school and high school benefit and help via volunteering.

The Special Olympics for Lexington School District Two students (Area 7) are also held in April. This year it’s April 25 at White Knoll High School. A contingent of special education students from West Columbia’s Northside Middle School look forward to Special Olympics every year. And volunteers are a key component to the success of Special Olympics.

“Volunteers provide a great purpose by allowing opportunities for the kids to be more social and to make new friends,” said Lisa Freeman of West Columbia. Her daughter, Carrie, is a student at Northside who is going the Special Olympics. “The one-on-one attention the students receive is heartwarming. It makes a difference.” 

The volunteers think so, too. “Volunteering for Special Olympics is important,” said Brayden Cullum of West Columbia. He is a senior at Brookland-Cayce High School.

“It makes me feel good seeing the kids so happy. And Special Olympics is a very good time for them,” said Cullum. “They are enjoying something they don’t get to do without volunteers.” He said he likes volunteering because it’s productive, and one other reason.

“I want to be a special education teacher.,” said Cullum. “So it provides me with a perspective that I feel will be helpful to me in the future.”

Ethan Bouknight is another volunteer going to the Special Olympics with Northside Middle School students.

“Volunteering for Special Olympics means I get to see how happy the kids are when they participate in all the events,” said Bouknight. “It’s nice to see everybody and it’s even nicer to make sure all the Special Olympians feel special on that day.”   

In West Columbia, volunteers provide the underpinning for our community. In April, National Volunteer Month, be sure to thank a volunteer.