Somerset Elementary School Volunteer Honored

With all of the area's schools' recent awards racking up, it's time to celebrate those who help students achieve new learning goals every day in school.

The Montgomery County Board of Education honored 15 people and organizations at its annual Distinguished Service Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 8.

Included in the honorees was Kevin Ambrose, who has volunteered for 12 years with first-grade classes at Somerset Elementary School, according to a county schools' statement.

He started volunteering in the fall of 2001 as a writer's workshop volunteer, and now visits the school every day. "His work helping students with writing and reading has been folded into the teaching program," the statement added.

The county school board established the awards to recognize and show appreciation for special contributions to public education and to Montgomery County Public Schools by members of the community, businesses, school staff and school volunteers.

"Educating our children is a collaborative effort that involves all parts of our community," Christopher S. Barclay, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education, said.

"The Distinguished Service Awards honor those who have given selflessly of their time, their resources and their talents to make sure our students receive a high-quality education," Barclay added.