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Greg Oliver

The School District of Oconee County recently held a reception to recognize volunteers who serve in the schools. Those in attendance, as well as the organization they represent, are as follows: front row, from left: Judy Lyle, Kiwanis Club; Fredi Hallman, Lake and Hills Garden Club; Lisa Kiser, Blue Ridge Arts Council; and Janet Brosnan, Salem Lions Club; back row, from left, Betty Comiskey, Walhalla Garden Club; Bob Jones, Seneca Kiwanis Club; Dee Brosnan, Salem Lions Club; Mike Chengrian, Salem Lions Club; Shelby Tilford, Salem Lions Club; Janet Albertson, Keowee High School; and Martha File, Blue Ridge Arts Council.

WALHALLA — They willingly give of their time and ask nothing in return, working with Oconee County students to help them achieve academic and, most importantly, personal growth.

These are volunteers from various organizations throughout the county and, though they draw more satisfaction from their work with students, the School District of Oconee County nevertheless took time recently to say “Thank You.” A reception was held in the lobby of the Educational Services Center on Pine Street, and district and school board members joined in celebrating the work performed by the organizations and their representatives.

“The organizations and the individuals who volunteer in our school district are the greatest assets our schools have,” said school board member Rosemary Bailes, of Walhalla. “We could not provide the opportunities for these children if we had to hire this work.”

Though uncertain how Oconee County compares to surrounding school districts when it comes to the number of volunteers, Bailes said she feels the comparison is favorable.

“I feel we abound with them in that our retirement communities, including Keowee Key and Foxwood Hills, bring us an array of professional experiences and work experiences that makes us unique in Oconee County,” she said.

Janet Brosnan, who represents the Salem Lions Club, said the group has formed “Tamassee-Salem Friends” at Tamassee-Salem Middle and High School. The club consists of two groups of students and mentoring adults, totaling approximately 70, each meeting twice a month for a little more than an hour each time.

“A lot of traditional sources of income are beginning to dry up in the Tamassee-Salem area,” Brosnan said. “We’re trying to help these kids see how the world has changed and want to broaden their horizons. We talk about plans they have for the future and help them learn to plan.”

Brosnan said mentors have also established a “Student Caring” fund.

“It is a fund to help kids who can’t afford to go on field trips, and our main objective is to encourage these kids to remain in school,” she said. “This has enriched our lives as much as it has the kids.”

Club mentors say they sponsor a boating trip and pizza party and attend special events and band concerts. The club also raises money that allows members to purchase books for the Summer Reading Program.

“It’s been one of the most wonderful things I’ve done,” Brosnan said.

Janet Albertson, a graduate of the former Keowee High School, was on hand to represent “Keowee Kindness.” She said the club that was formed to honor the memory of R.F. and Ruth Nalley, the driving forces behind the creation of The Tribble Center, has assisted underprivileged children for the past two years.

“If their family cannot afford to send them on field trips, the club takes care of them,” she said, adding that they also provide assistance in purchasing prescription glasses and the like.

Individuals who attended Keowee High School or Keowee Elementary can make donations on forms they receive from club members.

Representatives of the Kiwanis Club, Lake and Hills Garden Club, Blue Ridge Arts Council and Walhalla Garden Club were also on hand at the reception held prior to the recent school board meeting.