For her work at Simpson Elementary School, Jenny Starkey Reed has been awarded the Star Volunteer Award by the West Virginia Parent-Teacher Association.

 

“Jenny is truly deserving of this award,” said Simpson Elementary PTA President Teresa Lunsford. “The time and effort she has put into volunteering and lending her artistic talent has really benefited the students of Simpson.”

 

Starkey has coordinated the school’s Fall Festival for the past two years and has been very creative and meticulous with her planning. She has also headed up the school’s raffle fundraiser. She will also be lending her artistic ability to create a design on the school playground. Reed also works with various SES classrooms on art projects, Lunsford said. She was nominated through an application process by a member of the PTA.

 

“That nomination is on behalf of the students, faculty and parents of Simpson elementary school,” Lunsford said. “We want her to know that the students, faculty and parents of Simpson Elementary School in unison nominated her for this award. It is a well-deserved reward for the effort that she put forth for the students.”

 

Reed is the true definition of what it means to volunteer, Lunsford said.

 

“She gives her time, energy and talents to benefit the students - not asking for anything in return,” she said. “She will do anything you ask of her and get it done without complaint and in a timely manner. She is a team player, working alongside other parents to make sure the students have the best possible experience.”

 

An artist by trade, she brings art into the lives of the students, she added.

 

It is not uncommon for Reed to suggest an activity at PTA meeting then offer to take the lead on the project, Lunsford said.

 

“Her genuine personality and positive attitude serves as a catalyst that motivates and engages other parents so they, too, volunteer for PTA functions,” she said. “There has been a noticeable increase in the number of parent volunteers during the last year and there is no doubt Jennifer has been a part of that success.”

 

The state PTA distributes various awards each year, Lunsford said. They will be presented at the West Virginia PTA Convention, Saturday, April 18 in Parkersburg. Reed will attend and will be accompanied by Lunsford and Simpson Elementary Principal Loria Reid.

 

“And I know the hundreds of people whose lives Jenny has touched will be there in spirit,” Lunsford said.

 

Lunsford became aware the week before Easter that Reed won the Star Volunteer Award and thereafter shared the news with Reed.

 

“This was a complete surprise,” she said. “It’s nice to be acknowledged for the hard work and time you put into things, but honestly there are so many great parents and staff volunteers that we make up a great team. As volunteers we don't step up and take charge and help out just for the recognition. You do it to help the kids and your community, so I'm seriously humbled.”

 

Reed said she has a great deal of pride for Simpson Elementary School, where her daughter attends, where she, her husband and sisters attended and where her mom Renee taught for several years.

 

“I think this award goes to each and every one of us that has put in long hours, stepped outside our comfort zones, squeezed in volunteer time between our busy lives and stapled what feels like over 1000 papers - and smiled through every minute of it,” Reed said. 

 

Editor's Note: Reed is pictured with her husband Steve and daughter Kaylee.