Volunteers are the MVPs of PCPS!
Today we gathered to honor the school-level Volunteers of the Year for 2024-25, and name the district winners. Volunteers are critical to the success of our students and schools, and we greatly appreciate all who choose to serve with PCPS.
Without further ado, the overall winners for 2024-25 are:
Elementary Level:
- Jessica Correll, Bartow Elementary Academy, PCPS Elementary Adult Volunteer of the Year
- Phil Pontbriant, Caldwell Elementary, PCPS Elementary Senior Volunteer of the Year
Secondary Level:
- Samantha Sainz-Valdes, Daniel Jenkins Academy, PCPS Secondary Adult Volunteer of the Year
- Tracey Dannemiller, Lakeland Highlands Middle, PCPS Secondary Senior Volunteer of the Year
(Bios of each winner are featured below.)
The districtwide winners each received a trophy and prize package donated by sponsors: Chick-fil-A (Bartow), Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa (Lakeland), and IDX Brands. The Volunteer of the Year Awards are made possible by our title sponsor, MidFlorida Credit Union.
In addition, we’d like to thank our guest speaker, Jennilyn Crump from Red Eye Aviation. Also, a big thanks to the Union Academy Bluegrass Band for providing the entertainment.
Thank you and congratulations to all of our honorees!
Want to become a PCPS volunteer? Please visit polkschoolsfl.com/getinvolved.
Winner bios:
Jessica Correll, the 2025 Elementary Adult Volunteer of the Year
Jessica doesn’t let having a full-time job prevent her from volunteering as much as possible at Bartow Elementary Academy. She volunteers wherever the need arises, from providing help with teachers and staff to assisting students in the classroom. She serves as PTA president and previously coordinated the Fall Fest fundraising event, which brought in over $10,000. She is always thinking of ways to improve her school and engaging ways to make learning fun for all students.
Phil Pontbriant, the 2025 Elementary Senior Volunteer of the Year
Phil’s dedication to Walter Caldwell Elementary is evident in the amount of time he spends at the school – he averages over 1,000 hours each year. He helps throughout the day, beginning with welcoming students first thing in the morning, provides second graders with small group reinforcement in reading and math, and assists with afternoon dismissal. His calm presence and encouraging words give our students stability and kindness from a positive male role model.
Samantha Sainz-Valdes, the 2025 Secondary Adult Volunteer of the Year
Samantha has already made a huge impact in her first year of volunteering at Daniel Jenkins Academy. She is a creative talent who has served as a photographer, face painter, T-shirt designer, and she also helped with the yearbook layout. Her artistic contributions have enhanced the success of school events, and she exemplifies a spirit of service. She has worked closely with the National Junior Honor Society, helping to strengthen the club’s identity, and elevated its presence on campus. Her creativity, dedication, and passion have truly made a lasting impact on the school.
Tracey Dannemiller, the 2025 Secondary Senior Volunteer of the Year
Tracey has been a dedicated volunteer in Polk County Public Schools for over 35 years. At Lakeland Highlands Middle she volunteers wherever she can – folding thousands of school T-shirts, monitoring the hall during testing, putting up decorations, and even selling snacks for the PTSO. She has a heart for the students and works to better their lives; she demonstrates this by helping in the Lakeland Highlands’ clothing closet, and serving on the School Advisory Council. She is all-around dependable, and she can always be counted on for whatever is needed.
