Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

6/8/06

NEWS RELEASE
Donna Worman Receives Board of Directors'
Gold Star Volunteer Award

On Monday, June 12, the Auburn School District Board of Directors will present the Gold Star Volunteer Award to Donna Worman, in recognition of her volunteer support at both Auburn Riverside High School and Auburn Senior High School.

Donna Worman retired from the Auburn School District nine years ago; yet, she has volunteered her time and service to both Auburn Riverside High School and Auburn Senior High School since retiring. Every Thursday morning, Donna helps Language Arts teacher Geri Rohlff at Auburn Riverside High School “with whatever needs to be done,” according to Mrs. Rohlff. Donna also volunteers in the counseling office at Auburn Senior High School.

In Mrs. Rohlff’s class, Donna performs a plethora of tasks, from helping students review vocabulary to WASLette tutoring to flashcard making to photocopying to administering benchmark reviews. “Donna does it all, and she does it all with a smile every Thursday morning,” states Mrs. Rohlff.

New students quickly attach themselves to Donna because of her warm, genuine care. She monitors their progress, talks with them about how to be successful and acknowledges their hardships and challenges. She makes them feel welcome.

English language learners appreciate Donna’s unending patience when she helps them with their class work. Her humor makes them comfortable and willing to share their stories and challenges with her. Donna encourages them and always tells them she’s jealous because she only speaks one language. Last year student Domka Schmidt informed Donna that they shared the same name. Donna learned her name was Domka, so Mrs. Rohlff’s class called her that for a time. Another student, Tarmeek, shared stories about India and elephants, and when Donna went home, she found unique elephants on the Internet and sent them to Tarmeek so he could explain them to her on the following Thursday.

When Donna joins her husband, Bob, on trips, she feels guilty because she’s not in class to help the students. She brings them things—like cool pencils from Hawaii and candy—when she returns. A holiday does not pass without Donna sharing candy or doughnuts with the students. During graduation, she hands out cards to the seniors with thoughtful notes about their successes and wishes for their futures.

Each December, Donna purchases a new almanac for Mrs. Rohlff’s classroom. She teaches students how to use an almanac, and whenever former students return to visit, they ask Mrs. Rohlff if Donna still comes by and gives the class almanacs. Two former students went to war in Iraq, and when they wrote to Mrs. Rohlff, they asked about Donna. “Thoughts of Donna resonate in the students’ hearts. Donna makes everyone feel at home and at ease. She values education, and she values the Auburn community,” says Mrs. Rohlff.

For additional information, contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at (253) 931-4713.