Peggy Schreck, dedicated volunteer at Rainbow Preschool, honored by Arc
Photos courtesy of Arc of Genesee Orleans: Peggy Schreck was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to students at Rainbow Preschool in Albion.
BATAVIA – The Arc of Genesee Orleans presented Peggy Schreck with its Volunteer of the Year award on Thursday during the agency’s annual awards program.
Schreck began volunteering at Rainbow Preschool in Albion in 2012, and before that she participated on various Arc committees. Schreck actually began her career in the very same building that Rainbow Preschool is now, when it was the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital and she was a lab technician.
Schreck and her husband moved to this area so her husband could complete college at GCC and Brockport where he then went on to become an elementary teacher. Peggy also enjoyed the educational setting and was a teacher aide for several years at Medina schools. She later moved in to a position at Medina Savings and Loan where she retired 2010. She wanted to still be a part of the classroom and that is when Peggy began volunteering at Rainbow Preschool.
“It is very obvious to the staff, students and families that Peggy thoroughly enjoys her time in the Rainbow Preschool classrooms and the time spent with the children,” said Shelly Kordish, director of education at Rainbow Preschool. “Peggy states she most enjoys watching the children’s growth and success during the school year, such as hearing a child’s speech develop or their gross motor skills expand. She also enjoys all the children’s smiles and hugs when she gets to the classroom.”
Schreck received the award in front of 400 people Thursday at GCC’s new field house.
“Peggy notes she enjoys the structure of the classrooms and this is a good fit for her with her prior classroom experience,” Kordish said. “Peggy says she has also developed many friendships with the staff and families from her volunteer role and she enjoys these new relationships within the community.”
Schreck spends two days a week volunteering in the classroom. She is known as Miss Peggy or Grandmom to the students.
“The teachers and aides all comment what an incredible addition Peggy is to the classroom and she brings such compassion and care to her work,” Kordish said. “She does special projects with the children and brings fresh ideas to the classroom. Peggy treats all the children as she would her own grandchildren.”
Mary Anne Graney Scholarship Recipients with Scholarship Committee Chairwoman Molly George, from left: Riley Seielstad – Albion Central; Abigail Klos – Oakfield-Alabama; George; Hannah Duhow – Medina Central; and Kathleen Dessert – Le Roy Central.
The following received staff recognition awards, seated from left: Brandi Kinnicutt, day habilitation specialist; Carolyn Dawson, chief administrative officer; Dylan DeSmit, direct support professional; and Jim Henning, trash collection/recycling driver. Standing: Jennifer Conklin, Special Education teacher; Kim Austin, Culinary Arts manager; Kaelie Grazioplene, supported work assistant manager; and Carl Jones, trash/recycling/transfer station manager.
Other awards include:
• Business Partner of the Year – Ford Gum & Machine Co., Inc. Volunteer of the Year
• Youth Spotlight Award – Jillian Menzie and Julia Menzie
• Friend of Arc – Jan Miner, Medina Bowling Lanes, and Kustom Kreations
• Persons of the Year: Self-Advocate, Nicole Hirtzel; Self-Advocate, Brett Potter; Supported Employment, Elizabeth Padilla; Supported Employment, John Rotoli; Residential, Anton Hinds; Day Habilitation, John Edmonson; Work Center, Dolores Wanser; Work Center, Ronald Martin; and Community Services, Jarred Saj.
Board officers for the coming year include President, Debrah Fischer; Vice President, Jane Scott; Treasurer, John Huber; and Secretary, Marlene Hill.
