PTA Names Volunteer at Vienna Elementary Volunteer of the Year

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Council of PTAs has named Laura Blythe its 2018 Judy Mountjoy Volunteer of the Year.

Blythe volunteers at Vienna Elementary and was nominated by Tracy Wilson, the president of the PTA at Vienna.

Established in 2000, the award is named for a former teacher and guidance counselor who has devoted countless hours as a volunteer. The award was announced at the PTA's Spring Dinner.

In her nomination, Wilson wrote that:

“Laura Blythe serves our Vienna Staff by implementing our Grade Parent Program and leads our program of weekly parent volunteers who make copies, laminates, files and completes class projects each Tuesday and Thursday for all teachers at school.”

“She serves our students by organizing volunteers to walk kindergarteners to class at the start of school and to assist our newest Tigers at lunch for the first few weeks of school. Laura is also a familiar and welcoming face to all students as she assists in the office weekly and volunteers at all school-wide events.”

“When not assisting staff and students, Laura serves as chair on a bevy of committees in PTA and trains many in their various roles within our organization.”

Wilson estimated that Blythe, who has been a volunteer for six years, spends at least 32 hours a month helping Vienna.

“Vienna Elementary is a better place simply because Laura Blythe has been a part of it for the last six years. She has become a go-to for teachers, staff, administrators, parents and students alike. Laura has filled gaps without recognition or the need of praise and has been a champion for the “Vienna Spirit” as a role model for serving others. Her impact will undoubtedly be long lasting as so many follow her example and strive to embody her inspiring spirit of volunteerism at our school.”

“Laura has an enormous heart to serve and, in doing so, innately trains, supports and encourages those in our school community in the ‘Vienna Way.’ She leads by example and her unselfishness inspires everyone around her.”

“Laura’s warm smile, grace and helpful words of wisdom empower others to accomplish any task at hand. She anticipates needs, fills gaps and quietly gets tasks completed without the need for credit or praise. Laura lifts up, motivates and brings out the very best in people simply because she deeply cares for the students, staff and parents at Vienna. She embodies what it means to serve others and will leave our school forever grateful to a woman who made it a better place for all.”