Volunteer of the Month (April 2008)

Guilford County Schools Announce Jean Pudio as April Volunteer of the Month

Jean Pudlo is an advocate. Not just for her child, but also for hundreds of students in the area. She’s more than an integral member of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at The Early College at Guilford; she helped develop FIRST Lego Leagues, FIRST Robotic Teams and FIRST Vex Leagues across the Triad. She has sought funding for computers and internet access for students and their families who do not have the resources to obtain them.

“Where do you even begin with Jean Pudlo?” former Early College principal Tony Lamair Burks, II said. “She’s been instrumental with the PTSA since her student enrolled at The Early College. She has served as treasurer as the PTSA, she has worked to have fundraising events held at her church, she’s been instrumental with the first robotics team and has rallied parents together. Her background is in strategic planning and consulting with non-profits, and she draws on all of those skills in helping The Early College. She has written and applied for many grants. The greatest thing about Jean is she does it all without fanfare. She does things like most parents do, because her child is a student at the school. But then she takes things a step further and does it for the benefit of all kids.”

According to Jody Butler, who nominated Jean for the award, Jean is a “big picture person and a true innovator.” Jody went on to describe Jean as “a superior parent, mentor, leadership development facilitator and advocate for science and engineering, special student populations and teachers.”

Because of her unending support of the faculty and students at The Early College at Guilford and across the district, Jean is the April Guilford County Schools (GCS) Volunteer of the Month.

 As the GCS Volunteer of the Month, Jean will receive a certificate of appreciation from the Board of Education and Co-interim Superintendents Sharon Ozment and Dr. Eric J. Becoats. She will also receive a $25 gift card from American Express. Jean’s photo will hang on a plaque at her school during the month of April, as well as at the district’s central offices. Remember to watch for the Volunteer of the Month on GCSTV 2.

To nominate a volunteer who you think goes above and beyond the call of duty, simply click on the following link: http://www.gcsnc.com/community/vom.htm

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens who are college/work ready.

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.