Osceola School District Names Four Individuals As 2025 Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year

The Osceola School District has named the following individuals as its 2025 Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year in recognition of their exceptional commitment to student learning and success:

Adult Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year – Bettina Grzeskowiak, Celebration High School

Through Ms. Grzeskowiak's work with the Embrace Celebration Volunteer Group, her goal is to help as many people as possible, particularly those who struggle with food insecurity. Celebration High School has a market for students to "shop" at for non-perishable items. What they were missing was fresh fruits and vegetables, and in stepped Ms. Grzeskowiak and Embrace. Every Friday, she and the Embrace Team go to the Second Harvest Food Bank and pick up a box truck full of fresh items to be delivered to several schools, including Celebration High. Each week, several hundred pounds of items are delivered, free of charge, to the school to the delight of the students. With a large population of students who live in hotels, this food can literally be a lifesaver. On any given Friday, there are approximately 350-400 students who come through the market during lunch to get food, particularly the fresh fruit and vegetables. Ms. Grzeskowiak has also helped Celebration High collect clothing for the opening of the Storm Boutique. She has been out in front of the initiative talking with community groups, schools, and business partners to determine the needs of students from elementary to high school. She has given exemplary service to the students at Celebration High School and is extremely deserving of this recognition.

Senior Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year – Silvana Vitale, Adult Learning Center Osceola

Ms. Silvana Vitale serves as a volunteer daily in two adult ESOL classes, offering consistent and compassionate support to English Language Learners from diverse backgrounds. She has volunteered over 420 hours, averaging 21 hours per week, and has become a cornerstone of the classroom experience. She works directly with students in small groups and one-on-one, providing authentic speaking opportunities and academic support tailored to each learner’s level. What makes Ms. Silvana’s service especially impactful is her initiative and flexibility. She also assists with classroom organization, develops supplemental learning materials, and adapts her support to meet evolving student needs. Students who once hesitated to speak are now participating actively, often crediting their progress to the confidence and support they receive from Ms. Silvana. The retention and attendance rates in these classes remain strong, in part because students feel connected, supported, and encouraged. Her volunteer service continues to empower learners to build confidence, improve communication skills, and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Youth Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year – Dalton Gould, Horizon Middle School

As a high school senior, Dalton Gould balances school, sports, and his social life while volunteering at Horizon Middle School. He is always willing to help and to go the extra mile to make teachers' lives easier by giving over 150 hours of volunteer service this year. He spent last July assisting school staff in preparing the campus for the return of teachers and students. He sorted textbooks and delivered them to the classrooms, moved surplus items and prepped them for removal, and assisted with the technology-delivery nights for students. Once the teachers returned, he helped move them into classrooms, helped them decorate, and removed trash to assist our custodians. Dalton comes to school when he is able and assists staff in preparing for events. During Open House, he assisted with parking for parents and provided directions to new families. Dalton's volunteer service demonstrates excellent leadership and a true commitment to supporting others.

Youth Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year – Logan Harrolle, Narcoossee Elementary School

Logan Harrolle, a senior at St. Cloud High School, has been recognized for his outstanding service to Narcoossee Elementary. While prepping for his last year of high school, Logan still found the time to volunteer during last summer and this school year. He provided valuable assistance to the school with help on the inventory and distribution of student computer devices. He has also readily helped multiple teachers with setting up their classrooms and moving items for them when they moved classrooms from last school year. When he was not volunteering on campus, he continued to help the fifth-grade team with all upcoming events. By donating volunteer hours to an elementary school, Logan served as a positive role model, inspiring young students through mentorship, leadership, and dedication to their success.