By Brandy Young
On Tuesday, April 15, the Magazine School District hosted its fourth annual Volunteers in Public Schools, or V.I.P.S, Banquet. The goal of the V.I.P.S. program is to recognize and thank the many volunteers that positively impact the school and its students.
More than 120 guests were in attendance, growing from just 35 guests in the event’s first year. Guests were welcomed with a “red carpet” and were served a taco bar dinner. Entertainment during dinner was provided by Caleb Miller, high school band director.
Karen Gipson, District Curriculum Coordinator, organizes the event annually. Mrs. Gipson, Superintendent Dr. Beth Shumate, Athletic Director Buck Chappell, High School Principal Matt Binford, and Elementary Principal Jared Higginbotham, as well as senior Owen Statonall addressed the crowd. Senior Tempiest Dickens gave a student-led prayer.
There were special awards given to a few outstanding volunteers.
• The “Charles Ihle Memorial Volunteer of the Year” Award was presented to Dustin Garrett. This award was established to honor the late Charles Ihle who spent countless hours throughout his life volunteering in the community and the school district. Charles’s son, Chris Ihle was in attendance to help present the award.
• Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative/WAVE Rural Connect was named the Corporate Business Volunteer of the Year.
• Amber Canada Photography was named the Local Business Volunteer of the Year.
• Solid Rock Church of Magazine was named the Organization Volunteer of the Year.
The district sincerely thanks everyone that has volunteered their time and resources to make this a great school year.
