Erwin Montessori is a North Carolina School of Distinction, as well as a High Growth School that has made Adequate Yearly Progress for the past several years, and Principal Dr. Deborah Parker attributes many of the school’s successes to one very special volunteer – Adlois Shoffner. Adlois has been volunteering at Erwin for two years, and she’s already begun juggling her personal schedule so she can be involved during the 2008-09 school year.

Not only does Adlois volunteer in the classroom during the day, she has been instrumental in expanding and growing Erwin’s after-school programs to benefit students. These programs promote creativity, imagination and confidence which encourage and promote academics. Erwin’s after-school programs include guitar lessons, piano lessons, Spanish classes, Mad Science Club and Young Rembrandts art classes. She even coordinated the donation of seven pianos to benefit Erwin’s after-school music classes.

Adlois’ impact at Erwin has been felt by many and will benefit students for years to come. Not only through her time in the classroom, after-school activities, reading individually with students or her availability on the weekend, but also through her influence on the district’s School Improvement Team. Adlois is a true advocate with a huge heart and the motivation to make great things happens.

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