Guilford County Schools (GCS) suffered the loss of Gina Jacobs, a tireless advocate for children and volunteer at Oak Hill Elementary.
Jacobs began volunteering at the school in 2010 and has made countless contributions to the academic success of students, parent involvement and support of teachers and staff.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Gina Jacobs, who served Oak Hill Elementary faithfully as a volunteer," said Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green. "Even though she had no personal ties to the school, she put her whole heart into serving Oak Hill's students, teachers and families. Gina gave of herself in countless ways. She mobilized volunteers, gathered donations and built community partnerships, and she did it all because she understood the impact that can be made by believing in our schools and our students."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and those whose lives she touched. Gina will be remembered as a 'volunteer extraordinaire' and we will greatly miss her."
Guilford County Schools recognized Jacobs for her service by naming her the Volunteer of the Month in December 2011. Jacobs was also featured in an article by the National Education Association, which highlighted some of the ways she made an impact at Oak Hill.
Jacobs joined Oak Hill Principal Patrice Faison in announcing the school's 19.4 percentage point gain on End-of-Grade testing in its first year after receiving a School Improvement Grant and shared how community involvement supports academic improvement.
"Gina Jacobs was a blessing to Oak Hill in so many ways," said Faison. "Anything our students needed, she found a way to provide it. She was more than a volunteer - she was our guardian angel."
"As a Board of Education member, fellow citizen and friend, I am thankful for the service Gina Jacobs gave to Oak Hill and to the greater community," said Guilford County Board of Education Chairman Alan Duncan. "We have lost a great advocate for our children. It is our hope that her far-reaching compassion and care for our students will inspire others to give of themselves as she did. Every school needs a Gina Jacobs."
Some of Jacobs' projects at Oak Hill included the following:
-
School supply drives
-
Food Lion and Walmart donations for student incentives
-
NC Shakes performances
-
Piedmont Opera performances
-
Recruited adult mentors for the Oak Hill mentor program
-
Recruited more than 30 school volunteers
-
Green Street Baptist Church backpacks for students, food, mentors, etc.
-
Thomas Built Bus Basketball League
-
Carnival for the end of the year
-
Parent Initiative to support attendance and homework
-
Library card drive and bicycle giveaway
-
Several book drives for students
-
Lunch and breakfast buddies
-
Third grade snacks
-
CiCi's Pizza parties for attendance
-
SMOD donations
-
Secured our crossing guard
-
Grant for 300 folding chairs
-
Grant for 15 kidney tables
-
Christmas gifts for several families
-
High Point Bank donations of supplies and parent workshop
-
Free tax preparation for our families
-
IMom and All Pro Dad breakfast donations
-
Bicycle donations
-
Gift cards for parent incentives
