Four Oaks Elementary Volunteer Named JCS Volunteer of the Year SMITHFIELD-Rhonda Coe, a volunteer at Four Oaks Elementary School who is described as having a "golden touch," was named 2004 Volunteer of the Year at the Johnston County Schools' annual School Advisory PTA/PTO Council meeting. Coe, who coordinates over 100 volunteers at the school, "fosters loving interaction between students and their parents and has served with love for every child," said Four Oaks Elementary Principal Dr. Cathy Truitt. Truitt also said that Coe is a powerhouse, servant as leader, and a child advocate. During the several years that she has volunteered at the school, she has provided duty-free lunches, a reading program, health fairs, and even chair massages and home-baked cakes. "She has volunteered her life to making our school strong, rich, and welcoming to our parents, students, and staff," said Dr. Truitt. Coe accepted the recognition with humility. "I am very honored," said Coe. To volunteers she said, "You know why we do this. We do this because we love our schools and we love our kids." Sgt. Gary D. Whitman of Benson Middle School was named second runner-up. LeeAnn Sorenson of Cooper Elementary School was named first runner-up. Dr. Anthony Parker, Johnston County Schools Superintendent, congratulated and thanked all volunteers. "It has been said that service is the rent we pay for living. You've paid your rent well this year. We are a better place because of you."
