Rockford resident, First-Grade Friend is Golden Apple Foundation volunteer of the year
Virginia Norris is a retired critical care nurse and a “First-Grade Friend” of six years at Meehan Elementary School in Belvidere.
While both jobs are important, Norris ranks one slightly above the other.
"If first-graders don't learn to read, they don't get to be critical care nurses," she said of her job as a volunteer reading partner.
In recognition of her commitment to the students at Meehan, the Golden Apple Foundation will honor Norris at its April 28 banquet with the Jan Jones Service Award.
More: 6 Rockford-area teachers receive Golden Apple Awards in surprise classroom presentations
The award is presented annually to an individual, couple, organization or business for demonstrating a deep commitment to excellence in education in Winnebago and/or Boone County through volunteerism.
Norris, 78, of Rockford, volunteers two to three times a week at the school. She is one of several "First-Grade Friends" who work one-on-one with multiple students for 15 minutes at a time.
"This is one constant for them, she said. "They get to see someone one-on-one even if it's only for 15 minutes at a time. It's still someone who is there just for them."
Norris also said being a school volunteer was an easy transition from her 35-year nursing career.
"My mother died when I was 14," she said, "and I had four younger brothers and sisters who had not started school yet. So, I have been in a nurturing-type role with little kids for a long time. ... This is just kind of a natural thing for me, and it's something that I love."
Meehan Elementary reading specialist Lisa Crocker said research has shown that if children are not reading at grade level by the time they reach third grade, their chances of dropping out of school increases dramatically.
Norris, who didn't even know that she had been nominated by Crocker, first-grade teacher Linda Smith and others, said working with the children is rewarding enough.
"I think one of the neatest things is when I see a kid that I read with in the past and they'll run up and give me a hug," she said. "It's just a really good feeling."
The late Jan Jones was a tireless advocate for local education as a teacher, Golden Apple Foundation board member, mentor and member of several education service organizations. She was devoted to ensuring that schools and students had the resources needed to succeed.
Jones began her service to the Golden Apple Foundation in 1998. After her passing in 2013, the Foundation renamed its educational service award in recognition of her service and commitment to excellence in education.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Golden Apple Foundation honors Belvidere grade school volunteer
