DAWN ANDERSON VOLUNTEER ANGEL AWARD

Each year, the PTO proudly recognizes a dedicated volunteer who embodies the spirit and commitment of Dawn Anderson, a long-time champion of District 103, the D103 PTO, and our community.

 

We now carry on her legacy by honoring a volunteer who demonstrates this same dedication to our schools and students.

Selection Criteria:

Nominees must meet the following:

 

  • Have an 8th grade student as their youngest child—this volunteer will be “graduating” from District 103.

  • Consistently volunteered throughout their child(ren)’s time at D103 schools.

  • Made a meaningful, lasting impact on the educational experience of D103 students.

  • May be a visible leader of PTO events or a quiet, reliable supporter always willing to step in.

  • Like Dawn, this individual should have an infectious volunteer spirit.

How to Nominate:

Anyone from the D103 community—past or present—may submit a nomination.  You may nominate more than one individual. Please submit a separate nomination form for each person you with to nominate.

 

NOMINATE TODAY

 

The winner will be announced at 8th Grade Graduation.

 

Dawn Anderson Volunteer Angel Award Winners

Year Winner
2024 Rilina Ghosh and Jennifer Prosk
2023 Todd and Anita Spohnholtz
2022 Tiffany Etzel
2021 Teresa Hansen
2020 Lisa Lewis
2019 Sandy Simon and Stacy Szwejbka
2018 Larry and Michele Rivkin and Tania Surane

 

 

History of the Dawn Anderson Volunteer Angel Award

 
Dawn’s volunteer spirit was infectious, making those around her want to help more or give that little extra of their time. Capable, bright, hard-working, compassionate, dedicated, reliable, loyal, dependable... we can go on and on.

On May 20, 2008, Dawn was awarded with the PTO’s Scott Guziec Volunteer of the Year Award to recognize her service to the District 103 PTO.
 
Amy Gordon, the 2008 PTO President had this to say about Dawn in 2008:
Dawn Anderson is a volunteering machine. Her boys, Carl and Kyle, are both at Daniel Wright Junior High School, but that is not enough to keep her away from all three schools. She works tirelessly in positions that do not offer glamour or kudos. She slaps on her smile and supports anyone in need of a pair of hands.

 

Though PTO’s highest honor, Dawn’s receipt of the Volunteer of the Year Award never seemed to truly capture the one of a kind volunteer that Dawn had become to the PTO. So, on May 20th, 2010, as Dawn’s youngest child graduated from the district, the PTO Board recognized Dawn with a first and only of its kind District 103 Lifetime Volunteer Achievement award.

 

Beth Konieczny, the 2010 PTO President had this to say about Dawn in 2010:
We are closing in on the end of an era...having Dawn Anderson as a parent volunteer in District 103.  Dawn's contribution to the district stands out across the years and really surpasses any award that we have in place for such recognition.

 

On November 15, 2017, The District 103 PTO voted to create an annual award to honor Dawn’s legacy and incomparable volunteer spirit by creating a lifetime achievement award in her name, the Dawn Anderson Volunteer Angel Award.  This new award will be presented in May of each year to recognize a graduating D103 parent(s) that embodies Dawn’s example and lifetime of devotion to District 103.