Friend of Education Award Core Reporter Article—Fall 2006

Bobby is a volunteer in the purest sense of the word. Richmond is her neighborhood school and she decided that in her retirement, volunteering at this school is how she'd like to spend some of her time. The list of things that she does for Richmond School is endless; here are just a few examples of what she does:

• Tutoring individuals and small groups of students;
• Reading stories including books she has written herself;
• Teaching finger plays;
• Singing songs;
• Putting up children’s art work;
• Sharing her hobbies, talents and interests;
• And helping teachers with daily tasks.

Stephanie Stevenson and Maureen Syring, Richmond School teachers, nominated this recipient because of her influence on Richmond students academically, socially and emotionally. She has built lasting relationships over the years with the students, staff and parents at Richmond. Perhaps the best way to describe Bobby Carlson’s love for what she does at Richmond is a quote that comes directly from her: "I just enjoy coming. I get more out of it than you do. I've met good friends here."

Yes, Bobby has made good friends at Richmond; however, I think the Appleton Education Association and the students at Richmond are the lucky ones… we have found a true friend of public education in Bobby Carlson! Congratulations to the 2006 Appleton Education Association Friend of Education Award recipient, Richmond School's adopted grandmother, Roberta "Bobby" Carlson!

October 10, 2006