Esther Hoagland has been recognized for being a dedicated volunteer at Eustis Heights Elementary.

Esther Hoagland of Eustis has been named the 2020-21 Volunteer of the Year for Lake County Schools, according to a press release issued by the school board.

Superintendent Diane Kornegay made the announcement on Friday, April 17, in a video posted on the Facebook pages for the district and the Education Foundation of Lake County. The foundation usually announces the winner at its annual Night of Stars event, which was canceled this year as the country continues its efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“We are thankful to our school and district volunteers for giving of their time and also their heart,” Diane said in the video. “People with such unique gifts and talents that make our schools better places for students to learn and for our employees to work.”

Esther has been a school volunteer for 24 years. She averages 40 hours of service each week at Eustis Heights Elementary School.

“Mrs. Esther is a huge asset to our school’s campus as she is here every morning by 8 a.m.,” her nomination letter reads. “She loves the students and she does whatever needs to be done for their benefit. Mrs. Esther volunteers her time by assisting in the media center by helping students check out materials, assisting with collecting attendance from each classroom, making much needed copies for teachers when they don’t have time, or laminating copies for teachers.”

This year alone, she donated more than 982 hours.

“Eustis Heights Elementary School just wouldn’t be what it is today if she weren’t part of the atmosphere,” the nomination letter continues. “We are so very thankful she chooses to donate her time to us faithfully each and every day.”