The Volunteer of the week this week is Carolyn Bradley. Bradley is a National Board Certified teacher, who has taught for 20 years. She teaches at River City Early College where she is the Key Club Sponsor. Bradley is married to Will Bradley and they have two children: Mary Helen, 11, and Beau, 15.
How did your volunteering for the Key Club begin?
I was a member of the Key Club at Vicksburg High School and loved every minute of serving others. Mr. Wong, our advisor, instilled in us the importance of giving back, so when I moved from Bowmar Elementary to RCEC six years ago, I knew I wanted to be involved in the Key Club organization. I wanted to have that same impact on students in our community.
How long have you been volunteering with the Key Club ?
Six years. When I arrived at my latest school, I saw a need to organize the volunteers. Key Club was the vehicle I used to help the school corral the vast and various volunteer activities.
What is your favorite memory while volunteering for Key Club ?
I love it when students come to me with an idea for us to implement to give back. We have been able to do some great things over the years, but my favorites are completely student-led. I love seeing the pride they take in volunteering and the joy it brings everyone involved.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?
Serving others is one of the most rewarding experiences. Even when you feel like you are in a time crunch, or the event/activity is out of your way, you will leave feeling so full of love and gratitude. It’s just so good for the soul.
What are some of your tasks while volunteering at Key Club ?
As the advisor of the Key Club at River City, I oversee all our service projects and encourage our students to be involved and give back as much as they can. I am also on the executive board of the Viking A Club, where I am the fundraising chair, so I organize all the fundraisers our Viking Athletes take part in.
What have you learned from volunteering?
My husband would probably say I take on too much, but, to be perfectly honest, volunteering and helping others just makes me feel good. I love being able to help others, but probably more than that, I love that I am (hopefully) inspiring young adults to get involved in the community as well. Seeing the faces of my students as they realize how great it feels to help others is the most wonderful sight to see.
How can someone who might be interested in volunteering with the Key Club get involved?
I would tell high school students who are interested in volunteering to find out who their Key Club advisor is at their school and talk with them about becoming a member. And we are always looking for sponsors for Viking Athletics. Businesses interested can call our athletic director James Lewis at the central office. The secret sauce to getting others interested in volunteering is to invite them to come along just for one time. They will get hooked.
If you know of a volunteer who should be featured, please submit their name and contact information to volunteer@vicksburgpost.com.
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