Wells High School Band Boosters president receives top volunteer award

WELLS, Maine — The Wells-Ogunquit Community School District recently named Bill Washburn its "Exemplary Volunteer of the Year" for the 2023-24 school year.

This award was presented to Washburn on June 6 at an annual luncheon that honors the work of school volunteers in the district.

Washburn was recognized for his years of dedication working with others to raise thousands of dollars for the Wells High School Music Program, first as a member and then as president of the WHS Band Boosters.

The boosters consist of parents of students who annually facilitate fundraising efforts, including the annual community textile drive that raises funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of New England and the WHS band programs like the color guard.

"I was completely surprised and humbled to have received this," Washburn said. "I do what I do because I truly enjoy it. The staff and kids are a lot of fun to work with. Being a former band student at Wells High School (Class of 1998), I enjoy giving back to this program that had great importance to me."

Washburn explains his motivation for volunteering "is to help each student in the programs we support to be successful and feel as confident as they can when performing. From buying new equipment to providing water and food at events, we are there to support all of the students."

Superintendent James Daly commented on Washburn’s dedicated volunteerism at the luncheon.

"We are lucky in Wells because we have volunteers like you," said Daly to Washburn. "Because of people like you, we are able to do the things we do."

District Community Resource Coordinator Maryanne Foley has managed the school's volunteer program since 1994. According to Foley, school volunteers, as a group, contribute "thousands" of hours of time assisting teachers and students in the district's schools in various roles.

Volunteers are retired teachers and other community members, including high school students and parents. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact Maryanne Foley in September at 646-5953, extension 4204.