What is the single most significant contribution made by the community to public schools? I think it's volunteer service.

Volunteers contribute the extra, personalized help that enhances our children's educational opportunities. Each day in our school system, mentors and other adult volunteers spend time with students by tutoring, sharing a hobby or special interest, visiting for a lunch period, supporting at a school related or community event, or simply by spending a little time talking and caring.

We are proud that so many of the residents of Coweta take the time to share their expertise and life experience with our students. When asked what are the requirements for being a mentor, we like to reply by saying that having a heart is more important than many other tangible characteristics.

For instance, we have many mentors who began working with a student in elementary school, continued to spend time with the same student through middle and high school, and even stayed in touch after graduation.

Last year, more than 154 volunteers like those just mentioned devoted more than 5,600 hours to helping out in classrooms throughout Coweta County schools. These volunteers provided one-on-one tutoring in classrooms, helped students with research projects, chaperoned field trips, answered phones, made copies of classroom materials and helped monitor tests.

These special people come from every walk of life and are of all ages. Their presence reinforces teachers' instruction and then goes farther to say that somebody else cares, too.

I believe that volunteers provide strong, fundamental support for education in today's atmosphere of declining educational resources: help that is not only needed, but deeply appreciated by students and staff members.

In addition, volunteers are our strongest advocates and the most credible. They know exactly what we are trying to accomplish in our schools, and they can and do relate our goals and successes to the larger community in a highly effective way. We are proud of their contribution, for it is highly significant.

If you are looking for the most rewarding job in your life, volunteer a little time to the children in your community, in our schools. If you are a parent, contact your child's school or talk to your child's teacher about volunteering in the classroom.

If you would specifically like to mentor a student in our schools, contact Lillie Smith at 770-254-2826 for information. If you have special expertise in an area, be certain to share that information. It helps place volunteers in the most appropriate setting.

If you have a preference for a type of volunteer work or grade level, communicate that preference and be specific with the amount of time you can devote.

If, then, you are ever unable to fulfill your commitment, be sure to advise the school. You are missed. If your business would like to officially partner with a school, contact Andy Denny at 770-254-2806.Volunteering by individuals and business partners continues to enhance education and the quality of life in Coweta County.