Mitch Kuzdzal

Since 1998, when Mitch Kuzdzal retired as principal of Chicopee Comprehensive High School, he began volunteering for Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. Since that time Mitch has taught more than 1,200 students about profit and loss, sole proprietorships, partnerships, economics, entrepreneurship, and the community. Mitch does more than present JA programs; he gets the students involved in learning. Last year when we had difficulty getting volunteers at an elementary School in Chicopee, Mitch volunteered to put both classes together and teach JA to 48 students!

Mitch teaches JA because, “As the business world got more complex, I felt I had something to offer students to encourage them to become competitive in the world. Competition is extremely important. I am able to introduce new business concepts to the students and it’s my nature to be with people and offer encouragement, educational terminology and discuss business opportunities with young people.” Mitch’s support of JA doesn’t end in the classroom. At every JA event, Mitch and his wife Jane can be found lending a helping hand. In the blazing heat of July this summer, 82-year old Mitch, his wife, Jane and their grandson were whole sitters for JA’s Annual Golf Tournament. They can be found handing out prizes at bowling or stuffing envelopes for a bulk mailing.

Mitch is also a tutor through the Valley Opportunity Council literacy program and has served on the Board of the Chicopee Water Commission since 1990.

William Kofron

William R. Kofron has been Chief of Colleton County REACT since 1979, it should also be noted that he continued to serve even while he was fighting for his life with AML Leukemia. During the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo he refused to go back to the hospital for treatment until after the emergency had passed. During the Hurricane he was out getting people into safety. In addition to serving on the State Council for REACT, where he is the current Vice President and past Treasurer. He also serves as a Chaplain for the VA Hospital in Charleston, SC and as Chaplain and Provost Marshal for AMVETS post SC 118 in Walterboro, SC. In 2007 he raised supplies to be sent to Afghanistan to a whole Platoon of 50 men and women.

He also serves children as a Guardian Ad Litem helping to makes sure no child falls between the cracks in the system since 1994. He also served as a Volunteer in the SC State Guard for 13 years, leaving as the rank of CWO-4 as the Chief Investigator, Provost Marshals Office. This with his 11 years Marine Corps Service gave him over 24 years of service combined. He has also served as a Police Chaplain for 8 years with the Fraternal Order of Police. He also presently serves with Colleton County Fire Rescue as a Fire Fighter/First Responder and has been with Station 12 since 1997.

During the Aftermath of Katrina he helped the Red Cross train hundreds of Volunteers so they could respond to the disaster areas. William Instructs in CPR, First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens, O2 Administration among other subjects for the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and The American Safety and Health Institute.

Sister Verna Kelley

Sister Verna Kelley, Foster Grandparent is a volunteer at Roncalli Primary School in Aberdeen, SD.

Sister Verna has been a Presentation Sister for 60 years and she is 79 years young. Before becoming a Foster Grandparent she taught school for 50 years at several schools and was a principal for 10 years. Grandma Verna has volunteered as a Foster Grandparent for over eight years. Over this period she has served five to eight students a week during each school year—for a total of over 6,000 hours. She is a past recipient of a Lifetime President’s Volunteer Service Award.

She currently works each week with five assigned children that are below level in reading. Grandma Verna helps children with reading, spelling, and VoWac. Classroom instructor Marcia Sturma states, “Sister Verna does a wonderful job with the children. She is such an asset to our school! She helps build self confidence in the students and gives them valuable extra help when needed.

Sister Verna also volunteers for our service events and enjoys promoting the Foster Grandparent Program