Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award
Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others.
-- Danny Thomas
-- Danny Thomas
Nominations are closed. The 2025 recipient was honored in May
United Parent Council's Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award honors volunteers who display dedication and service to community as exemplified by late UPC member Geri Morgan. In her memory, UPC annually recognizes a consummate volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution of service. Often it is that passionate, devoted, yet humble volunteer who is doing amazing things that benefit the entire school community. This annual award truly recognizes the crème de la crème among volunteers. Nominations will be open from March 26 to April 12, 2025.
Nominations closed on April 12, 20252024's recipient was honored at a May celebration meeting and will designate a school group or organization to receive a $100.00 donation from UPC.
During the nomination period, you can print a Nomination Form and submit your completed nomination to UPC (submission information can be found on the form). You will need to get the principal/site administrator signature on the form.
Las Nominaciones En Espanol (cerradas) You also may complete an online form below*
*If you are completing an online form, be sure to speak with your principal / site administrator prior to filling it out. |
In Memory of Geri L. Morgan
Geri Morgan was the consummate volunteer; one only needed to ask the staff at Sunset Canyon Elementary school in the early 2000’s. A former elementary teacher with both a Master’s degree and a MBA, she was instrumental in developing a science program at Sunset Canyon. In addition, she established and executed a science fair for the students. This event was so noteworthy that today the science lab bears her name.
Geri was also an active UPC member; she published its newsletter and followed legislation—long before UPC played a participatory role with the state legislature. Most importantly, Geri was an advocate of public education. A native Texan, she couldn’t quite understand Arizona’s seeming lack of interest in investing in its children. On August 4, 2005, the UPC delegation filled a long pew at Geri’s Memorial service. They listened to Sunset Canyon’s principal deliver her eulogy. They witnessed her son and her family’s struggle. After that, UPC decided Geri Morgan epitomized the essence of UPC—volunteer, above self. [Geri Morgan was killed in a one-car, rollover accident on the family’s return from a Flagstaff weekend in 2005. An anonymous donor established the upfront money for the original award.]
In her memory, UPC established the Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award to honor a volunteer for his or her outstanding service contributions to a school community. Each year the winner receives a $100 donation to a school group or organization of his or her choice. |
2025 Recipient:
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Congratulations to Donna Locke, the 2025 recipient of the Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award.
Congratulations to the 2025 recipient of the Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award: Donna Locke! Donna is a Retired Special Education Teacher and she Volunteers with Lil Cubs for a few hours daily every Monday through Friday. A few words from her nominators: When Donna arrives, our cute infant through three year olds flock to her. She is surrounded with hugs, with smiles and joyous screams of Miss Donna!! She is loved. The staff see her coming and flock to her as well. When I visit the site, she asks how I am, she shares the things she is working on with our kids and she always, always has a smile on her face!!! She comes during the summer to help set up classrooms, create adorable, young child friendly bulletin boards and to support any need. Each person who interacts with Donna feels loved and appreciated. We are so thankful for the daily interactions she gives our children. She enters and the center feels her joy. She brings love and learning in everything she does. I can't think of a better person to recognize for this award. We have loved her for years and while she won't want the attention she is the spirit of this award and should be recognized!!!! We cannot think of a more deserving recipient--Congratulations Donna Locke! Donna's name will be added to the Geri Morgan Volunteer Award Legacy Plaque displayed at PVUSD's district offices. |
The 2025 finalists for the Geri L. Morgan Award were:
Glen Burton from Sonoran Sky Elementary School Rebecca Guglielmo from Fireside Elementary School |
Geri L. Morgan Award Recipients:
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2025 Donna Locke
2024 Jenny Patton 2023 Lisa Hoberg 2022 Margi Moore 2021 Alison Feinberg 2019 Courtney Fligeltaub & Paulette Fraenkel 2018 Gretchen Larson 2017 Ann Thompson 2016 Twyla Otte 2015 Aundi Parillo 2014 Christy Miller |
2013 Colleen Amarillas
2012 Ed Tankersley 2011 Teri Harnisch 2011 Nancy Pool 2010 Bette and Julian Henriques 2010 Juana and John Fredrick 2009 Julie Tyree 2008 Laurie Smith 2007 Juana Fredrick 2006 Joan Morgan |
Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award Chair: Megan Starr - [email protected]