SCHOOL VOLUNTEER IS LESSON IN KINDNESS

Most every day, Tonia Lane can be found working at Alma Schrader Elementary School.

But the hours she volunteers are strictly a labor of love.

The teachers and staff were so impressed with Lane's efforts they recently nominated her for an Area Wide Volunteer Recognition Award.

"She volunteers a minimum of two hours each day," said Suzanne Riehl, a first grade teacher. "Many days she has been there from the first bell until the last bell. She does anything and everything that needs to be done at school."

Her volunteer efforts began when her daughter started kindergarten. Juneall, 9, is now a third-grader at the school.

The tasks vary from making copies to serving as substitute librarian, from grading papers to running errands. She enjoys helping teachers improve their computer skills.

"If students are having problems, she'll sit down with them and do one-on-one tutoring," said Riehl. That can be a big help to a teacher with 25 or more students.

And when the need arises, she'll even step in as a substitute teacher -- performing the task an average of three to four days a month.

After dropping off her daughter each morning, Lane typically checks in the office to see if she can be of any help. This year, she stepped up her volunteer efforts as PTA president, a post she will also fill next year.

"The teachers have jokingly said, I should be paid," said Lane. "But it wouldn't be the same if I had to do it. I want to be here."

Her close association with the school has given her a better appreciation of the teachers and a better understanding of school needs.

"It takes a very special person to be a teacher," said Lane. "The more I watch them, the more I appreciate their work. Teachers have to be moms, nurses, psychologists and teachers to 25 to 30 kids, and they have to have the same energy every day."

Lane's quick response time to projects also proves a real asset at a busy school.

"It's great to have an extra set of hands in a busy office," said Theresa Ladd, school nurse. "She's always willing to help."

Ladd helped craft the nomination letter for Lane to the Area Wide United Way.

In it, she said: "Tonia Lane is a person of genuine kindness. She offers her services without expectations of compensation or recognition. She does not criticize or complain about school policies and procedures."

Instead, she goes about her work with a smile for everyone -- students and adults alike.

Sue Keesee, school secretary for the past 28 years, said Lane often goes beyond mere office duties. "She cares about people," said Keesee. "When my Dad died, she came to the funeral and it's an hour and a half from here."

On long days at the school, she sometimes looks out the window and sees her husband coming up the school walk. Duneall Lane works at Procter and Gamble. He just smiles and tells his wife: "'I knew where you were.'"

She often makes the trip to schools numerous times each day. "I can get from home to school in 10 minutes. I've done it many times."

Sandra Cook, librarian, said, "Tonia is one of our most dedicated volunteers. I don't know what we'd do without her."