VOLUNTEER BECOMES A REGULAR AT JEFFERSON SCHOOL

When Amy Randol's younger son started kindergarten, she noticed that teachers at Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau could use a helping hand.

While her children attended classes, Randol began volunteering in the school office. Six years later, she has become a regular at Jefferson School, camped out at a little table near the school secretary.

Randol grades papers and helps the school librarian when rambunctious kindergarteners come to call.

She cuts out letters for bulletin boards, serves as a chaperone on field trips and answers the telephone when the school secretary is away from her desk.

Principal Gary Kralemann said Randol's work offers teachers a welcome respite, but her volunteerism goes even farther.

"She is a compassionate, caring person who is able to relate to students and parents," he said. "She helps in emergencies with students who may be hurt. She finds someone to provide the proper assistance. She helps in classrooms with students who need individual attention."

Kralemann said Randol has the ability to step in, take care of a situation efficiently and then go on to the next item.

Randol stepped into the limelight last year as she raised questions about the school districts financial management. Her questions prompted changes.

A year later, the school district has a new superintendent, and Randol is back at her little table in the Jefferson School office, a place she prefers to the limelight.

In fact, Randol says volunteering at school is plain fun. She enjoys bantering with the secretary, visiting with teachers and parents and watching out for her kids -- all the students at Jefferson.