According to John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” This month’s Volunteer of the Month knows the way of volunteering, goes the way to help students and staff, and shows the way for new volunteers at Jones Elementary. Mrs. Patricia Gilligan, the Board of Education is thrilled to honor you as our March 2023 Volunteer of the Month!

Over the last three years, many of the volunteers at Jones Elementary aged out of the school and the volunteer team had to start from scratch. Since joining the Jones Family in 2020, Mrs. Gilligan has helped pave the way to their new normal. Ranging from running after school programs, organizing volunteers, coordinating the book fair, and leading new volunteers, Mrs. Gilligan shows us the way to volunteer.

Nina McCarthy, secretary of the PTA, described how Mrs. Gilligan brought back after school programs to Jones Elementary. This year alone, she has implemented a Gardening Club that is working on creating a living classroom in the courtyard area, a Yoga Club to work on mind/body connection, and several other clubs including Chess Club, 24 Club, and a Robotics/Coding Club. She has worked tirelessly to staff each club with appropriate leaders and chaperones, not to mention ensuring each child has the proper paperwork, and each volunteer the correct background check. It is no small task to organize, and she handles it with ease and grace.

At the same time as planning and staffing eight weeks of after school clubs, Mrs. Gilligan coordinated the Scholastic Book Fair, working closely with the media specialist to create a smooth process that was successful and well-received. Beyond the basics of running the fair, Mrs. Gilligan demonstrated how much she cares about the children by working with the school counselor to create a special fund that would ensure that every single student was able to purchase a book if they wished.

Mrs. Gilligan also leads the PTA Enrichment Committee. As the mother of five AACPS students (including a set of triplets), she has created relationships with local businesses that will benefit Jones Elementary, and our children, for years to come, including partnerships with Park Books and Himmel Garden Center.

Mrs. McCarthy tells us that Mrs. Gilligan is “not only a team player, she is a leader when it comes to making things happen. She never hesitates to ask a question, offer a solution, or collaborate with the PTA, [staff, and administration]...a volunteer who is this dedicated, inclusive, and committed is a rarity.”

Mrs. Gilligan, Jones Elementary School and the entire Anne Arundel County Public Schools community are blessed to have such a dedicated volunteer who “shows the way,” and we thank you for your service.