It has become an annual tradition at the eighth grade graduation to bestow the AE/MS Volunteer of the Year Award. Past recipients have been individuals, couples, or an entire group of people. The Andover Elementary/Middle School is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers, so choosing one person or a group is always tremendously difficult. AE/MS runs on volunteers and their generous contributions.
The Volunteer of the Year Award for 2014 will be awarded to a couple who have been extremely generous with their time and expertise, not only at AE/MS but throughout the town. Don and Marilyn Gould have been regular volunteers for many years at AE/MS.
Marilyn has quietly organized and cataloged books in the school library. Marilyn assisted Lee Donaldson and now helps Kristine Lane. Her skills and attention to detail are valuable. We look forward to Tuesdays with Marilyn.
Don has done so much and for so long at AE/MS that it is hard to even recount his numerous contributions. Of course, every time I step into the gym I am reminded and grateful that Don brought to the voters the warrant article needed to replace the gym floor. The new floor was the impetus for change in the gym. Soon the windows were uncovered, the walls brightened, and new stage curtains were hung. I believe it all started because of Don’s efforts and the generous support that followed from the community.
Don was chairman of the Andover School Board for many years, and his work and dedication to making AE/MS the best is admirable and unrelenting. Don has incredible energy and doesn’t let go of a problem or issue until it has been solved. Administration, teachers, and students have been fortunate to work collaboratively with Don.
Superintendent Michael Martin describes them this way: “Don and Marilyn are people who want to do the right thing – that defines a leader.”
Don and Marilyn Gould epitomize the meaning of “giving back” to their community. We certainly appreciate their generosity and community spirit and are a better school today because of their tireless efforts.
Don and Marilyn Gould will have their names added to the plaque prominently displayed in the AE/MS lobby.
Past AE/MS Volunteer of the Year recipients include:
- 1994-95 Paul Fenton
- 1995-96 Marty Dustin
- 1996-97 Marianne Fairall
- 1997-98 Josephine Crisp
- 1998-99 Joan Gross
- 1999-2000 Lawre Goodnow
- 2000-01 MaryLou McCrave
- 2001-02 Pam Brown
- 2002-03 Sara Tracy-Arone
- 2003-04 Lorraine Cline
- 2004-05 Mary Weinert
- 2005-06 Howard and Garry George
- 2006-07 AE/MS PTO
- 2007-08 Armand Boisvert
- 2008-09 Roger and Kim Laro
- 2009-10 Heidi Terwilliger
- 2010-11 Alan and Lisa Hanscom
- 2011-12 Andover high school students (MVHS, PA, and Bishop Brady)
- 2012-13 Jim Cox