Miami Lakes resident Adriana Schwinghammer, a long time Miami Lakes K-8 Center volunteer, and mother of three, was named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year by the Miami-Dade County Public School System.
The award was announced on May 9 at the end of the year awards luncheon at Jungle Island, and was presented by School Board members and the Superintendent.
Although a surprise, many thought the honor as long overdue. Miami Lakes Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez was in attendance and said, “This was long overdue and well deserved.”
Schwinghammer is the current chairperson of the 8th Grade Committee of the Miami Lakes K-8 PTSA. The main goal of the committee is to support and fund extensive 8th-grade end-of-the-year events which include a local class trip, a promotion ceremony and a formal dance. The committee fundraises during the school year in order to provide these memorable activities at little or no cost to the 8th-grade students.
Schwinghammer has been a consistent presence at Miami Lakes K-8 Center for 13 years and her volunteer history is expansive. Not only a parent volunteer, she is a consummate leader, having worked in nearly every position available at the school and having created and founded essential programs that have grown and improved the culture of MLK-8.
Her history includes PTSA president and vice president of Organization, foundering member of the Ollie Owl Booster Club and three year treasurer, Scholastic Book Fair chair for three years, 5th-grade Committee treasurer, foundering member of the MLE K-8 Committee that spearheaded the school’s expansion, member of the Construction Committee when the middle school was built, Cheerleading “Team Mom” for three years, 8th-grade Committee treasurer, Year Book producer, and most importantly, a persistent Home Room Mom.
Schwinghammer’s legacy includes initiating programs such as the Grandparent’s Breakfast, the Booster Club’s teacher mini grant, and the 8th-grade Photo Gallery. This year, she was part of the committee that organized a Senior Reunion for MLK-8’s 8th-grade class of 2010.
Outside of school, she is leader of Girl Scout Troop 248 and an active Boy Scout parent.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had and continue to have at Miami Lakes K-8 Center,” Schwinghammer said. “I have been able to contribute to the success of my own children and hopefully, many others. My sincerest thanks to principal Rosy Calvo and her administrative staff for understanding the importance and impact of volunteers, and for providing such a welcoming environment.
Schwinghammer is the proud mother of three children in public schools – Broderick, Chloe and Aidan.