Each year, Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) honors school partners and volunteers with the Golden and Crystal Apple Awards.  The 2007-2008 nomination process is underway and EBR Parish schools are encouraged to submit their choices early.  This year, VIPS will give away special prizes for early bird nominations. Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Portle says the goal is to increase the number of nominations received and attendance at the awards picnic on April 8, 2008.

Who Can Nominate?

• EBR public school
• School System program
• Non-profit organization
• Church or business partnership in the community that participates in the effective utilization of public school volunteers.

Who Can Be Nominated?

• School volunteers are broadly defined as "those who give assistance to the district or schools and receive no remuneration for their efforts."
• Individuals and/or groups who have volunteered their services for the equivalent of one school year and fall into one of the categories listed below are eligible.
• Each school, organization, church or business partnership may submit one nomination in each eligible category.
• Each nominee may compete in only one category. Former Golden Apple Award recipients are not eligible to receive the award in the same category from the same school.

The deadline to turn in partner and volunteer nominations is February 21, 2008.