Poway Unified Announces 2023-24 ‘PUSD Volunteers of the Year’

The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is pleased to announce that Evan Krecek, Del Norte High School Volunteer; Suzette Lam, Pomerado Elementary School Volunteer; and Kym Sosnowski, Twin Peaks Middle School Volunteer have all been chosen as the PUSD Volunteers of the Year for the 2023-2024 School Year.

Schools across Poway Unified had the opportunity to nominate their site’s Volunteer of the Year for District level recognition. The nominations were reviewed by a committee of District staff and the selections are based on the impact an individual has had on their school community, the dedication of their own time for the benefit of students and teachers, and the outcome of their efforts. Poway Unified volunteers are pivotal to the success of school events and programs, such as clubs, athletics, arts, fundraisers, and student enrichment.

Evan Krecek, Del Norte High School Volunteer

Evan is a Del Norte High School alum who served as the Library Teacher’s Assistant during his time as a student and requested to come back in a volunteer capacity a few years after graduating. Now, Evan comes to the library every day for a full day of volunteering.

While Evan’s day typically consists of relocating and organizing books, storage runs, and deliveries, it is the student connections and interactions that have led Del Norte to nominate him for this award. Evan always makes himself available for students and often offers advice, encouragement, and guidance. His empathy, inclusivity, and pleasant demeanor towards students and staff alike are immeasurable. He has made a lasting impact on the Nighthawk culture and students respect the guidance and structure he provides – the Del Norte High School staff feels lucky to have him as a part of their team and Evan is always looking for more ways to get involved.

Suzette Lam, Pomerado Elementary School Volunteer

Suzette has played a pivotal role in successful fundraising, community building, and inaugural events. Currently, she serves as the Events Coordinator of the school’s Parent and Wildcats (PAW) volunteer organization.

Suzette often uses her professional experience as a wedding planner to take Pomerado initiatives to the next level. This year under her leadership the school successfully brought back two student favorite traditions that had been absent for many years – the Pomerado Wildcat Run and Career Day. The Wildcat Run was the first entirely school-led run, raising a record high amount for school enrichment activities and events. The Career Day showcased a variety of different career opportunities for students to explore, presented by community members and parent volunteers (all who were recruited by Suzette). Most notably, the event featured a helicopter landing experience by the Rady Children’s Hospital Emergency Transport Team. This was an unforgettable moment.

Suzette has given countless hours of her time to volunteer in classrooms, chaperone field trips, support campus initiatives, and smoothly facilitate Wildcat events. Whether it’s printing flyers, building balloon arches, or supporting other volunteers, Suzette does everything with enthusiasm (and flawless organization) for Pomerado Elementary.

Kym Sosnowski, Twin Peaks Middle School Volunteer 
Kym’s ties to Twin Peaks Middle School are deeply rooted as she is a parent, alumni, and serves as the Foundation President, PTSA member, and library volunteer. 

Kym’s leadership, influence, dedication, and service has directly impacted Twin Peaks in so many ways. She has grown the Foundation membership and expanded the group’s reach from purchasing needed school supplies and resources to including campus beautification and improvement projects. Thanks to her leadership and vision, Twin Peaks now has new benches and picnic tables, shade structures, upgraded science and PE equipment, and campus murals. These projects have increased student morale, provided new opportunities, and opened up the spaces on campus that are available for student learning. 

Kym also played an integral part in the initiatives to support student mental health on campus and improve campus culture through sponsored events and programs. Under her leadership, the Foundation now sponsors the site’s suicide awareness presentations and the Breaking Down Walls program, a program that aimed at improving student interactions on campus, inclusivity, and empathy. The student body and Twin Peaks campus culture is better because of Kym and her lasting impact. 

2023-24 Poway Unified School District Volunteers of the Year

Congratulations to all of our site Volunteers of the Year – each individual gives their own time and resources to provide the best opportunities for our students, staff, and communities. *Indicates District Level Volunteer of the Year