In April of 2026, I had the honor of being selected as Canoe Creek K-8's nominee for volunteer of the year.  Being chosen as a nominee was a huge honor.  I truly enjoy sharing the joys of reptiles with future generations.  

In May of 2026, I was contacted by the librarian at CCK8, where we have one of our corn snakes, Stella, on exhibit during the school year.  She asked if I could come in and do a small meet and greet with a couple of students, to which I responded, "of course!".  I showed up to the school on the day of the meet and greet and prepared for the presentation.  As I was getting things ready, I started noticing some familiar faces.  A bunch of the classes who I have visited thoughout the year, starting filing into the media center, followed by the administration team, and then my very own daughters.  Little did I know, I was bamboozled!  The reason I was invited to the school that day was not to do a small meet and greet with Stella, but a suprise where they announced that I was chosen as Osceola County School District's Volunteer of the Year!!

I cannot express how honored I am to be named Volunteer of the Year for the entire county.  I would like to thank the students, staff, and administration teams for allowing me to share my passion with the students of Osceola County.  Heres to many more years of continued partnership!!