As teacher appreciation week was just in full effect and wrapping up, we express gratitude towards Elkhorn South and the wonderful board that made this week possible. Elkhorn South is beyond grateful for the work that was put into making this week the best it could possibly be. One volunteer and member who put their blood, sweat, and tears into teacher appreciation week was Michelle Hunsinger. Not only has she been a significant part of teacher appreciation week, but she has contributed in such ways for several years now and for many important events. Hunsinger has been an impactful provider to Elkhorn South and the community for quite some time now, but has yet to leave any room for disappointment.

In preparation for teacher appreciation week, Hunsinger planned ahead of time and perfected it to the last minute detail. She knows how much this week means to teachers and the Elkhorn South staff, so she understood the assignment. Hunsinger thoroughly planned this week, taking many steps to do so.

“We start planning for teacher/staff appreciation week about a month before it happens. The NHS sponsors and students and Teacher Appreciation committee meet to plan the week’s activities. We like to incorporate the Prom theme into Teacher Appreciation week. It makes decorations for the week easy as we use items leftover from Prom. With the Prom Vegas theme this year we made the TA theme ‘We are Lucky to Have You.’ Each day had a specific Vegas theme, teacher dress up day, game, and activity/food. This year the food days were a breakfast, luncheon, Popcorn bar and Pop, Charcuterie, and a dessert day. We also involved the Foods classes as they made amazing Charcuterie trays and cookies and brownies for our last 2 days. Without their help, the week could not be as successful…In addition to teacher appreciation week, there are other activities we do to thank the teachers. In the past we have had an ice cream day, candy-bar day, Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie day, Week of celebration before winter break, also meals before conferences…These activities are graciously funded by ESHS families. There is a teacher social fun that families donate to. All those funds go directly to celebrating all teachers and support staff.  It is amazing how generous our families are. During the 2, week long events there is also a sign up genius.  Families can volunteer to bring items and help out at the events. Without the support, these events could not be done!..It is hard to put an exact amount spent on the whole week but it usually is several thousand dollars. I work to get items at a discount or donated outright as much as I can to help keep costs down and spend responsibly…I truly believe thanking teachers and staff is so important. They work super hard, teach our kids, and advise and guide our kids during such an important time in their lives before they are launched into the adult world. This recognition and thanks is so well deserved!” Hunsinger said.

Not only did Hunsinger greatly contribute to this past teacher appreciation week, she has also participated in several other areas of the ESHS community. Some of these involvements include: 

• • Co-chair for the Crystal Cup Food Committee, a two day show choir competition that ESHS hosts yearly. This competition withholds around 4,000 performers and attendees, coming from all across Nebraska and Iowa. Food needs to be provided for the two day span, as no outside food is allowed into the school.

• Post Prom Food Chair

• Girls Soccer Booster Club President

• Girl Scout Leader

• Volunteer at her church

Often underrated, volunteers are a significant part of the community. Withouts the immensely helpful volunteers, a lot of jobs would not be completed and go unnoticed. Hunsinger hasn’t always been a volunteer, but ever since she started, it has fulfilled her life. 

“I started volunteering when my oldest daughter, Jillian-ESHS 2020 graduate, was in preschool so about 20 years in school activities.  However, I have volunteered my whole life. I have started volunteering in high school in leadership roles and just kept going in college and after college as well. You can definitely say serving others is my calling” Hunsinger said.

Although everyone wishes that they had volunteers to fill all the roles and help they need, it can be difficult to find them. Not only may it be challenging, but it is even more difficult to find a volunteer as dedicated and hardworking as Hunsinger. 

“I love doing all I do to volunteer. I always knew when I had kids I wanted to steer my volunteering efforts to all things my girls are involved with. I am organized and detail oriented. It gives me satisfaction to organize something and see it through. I am so grateful to have been able to be a stay at home mom. It is the best job in the world” Hunsinger said.

Being a volunteer and a mom of two daughters, Hunsinger finds a way to mesh these two worlds together. With both daughters having attended ESHS, it has been a good way to help out at her kids school and stay close with them. Although, her youngest daughter is currently a junior and has one year remaining at ESHS. 

“I chose to pursue my volunteer efforts where my daughters’ activities and school are involved. Since Gretchen is a junior, I have 1 more year left to volunteer at Elkhorn South. Once she is gone, I will be finished with my school volunteering and find other avenues where I can devote my volunteer efforts. Plus my husband and I look forward to traveling when we become empty nesters then as well” Hunsinger said.

ESHS is lucky to have Hunsinger. For her outstanding efforts and volunteer work, she has been awarded and recognized. Hunsinger is definitely deserving of many awards for the helping hands she has dealt.

“This year I was named as the District Volunteer of the year by the Elkhorn Foundation. It was an honor to be recognized” Hunsinger said.

Besides the awards that she has gained, she has also benefited in other ways from volunteering. In general, volunteering is very important and makes people feel fulfilled. Hunsinger has done many good things through volunteering, and met many good people along the way.

“I love working with the students, teachers and parents.  I have made some great friends through all my volunteering” Hunsinger said.

With doing as much volunteer work as Hunsinger, she often has a lot on her plate. Volunteering brings with it many responsibilities, especially if you are taking on a higher role in the community. Even though Hunsinger loves volunteering and what she does, it doesn’t take away from the fact it can still be stressful. 

“I have a very supportive family. When things get super busy with volunteering, they are super understanding and supportive. It is also nice that Gretchen enjoys seeing me at school…After big events I tend to take several days to recover and relax. Then I look to the next event coming up and start to plan for it” Hunsinger said.

Hunsinger has been a huge help to ESHS, and it is noticeable in events such as teacher appreciation week. It is sad to know that she will only be sticking around for one more year, but we will enjoy every last second with her. For now, she will continue volunteering and making ESHS better. Overall, let it be known that she is one of the most hard working, dedicated, loving, and responsible people the ESHS community has ever come across. Hunsinger will always have a special place in ESHS’s heart.