HINCKLEY – The students at Hinckley Elementary and the Hinckley PTO took some time to thank the volunteers who help make their school outstanding May 5 during an assembly.

PTO President Beth Dobkowski, began by thanking all volunteers. She then recognized two individuals who are not volunteers, but nevertheless deserve to be recognized and thanked for their contributions to the school.

First, Beth called attention to Deputy Sharon Centner. Deputy Centner is the officer of the DARE program for Highland. Beth also noted Centner was recently awarded the Highland Pride Award.

Next, Beth recognized Firefighter Lydia with her role as Hinckley Township Fire Safety Educator. Firefighter Lydia makes regular visits to Hinckley Elementary as well as other schools to teach fire prevention and safety.

At this time, each of the grade levels presented a song or poem to thank parent volunteers. Most of the presentations were original pieces by the students and were very well-done.

Finally, PTO Secretary Danielle Reidl presented the Volunteer Appreciation Award to two Hinckley parents. To win this award, you must be nominated by another parent for your years of dedication as a volunteer at Hinckley Elementary, and your youngest child must be in fifth grade.

Julie Muzyczka has volunteered her time at Hinckley for the last 12 years while her sons Jack (11th grade) and Max (fifth grade) attended. Muzyczka has been the PTO committee chair for the Red Cross blood drive for several years. She has headed the Candy Gram committee and has volunteered at events such as Cub Scouts, Beach Day, End of Year Carnival and class parties. Muzyczka is probably best-known for her willingness to serve as the Hospitality chairperson for many years. She has coordinated all the food-related events that show appreciation for teachers and staff, such as parent/teacher conference dinners, holiday breakfast for teachers, and teacher appreciation week.

Vicki Gibson has three children: Katie (ninth grade), Keri (sixth grade), and Cody (fifth grade). Gibson has been active in the PTO since the day her kids started at Hinckley Elementary more than 10 years ago. She has served as secretary on the PTO board, has been an active room parent and is a Girl Scout and Boy Scout troop leader. In addition to her jobs as a florist and a soloist at local churches, Gibson is in Highland choir, Highland youth sports, drama club and other after-school activities.