HIGH POINT — A social worker at a local elementary school has earned special recognition for supporting children who need it the most.
Patricia Wallace, described as an “active and resolute advocate” for children at Oak View Elementary, recently received the $1,500 Debby Reynolds Award from The Enrichment Fund for the Guilford County Schools.
The Enrichment Fund for the Guilford County Schools is a nonprofit that provides financial support to enhance the educational programs of Guilford County Schools, helps students needing financial assistance, and encourages and rewards outstanding educators.
“No question about Ms. Wallace’s intense involvement advocating for children and the reason she is the award recipient,” said Carrie Little, president of the nonprofit. “What earned her the recognition is she advocates for all our students as if they were a part of her family.”
Annually, the Enrichment Fund presents The Debby Reynolds Award, providing $500 to an educator, counselor, or other staff members who actively advocates for children in need. In addition, the award provides the recipient’s school with $700 to be used as needed by the recipient and principal.
Wallace has a long connection to Oak View Elementary. Currently serving as the school’s social worker, she previously taught at the school and served as a substitute teacher and active parent.
As the school social worker, Wallace manages a clothing closet, oversees a food pantry, ensures students’ physical needs, and coordinates the food backpack program for the school.
She also is the coordinator of Oak View’s Intervention Support Team, leading efforts to provide low-performing students with appropriate interventions to move them toward succeeding in school.
As the attendance team leader, Wallace works with families to reduce any barriers they confront in getting children to school every day.
“Ms. Wallace is a tremendous community resource, a dedicated person the families at Oak View — both present and past — know that they can count on to help them in any way that is needed,” Little said.
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