The Auburn School District Board of Directors presented the Gold Star Volunteer Award to Ronald Belcher in recognition of his efforts.

Belcher began volunteering in the district in 1990, and continued after retiring from Boeing.

Belcher has had the good fortune of working with third and fourth grade teacher Dani Rowe at Pioneer Elementary School for seven years.

“My classes love having him and he is an outstanding role model for my kids,” Rowe said.

Belcher finds great satisfaction when the children grasp a particular concept.

“I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile,” he said.

Belcher also volunteered at Dick Scobee for the past seven years, filling in wherever there was a need, including first, second and fifth grades.

Belcher is looking forward to returning next year and for years to come.

“The kids are part of my family,” he said. “Watching the kids learn and being a positive influence in their lives is very enjoyable.”

Elsewhere

Auburn’s Mycah C. Birge will receive a $1,000 Gertrude Kay Kaiser Dean’s Merit Award and a $1,000 Helen G. Smith Scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year at Washington State University. Birge, a 2006 Auburn High graduate, previously received an athletic academic award and is a member of the WSU women’s rowing team. Birge plans on graduating in 2010 with a degree in health and fitness education. She is the daughter of Rikki and Charley Birge.