Johanna “Hanneke” Schaafsma has been selected as the January Volunteer of the Month for Lancaster County Public Schools (LCPS).
Schaafsma was born in the Netherlands and grew up in the Caribbean. After completing her education and before the birth of her sons, she had a career in the secretarial field. Once her children arrived, she devoted her time to her family.
“Throughout the past 20 years, Hanneke has touched the lives of many young students in Lancaster County,” said volunteer tutoring program coordinator Sandy Armstrong.
When Schaafsma moved to Lancaster County in 1997, she became actively involved in the education of the youngest students in the school system. For 10 years, she volunteered as an after school tutor at Lancaster Primary School (LPS) in the Tea for Two Program.
In September 2014, she was one of the first volunteers to join the Division Wide Volunteer Tutoring Program. She has continued volunteering in this program for the past several years, tutoring many students at the primary school. Schaafsma also volunteers each week in the Kids First Program at LPS.
Schaafsma is passionate about helping young children achieve their fullest potential, said Armstrong. She feels it is important to start working with them when they are very young so they have a great head start in their education.
When asked what she liked most about working with her students, she stated that they are so honest, fun and always appear to put forth their best effort in whatever work we are doing.
“The love and dedication she displays for her students is remarkable,” added Armstrong.
In her spare time, Schaafsma enjoys spending time with her family, exercising at the YMCA, gardening, playing bridge and reading.
To get involved with an LCPS volunteer program, call Armstrong at 462-5100 ext. 2008.
