Going Above and Beyond: Meet CFSD's Super Volunteers

Posted Date: 04/23/26 (05:00 PM)

Throughout the school year, the CFSD Governing Board recognizes the Super Volunteers who make our schools stronger through their generous gifts of time and talent. These are the people who consistently and selflessly support our students, teachers, and programs in both big and small ways. Across campuses, their contributions enrich the learning experience and strengthen the CFSD community. The Super Volunteer recognition honors individuals who go above and beyond, and whose dedication reflects the very best of who we are.

This year, the board recognized seven extraordinary volunteers across the district. We are proud to celebrate each of them.

Manzanita Elementary, Orange Grove Middle School & Catalina Foothills High School — Ashleigh Kruk

Ashleigh Kruk's volunteer journey spans three CFSD campuses and has left a lasting mark on each one. Beginning at Manzanita Elementary, where she served as FFO President and led the effort to bring the first Ben's Bells "Be Kind" mural to campus, she continued her service through Orange Grove Middle School and Catalina Foothills High School — organizing events, supporting teachers and staff, and creating beloved traditions like the high school bell schedule lanyards. CFHS Principal Chris Lambert and Orange Grove Principal Mark Rubin-Toles praised her tireless support and joyful encouragement, noting that she greatly enriched school culture on both campuses. Board Member Gina Mehmert highlighted Ashleigh's humility, creativity, and the lasting ripple effect of her work in strengthening connections among students, staff, and families across the district.

Sunrise Drive Elementary School — Jill Greene

As FFO President and Co-President for four years, Jill Greene has been a transformative force at Sunrise Drive Elementary. Under her leadership, the FFO achieved its most successful fundraising years to date, providing every student with enriching experiences at Camp Cooper, the Desert Museum, local theaters, and the planetarium. She launched beloved community-building events like Game Night and Family Picnic and Play, and could regularly be found decorating hallways and handing out school swag with infectious energy. Beyond the events, Jill built a lasting infrastructure by mentoring future FFO leaders to ensure smooth transitions, wrote grants to fund field trips, and quietly stepped in whenever a volunteer was unable to fulfill a commitment.

Catalina Foothills High School — Jim Purdy

Jim Purdy is the kind of volunteer who sees a need and simply shows up — with a smile. Whether he is working the chain gang at junior varsity football games (despite not having a son on the team), stepping in as game announcer on short notice, or pulling on his AIA referee jersey to officiate the annual Orange Grove vs. Esperero halftime game, Jim brings enthusiasm and selflessness to everything he does. He also runs the CFHS Fastbreak booster club, whose fundraising supports the boys' basketball team's charter bus to away games and participation in events that strengthen the team and create lasting memories. CFHS is fortunate to have his commitment to our student-athletes.

Esperero Canyon Middle School — Robert Lebby

A proud grandfather of an eighth grader, Robert Lebby has become a steady, positive presence at Esperero Canyon Middle School, volunteering at least two days each week during lunch periods. Several years ago, he personally donated the school's first air hockey table, and when fundraiser proceeds were recently designated to purchase a second, he stepped in again — buying and delivering the table himself so those funds could support students in other ways. His calm energy and quiet dedication have transformed the student lounge into a vibrant space of connection and friendly competition. Principal Stacey Gist shared that Mr. Lebby's presence helps students feel safe, seen, and valued every day.

Ventana Vista Elementary School — David Johnston

For nearly five years, David Johnston has been on the Ventana Vista campus nearly every day, giving countless hours wherever help is needed. His impact is especially visible in the school's robotics program, where he has saved hundreds of hours of staff time by building and organizing robotics tables, sorting tens of thousands of LEGO pieces, and preparing kits for classroom lessons and First LEGO League teams. He also assists with campus beautification, classroom activities, and steps in to work directly with students whenever other volunteers are unavailable. Principal Judi Dauman described him as a constant and dependable presence, and Board Member Jacquelyn Davoli reflected that his service embodies the true spirit of community.

Catalina Foothills High School — Becky Johnson

A 1999 CFHS graduate, Becky Johnson returned to the Falcon community as a parent and has spent the past five years pouring her creativity and energy into the band program. Each year, she spearheads the design and construction of props and scenery for the marching band and serves as the main parent liaison for summer band camp, giving a full week of her time every summer. This year, she stepped into the role of co-Band Booster President, where her organized, forward-thinking leadership touches every corner of the program. The CFHS Band Program shared its sincere appreciation for Becky's creative, persistent, and enthusiastic leadership — and we couldn't agree more.

Orange Grove Middle School — Collin Flynn

A legendary former teacher at Orange Grove, Collin Flynn has continued to invest in OGMS students long after retirement. Every year, he returns to campus and spends hours each Sunday from January through March preparing students for the Arizona Council on Economic Education's Economic Challenge, a statewide competition in which OGMS teams have taken first place in nearly every event. Under his patient guidance, students dive into advanced case studies in personal finance, develop consultation plans for families facing economic hardship, and master the principles of micro- and macroeconomics for a rigorous quiz bowl. At their Sunday sessions, students avidly work in groups for hours as Collin patiently breaks down complex concepts into concrete language.

Thank you to this year's Super Volunteers — Ashleigh, Jill, Jim, Robert, David, Becky, and Collin — for the time, heart, and dedication you bring to our schools. CFSD is stronger because of each of you.