Event Celebrated Tutors with Scoops of Gratitude at Ice Cream Parlor

Each year, our celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week concludes with a special event—a small but heartfelt token of our gratitude.

Volunteer Coordinators Christine Lee and Bryce Cooney worked hard to ensure this year’s event was memorable. 

THE VENUE

On Friday, May 2, Seeds served up scoops of gratitude—sprinkled with love (hot fudge) —at the flagship location of Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream in Ohio City. The venue gave attendees a bird’s-eye view of the kitchen, where they could watch ice cream being made in real time.

Flavors were a surprise, chosen in advance through RSVP votes. As tutors enjoyed caramel fudge brownie and double chocolate chunk, or non-dairy mango sorbet, they also played a lively game of Tutor Bingo. (Finding someone who had finished the day’s Wordle turned out to be tougher than expected!)

THE AWARDS

During a short program, two tutors were recognized with the Arthur Zammikiel Tutor of the Year Award, in recognition of their outstanding dedication to improving lives through literacy. This year’s recipients were in-person tutor Ed Round and virtual tutor Susan Paxson. 

THE WINNERS

Ed Round was introduced by East Site Coordinator Mary Oelker and Director of Student Success (and former East Site Coordinator) Kara Krawiec, both of whom expressed deep gratitude for Ed’s guidance and support throughout their careers.

“When I first met Ed in person, I immediately flet relieved that at least someone in the room knew what they were doing,” Mary remembered. “Ed’s calm, focused demeanor as a tutor ad mentor made it easier for me to begging to fill the enormous shoes left by my predecessor.” 

Kara, who maintains her feet are pretty small, said Ed has been a steady presence since the opening of Seeds East over ten years ago. “Ed has been a constant source of support – for our students, for me, and for the entire staff.”

Kara and Ed shared their grief when a student passed away. “But over the years, we also shared even more joy,” she said. “I feel so lucky to have grown into my career at Seeds surrounded by tutos like Ed, who have walked this path with me every step of the way.” 

When Virtual Site Coordinator Todd Seabrook took the stage, he noted that virtual tutors had logged more than 12,628 hours in the Virtual Classroom. Of those, Susan Paxson contributed more than 400 hours, tutoring math across morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. 

Todd joked that it didn’t matter what he said they were working on that day, Susan’s response was always enthusiastic. “That sheer enthusiasm she brings to math, a subject that often intimidates our students, is even more invaluable than her teaching skills, which are fantastic,” he said. 

ENDLESS THANKS

“Whether online or in person our tutors always go above and beyond. They show up with knowledge, patience, kindness, and an unwavering belief in our students,” said President Bonnie Entler. “This celebration was just a small way to say thank you when the words just aren’t enough.”

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