Angels Camp, CA…The Bret Harte Union High School District Governing Board honored parent volunteers Karen and Don Tafjen of Copperopolis and Kim Rolleri for their years of service to the students and school organizations. BH staff members nominate parents and community members deserving the award.  The nominations then go to the school board which chooses two recipients.

The Tafjens were nominated by physical education teacher and track coach Jon Byrnes with seconds by teachers and coaches Derek Oliver and Gordon Sadler. Byrnes noted, “The Tafjens have manned, run, and organized the snack shack for track for four years, raising close to $25,000.  They travel to the valley to purchase supplies and recruit others help, cook and clean.  They chaperone away meets and overnight trips.  They helped create the fundraiser Drive-Though- Spaghetti-Dinner which has been copied by other organizations.”  He went on to say, “Without them my program wouldn’t be afloat.  Track and Field services about 60 kids annually, some of whom get college scholarships.  More importantly, it makes them better mothers and fathers and husbands and wives later in life.”

The Tafjens have also volunteered for Grad Night and served on Site Council and Parent Clubs when their children were younger.  They feel that Bret Harte does a good job with students and that “…it’s easy to pay back.”  Karen’s attitude is that everyone “contributes what they can.”  She noted that Coach Byrnes’ track meets run incredibly smoothly and are know as the best.

Kim Rolleri, nominated by agricultural teacher and department chair, Carrie Phillips, was praised by Phillips for “…volunteering at EVERY major event for the Bret Harte FFA chapter, and she volunteers with other community organizations.” Mrs. Rolleri has been instrumental with organizations involving her two daughters, including Mark Twain Badger Boosters, basketball concessions, 4H, and softball. Among other events, she helps to organize the See’s Candies booth, Oysters and Oinkers, and FFA Boosters. She received the 2018 Honorary Membership Award for FFA and credits retired agricultural teacher Roy Beck for teaching her leadership, dedication and a strong work ethic when she attended Bret Harte. She noted, “FFA has been a vital part of who I am.”

Board member Gail Bunge, who presented the awards, added that the board recognizes that community volunteers enrich the educational program and strengthen relationships with homes, businesses, public agencies and private institutions.  “Bret Harte is fortunate to have such incredibly supportive parents and community members.”