Experiential School
Since its inception in 1984, the Janet Root Volunteer of the Year Award has recognized volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to the betterment of the Shorecrest community. Prior Janet Root Award recipients and SCA representatives gathered recently to review nominations to determine which current Shorecrest community member embodies Janet’s selfless spirit of philanthropy and voluntarism. Choosing just one standout in a community brimming with goodwill is always tough.
The 2023-2024 winner was announced at the SCA Community Thank-You Social held May 8, 2024.
“Not to brag,” said Kimberly Burke, last year’s award winner, “but I think we nailed it this year.”
Burke explained that the committee selected two award recipients for 2023-2024 from a pool of impressive candidates.
“Make no mistake though,” she said. “It wasn’t a tie. Both women earned these accolades and recognition on their own, but together... they were a force. In a world that values individualism, these women showed our community and our children what can be accomplished together — with their backbreaking work ethic and tireless devotion to others.”
While the award recipients are typically surprised by the honor at the annual reception designed to acknowledge Shorecrest volunteers, Burke’s description of their efforts as long-time Holiday Gift Co-Chairs was their first clue. Beyond orchestrating this cherished Shorecrest tradition, these women also headed the School Supplies Committee and initiated "Science Week" to enhance the STEM curriculum in Lower School. Burke reminded attendees that these volunteers did not just identify an opportunity and suggest that it happen; they made it happen. These two women, never ones to seek the spotlight, dedicated countless hours behind the scenes.
“The fairies who magically made school supplies appear on your children’s desks each year? You can thank these two for that,” Burke said. “Sure, they were fundraising for the school, but they also spared us the trauma of navigating the Target school supply aisles!”
Their volunteer efforts ran the gamut, from leading activities in Alpha centers, managing the Duathlon in JK, helping at the Book Fair, quilting, cleaning up sticky tables after Kindergarten cooking, to serving as parent representatives and ambassadors. They oversaw bounce houses at Fall Festival, coordinated Teacher Appreciation and Grandparents & Special Friends Days, collected items for the Big Event auction, supported the Shorecrest Capital Campaign and Annual Funds, and co-chaired two of the school’s hallmark events. There were very few Shorecrest initiatives they did not pour themselves into.
“They quietly championed and advocated for not only their own children but for all our children,” Burke said. “If that meant subsidizing class trips for Middle School students, then so be it. They subscribe to the philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats.”
This year’s Janet Root Volunteer of the Year Awards were presented to Kim Craig (Julia '21, Kate '24) and Kristen Danielson (Matthew '20, Ethan '22, and Kate '24).
As the daughter-in-law of longtime Shorecrest supporters Diana and Marshall Craig, and wife of Shorecrest alumnus Hutch '89, Kim Craig’s dedication to Shorecrest spans generations. “Kristen and I never volunteered for praise or recognition. We just wanted to help and support our community,” she said.
Kristen, a pediatrician and marathon runner, added that the award was “unexpected but very much appreciated.”
“It never felt like a chore to us,” Kristen said. "We just wanted to play an integral role in our children’s lives and in the lives of their friends, educators, coaches, and the entire Shorecrest community.”
With a laugh, Kim added, “To say it never felt like a chore means Kristen has completely blocked out the time we stood in a Walmart line while the cashier scanned in 100 red school folders… one at a time.”
Congratulations to the latest in a line of dedicated and deserving Volunteer of the Year Award Winners!
