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Tullahoma is home to the 2024 Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Statewide School Volunteer Recognition Award Winner after Samantha Zimmerman was honored at the TSBA Annual State Conference this past Saturday in Nashville.

“I was in shock when I saw the email,” Zimmerman said. “I opened it thinking they just let everyone know a winner had been chosen. I never in my wildest dreams thought it would be me, and this is so humbling.

“Tullahoma has so many amazing parent volunteers throughout the district, so being chosen to represent our district and the South Central region was so cool. Then to be chosen from the entire state as the Tennessee winner was just truly a ‘wow!’ moment,” Zimmerman continued. “Reading about the things that the other nominees have accomplished in their respective regions proves that Tenessee lives up to the name of the ‘Volunteer State.’ We are truly blessed by some incredible people, and I just love being able to serve alongside them.”

While serving as PTO President at Bel-Aire Elementary School, Zimmerman also spends countless hours volunteering at the elementary school, including coordinating the school-wide book fair. Over the summer, she researched, designed, and collaborated with various stakeholders to paint and update Bel-Aire’s cafeteria. She also designed a website to properly communicate opportunities related to the annual walk-a-thon. The event was a huge success, with over $50,000 raised toward the school. 

“I am incredibly thankful that the TSBA recognized our very own Samantha Zimmerman as the state of Tennessee’s 2024-25 Volunteer of the Year,” said Bel-Aire Principal Dr. Clint Epley. “While she is praised and rightfully commended for the large events she organizes for Bel-Aire, her willingness to step up and volunteer at a moment’s notice truly shows her heart. One example that comes to mind is when she volunteered to be a room mom for a classroom that did not have a parent representative while additionally helping with her own children’s classrooms. Ms. Zimmerman shows up for our Bel-Aire Bees repeatedly, no matter how large or small the project may be.”

As the 2024 TSBA Statewide School Volunteer Recognition Award Winner, Zimmerman received a plaque and a $1,000 grant to the school of her choice. After receiving the email letting her know she was this year’s award recipient, Zimmerman contemplated how to spend the grant dollars – including possibly splitting it evenly between all four Tullahoma elementary schools. She ultimately decided to help fund a project that will benefit future students of Bel-Aire.

“There are a lot of needs for our tiny but mighty hive, but I believe enhancing our playground with inclusive playground equipment is ideal. Adding some items that students with disabilities can enjoy will be beneficial to our bees,” Zimmerman said. “I know the $1,000 will not cover the full price, but it is a start and will be enjoyed by future students of Bel-Aire.”

Students are always at the forefront of Zimmerman’s mind, and she loves volunteering at Bel-Aire. She said she is thankful for the support of the school administration and the Bel-Aire PTO.

“We are very fortunate to have a school and a district that encourages parent involvement. It’s hard to take credit or accept an award individually when we have such an incredible volunteer team to work with. I’ve been fortunate in the PTO leadership role to have an incredible team – Jessica Davis and Cassi Driver – who embrace my ‘crazy’ and the other parent and family volunteers who hop in and help so easily when asked. We had 39 family members step up to help with our annual Walk-A-Thon alone. Being able to support our school and community means so much to me, and I’ll continue to do it as long as I can.

“We have an amazing school with our teachers, staff, students and our families,” Zimmerman continued. “I just wanted to say thank you to each individual for allowing me to be a representative of The Hive and for partnering with me and the PTO as we build an amazing foundation for our PTO organization for future students and families. Thank you to Dr. Epley and Mrs. McKee for supporting us and partnering with us each and every day-  they truly go above and beyond the call of administrators, and I just wanted to tell them thank you for what they do. This is an award for all of us at The Hive.”

TCS Board Chairman Kim Uselton congratulated Zimmerman on her award and said she is extremely thankful for her presence at Bel-Aire. As a district, TCS appreciates all the volunteers who aid our schools to ensure students and staff have what they need to be successful.

“The TCS Board of Education is thrilled that Samantha Zimmerman is the 2024 TSBA Statewide School Volunteer Recognition Award recipient,” said TCS Board Chairman Kim Uselton. “Parent volunteers are integral to creating a supportive, enriching, and engaging education environment that benefits students, teachers and the community. Samantha is not only a champion for the Bel-Aire Bees but for all within Tullahoma City Schools. We are grateful for her contributions.”

TCS Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens, expanded on Uselton’s congratulations and truly thanked Zimmerman for all she does for Bel-Aire and the district as a whole.

“Samantha truly dedicates herself to the students, staff and families of Bel-Aire,” Dr. Stephens said. “She additionally has great relationships with all of the TCS elementary schools and our CEO partners to help ensure our Bel-Aire Bees and The Hive are always thriving. We all know Samantha is an amazing gift to TCS; I am thankful TSBA recognized all of the contributions that she has made towards Bel-Aire and Tullahoma City Schools with this state-wide award.”