Volunteers / Helping hands : School District Honors Slunka

Sherry Slunka has been honored as the Irvine Unified School District’s volunteer of the year for her decade of service to College Park Elementary School and the district.

No job is too small for Slunka, school officials said. She has been a room mother, helped out in the school library and led fund-raising drives at the school.

“When you look at volunteerism in the school district, Sherry is the benchmark,” said Dan Graham, principal of College Park Elementary School. “She just immerses herself, making sure things happen for all the kids.”

Slunka was also chosen recently as next school year’s president of the districtwide PTA, where she has served as treasurer for two years. In addition, she will serve as treasurer for the Irvine High School PTA next school year.

Slunka, 49, is the mother of two children: a son at College Park Elementary School and a daughter at Irvine High School. She was a computer programmer before her children were born and still works part time for her husband, Tony, a consulting engineer.

She has also been an active volunteer for the Girl Scouts and recently completed her fifth year as a Boy Scout den leader.

Slunka feels strongly that during a time of budget cuts and financial hardships caused by Orange County’s investment pool collapse and subsequent bankruptcy, parents can keep local schools from falling behind.

“Every person can make a difference in our schools,” Slunka said. “Our schools are really top schools in spite of these repeated budget cuts. The commitment of parents and staff have helped keep that quality in spite of hard times.”

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HUNTINGTON BEACH

Applications Open for Library Board

The City Council is seeking applications for a volunteer member of the board of directors for the nonprofit Public Facilities Corp.

This seven-member board administers the business affairs concerning the Central Library facility.

The final filing date for applications is July 12. Applications are available through Pat Jones at City Hall, 2000 Main St.

Information; Dan Villella, director of finance, (714) 536-5228.

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MISSION VIEJO Supporters Sought for Arts Program

A support group for Saddleback College’s performing arts program is seeking volunteers to serve on its board of directors.

Members of the group, known as “The Angels,” organize fund-raising activities, host receptions for visiting artists, write a monthly newsletter, provide backstage help, and serve as ushers at special events. Information: (714) 582-4763.

--COMPILED BY DEBORAH SULLIVAN, WITH RUSS LOAR, JEFF BEAN AND DEBRA CANO