Garden Oaks ES Volunteer Wins ‘Heroes for Children’ Award

Peggy Wilgis, a volunteer at Garden Oaks Elementary School, has been named one of the 2012 “Heroes for Children” by the State Board of Education.

Wilgis, who retired from HISD in 1998 after more than 30 years of service, is one of just 14 volunteers from across Texas to be so recognized for her commitment to young people.

The veteran teacher and assistant principal brought the Kids Hope USA mentoring program to Garden Oaks in 2009 at the request of her pastor, and since its launch, the corps of volunteers there has grown from 10 to 24.

Wilgis now serves as the program’s director at Garden Oaks, recruiting and training mentors, and providing progress reports to both teachers and volunteers throughout the year. She also serves as a member of the school’s Shared Decision-Making Committee and as a mentor herself to students at another HISD school for at-risk students, Crossroads.

“Mrs. Wilgis is a testament to a can-do attitude that inspires others to do their best,” said Garden Oaks ES Principal Lindsey Pollock. “She is faithful to her commitment and is always positive, upbeat, and solution-focused.”

Wilgis will be formally recognized at the Nov. 16 State Board of Education meeting in Austin.