Panther Lake Elementary volunteer named 2026 Outstanding Adult Volunteer

Whitney Stephens, a volunteer at Panther Lake Elementary School, has been named Foundation for Orange County Public Schools' 2026 Outstanding Adult Volunteer.  

"I am so honored," Stephens said in a video the foundation made. "We have so many wonderful volunteers at Panther Lake, and to be able to represent them is really fantastic and I'm very honored for this recognition."

Stephanie Xenias, the ADDitions school volunteer coordinator for Panther Lake Elementary, said Stephens not only volunteers her time in the classroom, assisting students with projects, but also she helps the school's Parent-Teacher Organization after school. Stephens was the driving force behind the murals painted on the walls of the school, as well as numerous other projects at the school. 

"She's just that little engine behind what makes us a thriving school community," Principal Christine Szymanski said. "It's very easy to get behind her when it comes to major fundraising projects or anything else she wants to do."