Meet our 2025 Outstanding Volunteers

This year's honorees include a high school senior, a lifelong educator and a team of volunteers at La Mesa Elementary School.

Whether they’re tutoring young readers, encouraging outdoor learning, or making connections to help families access essential resources, APS volunteers are positive role models who are a vital part of our school communities.

Across Albuquerque Public Schools, more than 14,500 vetted volunteers give their time, energy, and heart to support students, staff and families. Their work doesn’t just make a difference—it makes our schools stronger.

“Volunteers help bridge gaps, boost learning, elevate school and district goals, and bring in a sense of community that benefits everyone,” said Vaisu Desai Bronk, manager of APS Volunteer Programs and Special Projects. “Their service allows schools to do more, reach further and dream bigger.”

In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, APS is proud to recognize the incredible efforts of all its volunteers. A select few, whose dedication and impact have truly stood out this school year, are being honored with Outstanding Volunteer awards.

The nominations poured in, and selecting the winners wasn’t easy—every story was inspiring. While we spotlight a few individuals today, we offer our heartfelt thanks to each and every volunteer who helps shape a brighter future for APS students every day.

Youth Volunteer Category

Karim Noury

This year’s Youth Volunteer of the Year is Karim Noury, a remarkable student who’s making a big difference in his school community, all while juggling the demands of high school. As the student body treasurer at Manzano High School, he’s dedicated many hours to service projects that make a difference and positively impact students, staff and families.  

Karim stands out not just for the number of hours he volunteers but the creativity and passion he brings to impact the many projects he works on. He organized a Feeding the Homeless event that served 184 people while his work with the Newcomers to America program helped newly arrived students feel supported as they transitioned into the school community. 

He has also helped underserved families access the resources they need to support their children’s education through his involvement with Title I Family Nights. His work on the Instructional Council gives students a voice to help shape policies that reflect their needs and his mentoring in the DECA program has inspired many to pursue business and entrepreneurship. 

Karim’s volunteer work shows just how much one student can do to build a stronger, more inclusive community. 

Adult Volunteer Category

Henry Shonerd

Henry Shonerd, affectionately known as “Uncle Henry,” is this year’s Adult Volunteer of the Year. He has become more than a volunteer at Los Ranchos Elementary—he’s part of the heart of the school. From the moment he joined, he has quietly transformed what it means to show up for kids. He introduced the school to key community partners, helped build the foundation of the community school council, and is always present—at meetings, events and in the garden, where he co-teaches students during Genius Hour. When school is out, Henry is still there, watering garden beds, gathering donations, and making sure the space is ready for students to return. His steady presence is felt by everyone who walks onto campus.

But Henry’s impact goes far beyond planting and harvesting. Through the garden, he helps students grow confidence, purpose and a deeper connection to the world around them. Attendance at Los Ranchos has improved dramatically, and programs like Genius Hour play a role—thanks in no small part to Henry. He reads with students, shares books, builds vocabulary cards and models what it means to care deeply. His presence has helped students build stronger social-emotional skills, see learning through new eyes and feel proud of their role in a community that values them. Henry gives his time, his knowledge, and most of all, his belief that every child can thrive—and the kids know it.

Team Volunteer Category

La Mesa Elementary School Volunteer Team  [Eliana Borjon, Nayeli Enriquez, Alejandra Merino, Angelica Bustillos]

The La Mesa Elementary School Volunteer Team is a shining example of what just four dedicated individuals can achieve in supporting student success. This team of innovative parents is deeply invested in their children's education and works tirelessly to create an environment where every student feels supported and valued. Their efforts, from targeted reading tutoring to organizing donation drives for families in need, along with their hands-on involvement have made a huge impact on the entire school community, making La Mesa a place where every child feels supported and valued.

And the results speak for themselves. With over 100 hours spent on one-on-one tutoring from this team, students have seen a 15% increase in reading proficiency, which has helped students feel more confident and capable in their academic work. This volunteer team supports key district goals, like encouraging bilingual students and fostering positive classroom behaviors. From transforming the storyteller room into a space full of creativity to supporting school events, their efforts have helped create a school community where students thrive—both academically and socially.