Jackie Burris, a Foster Grandparent at East End Community School, is this year’s winner of the Outstanding National Service Volunteer award. Gov. Janet Mills presented Burris with the award on April 26 during the 2025 Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism ceremony. The Outstanding National Service Volunteer award recognizes an individual participant in Maine AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps Seniors who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to service by exceeding the requirements of their normal service assignment. 

Also honored at the event was Talbot Community School Foster Grandparent Fran Seeley, who was among those recognized for volunteering over 500 hours in the last year.

The Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism, managed on behalf of the Office of the Governor by Volunteer Maine and the Maine Commission for Community Service, have been presented annually since 1987. The awards recognize the dedication and impact volunteers have on the state of Maine.  This year’s event honored individuals, teams, and programs that exemplify the spirit of service across Maine.

“Congratulations to these beloved foster grandparents for this well-deserved recognition,” said Superintendent Ryan Scallon. “The Whole Student goal in our new Strategic Plan commits the Portland Public Schools to cultivating inclusivity and connecting community to nurture supportive school communities that promote belonging and engagement. We are so grateful to our foster grandparents and to all our tremendous Portland Public Schools volunteers for the vital role they play in assisting us to realize that goal.”

The Foster Grandparent Program is one of the National AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer programs. It is funded by AmeriCorps and sponsored locally by The Opportunity Alliance.  Foster Grandparents serve as tutors and mentors to young people in schools, Head Starts and child development centers. Foster Grandparent volunteers assist in such ways as by reading with children, supporting their academic learning and social development, and helping teachers by giving each child the time and attention they need.

Burris is a truly outstanding Foster Grandparent, according to East End School Principal Boyd Marley. “Granny Jackie's devotion to nurturing young minds and lifting spirits speaks volumes about the person she is—someone who gives selflessly and loves unconditionally,” Marley said. “The impact she's made goes beyond words; the children whose lives she's touched will carry her kindness with them forever.”

Here’s a write-up about Burris made in connection with her award:

“With an extraordinary 22 years of volunteer service through the Foster Grandparent Program, Jackie Burris has become a beloved and essential part of the school community at East End Community School in Portland. Through more than 22,000 volunteer hours, Jackie has impacted the lives of hundreds of children, particularly those facing language barriers, homelessness, or hearing loss. She offers kindness, attention, and stability.

Jackie serves in a classroom with diverse needs, meeting each child with patience, respect, and care. Her steady presence offers the consistent adult support that many students so deeply need. Known affectionately as "the mayor" of her school, Jackie is recognized and warmly greeted by students and staff alike as she walks the halls, a testament to the lasting impact she has made over more than two decades.

Beyond the classroom, Jackie is an advocate and ambassador for the Foster Grandparent Program itself. She has recruited new volunteers — referring at least three neighbors in the past year alone — and has welcomed newcomers by mentoring them in the school environment. She even educates teachers on the benefits of the program, helping to ensure successful placements and long-term relationships between schools and volunteers.

Jackie's dedication extends to improving the volunteer experience for others. She regularly recommends speakers and resources for in-service learning sessions, helping her fellow Foster Grandparents stay informed and supported in their roles. Her initiative, generosity, and leadership have strengthened the program and the community it serves. Jackie Burris embodies the very spirit of national service. Her work enriches young lives, uplifts her peers, and leaves a legacy of compassion and commitment that will be felt for generations.”

At Talbot School, “Grammy Fran” Seeley also is a treasure, according to kindergarten teacher Nancy Burke, whose class Seeley has supported for years. “We all adore Grammy Fran! Fran is a gifted educator and role model for our kindergarten learners,” Burke said. “Many of our former students visit her each day and get their morning hug. Fran represents caring, nurturing and kindness in a world where those values are needed now more than ever. Fran's presence is a true gift to our Talbot school community.”

Seeley, a former teacher, makes a profound difference at Talbot, as shown in this 2023 news story titled: “'Grammie Fran' helping change Maine students' lives through foster grandparent program.”

The Foster Grandparent program is one of many ways to engage with the Portland Public Schools. Portland Public Schools has more than 3,300 active volunteers who provide such support as assisting in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, assisting with after-school enrichment activities, and tutoring students individually. The Portland Public Schools welcomes members of the community who want to volunteer to use their skills and talents to benefit students.

PHOTOS: (Above) Shown, from left, are Foster Grandparent Program coordinator Erica Lovejoy; Jackie Burris; Jackie's daughter Lillian; and Talbot Community School Foster Grandparent Fran Seeley.

(Below) EECS Foster Grandparent Jackie Burris with Governor Janet Mills.

EECS Foster Grandparent Jackie Burris with her Outstanding National Service Volunteer award.

The Portland Public Schools is Maine’s largest school district, with nearly 6,500 students, and it’s also the most diverse. About one-third of the district’s students come from homes where languages other than English are spoken—a total of 59 languages. Approximately 47 percent of the district’s students are white and 53 percent are students of color. More than half of all PPS students are economically disadvantaged.