Congratulations to our very own Barbara Burnett, a Foster Grandparent Program volunteer, for being inducted into the St. Pete Senior Hall of Fame! Each year the Senior Hall of Fame honors a select group of St. Petersburg volunteers for their significant contributions toward enriching the quality of life for others. Those chosen for induction are role models for leading meaningful, vibrant lives, and their compelling stories demonstrate their commitment to causes, organizations, and to the community at large.
Barbara Burnett, or “Grandma B” as her students lovingly call her, is an active and influential member of the St. Pete community. In 2017 Grandma B joined Seniors in Service as a Foster Grandma where she actively volunteers in the classroom, serving over 60 hours every month. Grandma B tutors students who are struggling to learn the alphabet and hold a pencil. She takes the time to go back to the basics and correct each step along the way. Grandma B provides hands-on assistance to students at risk of being held back and watches them grow and excel.
Grandma B’s love for serving others extends beyond the classroom and radiates kindness throughout St. Petersburg. Since 2005 she has volunteered at over 10 organizations impacting the lives of everyone she meets. In the past 18 years, she has created lifelong relationships with the youth of her community. With two years of bible college and a Master’s in Human Services, she uses her skills to foster social connection, mentor children, educate on health topics, and spread her passion for literacy.
The legacy of the Senior Hall of Fame is to preserve and foster an appreciation for these remarkable individuals, and there isn’t a more deserving volunteer. Grandma B is a symbol of consistency in the lives of St. Pete children, where her devotion to mentoring is nothing short of glorious. Barbara Burnett has forever changed the lives of St. Pete residents by being a leader in her church, a wellness advocate, a literacy champion, and a resource for every neighbor. When you cross paths with Grandma B, you have a friend for life.