Thunderous Tribute: Tampa Bay Lightning Honors Classroom Grandmas

Seniors in Service staff smiling with Classroom Grandparent volunteers holding Tampa Bay Lighting merchandise at Hockey Game.

A roaring crowd and a powerful show of support made for an unforgettable night honoring the volunteers changing lives in local classrooms. The Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation recognized Seniors in Service Classroom Grandparents as Community Heroes for their dedication to helping struggling students learn to read and build confidence. With a $50,000 donation supporting the program, even more children across Tampa Bay will receive the one-on-one encouragement and mentorship they need to thrive.

Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation is supporting struggling students! Our Classroom Grandparent Volunteers were honored as Tampa Bay Lightning Community Heroes for their dedication to helping the most challenged children overcome adversity and learn to read. Thank you to the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation for donating $50,000 to support our Classroom Grandparent Program and creating a brighter future for even more challenged students.

Two of our most dedicated “Grandmas,” Edith Shepherd and Rebecca Bray, proudly represented our volunteers at the game! Edith Shepherd has been a volunteer for over nine years and serves in Ms. Chavis' kindergarten classroom at Potter Elementary in Hillsborough County Public Schools. When asked why she volunteers, Edith Shepherd shares, “I enjoy the opportunity to work with our kids. There are so many smiles and so many hugs, and I like to see that. My greatest strength is patience and being able to keep the classroom calm so the students can focus on learning.” Rebecca Bray has been a volunteer for over six years and serves in Ms. Hale’s second-grade classroom at Perkins Elementary in Pinellas County Schools. When asked about her volunteering experience, Rebecca Bray shares, “I work with an amazing teacher, Ms. Hale. If she’s having a problem with one of the students not grasping the material, I’m able to jump in and work one-on-one with that student. I’m her right hand and she’s my left.” A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our Classroom Grandparents who are nurturing a love for learning in our youngest generation. The dedication you show to your students is greatly appreciated by the entire community. Shoutout to Jabil and The Tampa Bay Lightning for hosting an amazing celebration in the Jabil Community Hero Suite. It was such a special experience for our volunteers and team to celebrate the important work they accomplish together and feel the energy of the arena cheering them on.