The Cedar Rapids Community School District highlighted volunteer and educator recognitions on its May 2 Future Ready Today podcast, saying 32 volunteers were honored before a board meeting and naming Jennifer Trembeth of Grant Wood Elementary as the district's 2025 Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award recipient.

The hosts also recognized faculty honors: "West Willow Elementary's own Amy Hanish has been recognized with the Iowa Choral Directors Association's Elementary Bridal School Choral Educator Award," one host said. The podcast noted Hanish has taught music for 37 years and has directed all-state honor choirs and led the children's chorus that performs with Orchestra Iowa.

The recording also noted that senior walks, a district tradition where graduating seniors revisit their former elementary schools in caps and gowns, are back this year. The hosts described the event as emotional for students and staff and encouraged families to attend when schedules are published.

Why it matters: volunteer and educator awards recognize sustained community and instructional contributions; senior walks are a longstanding district tradition that involve multiple schools and graduating students. The podcast referred listeners to the district newsletter for full honoree details and schedules.