Mount Dora High volunteer named finalist for State recognition

Desaray Asay, a volunteer for the Mount Dora High School Agriculture Department and Future Farmers of America (FFA) for more than 12 years, was one of three finalists for statewide recognition as Florida’s Volunteer of the Year, bringing Mount Dora High its third major personnel recognition this school year. 

First, Mount Dora High Principal Marlene Straughan was named Lake County Principal of the Year. Then, Mount Dora High Agriscience teacher Cindy Bellamy was named Lake County Teacher of the Year. Finally, Asay was named a finalist for the state award. The award ultimately went to Jennifer Thacker of Santa Rosa County Schools, according to an announcement from the Florida Department of Education, but Lake County Schools and the Education Foundation of Lake County still celebrated Asay with a surprise visit to the school last week.

As a volunteer with the school’s Agriculture Department, Asay helps students with speech writing and preparation for FFA career development contests and state and national competitions. She serves as the FFA Alumni and Boosters president, and has helped set up events and build multiple haunted house fundraisers. She runs the annual Agriculture Family Fun Day, Chili Cook-Off, pumpkin patch sales and the animal exhibit day. She also helps with more than 100 volunteers at the Mount Dora 5K, Twilight Run and Half Marathon, proceeds from which help sponsor the school’s FFA and Agriculture students.

“Anywhere there is an Agriculture event, project, contest, program, etc., Desaray Asay is there to assist in any way possible,” her nomination form reads. “She has affected the lives of our current 330 Agriculture students. However, in reality she has reached the entire school’s student body in all of her support, guidance, and mentoring. All of Mount Dora High’s students and teachers know she is there for them and they can count on her to assist and volunteer for anything they need. She never asks for any compensation but gives abundantly from her own resources. She truly is the volunteer of a lifetime!”

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