Out of hundreds of volunteers and about 50 nominees, Richard Leafty has emerged as Salt Lake City School District's Volunteer of the Year.
Like many volunteers, Leafty is dedicated to helping teachers and students, but he comes nearly every day and is usually there from dawn til dusk.
Parkview Elementary principal Janine Smith said he has made the school his home, showing up early to help in a before-school reading program and staying late for the after-school chess program.
"There isn't one thing in this building that I would hesitate to ask Richard to help us with. Not only does he do it but he goes above and beyond," said Smith. "He's like the pied piper — they (students) love him and they will do anything for him — I don't care if it is preschool or sixth grade."
Leafty was also an in-demand substitute teacher for the district. But after a few years, he decided he wanted to move his focus back to volunteering at Parkview.
A big factor that sets Leafty apart, Smith said, is that he not only donates large amounts of time, but he also donates a fair bit of money to bring students treats and surprises. He has even bought bikes for the students as incentives and awards. All of which is welcomed in a school with higher poverty levels.
He also purchased 125 recorders for the entire first grade and then taught the kids how to play after approaching the school's music teachers for some playing and teaching lessons.
Leafty, 50, has no children or relatives at the school. He puts in his time solely because he loves it.
"I just love children," said Leafty. "I love watching them grow."
"Richard is the embodiment and spirit of what it is to be a volunteer," said parent Stephen Manful. "He makes sacrifices in his personal life, not for recognition or accolades, but because he knows no other way to live other than looking out for others."
Daphne Williams, district community involvement supervisor, said volunteers are valuable to the kids because they are there because they want to be there. They are working with them because they want to and not because they have to. The kids know that, and they feel loved.
"He is so invested in the school, and they are so invested in him," said Williams. "To be there every day and also contribute so much (financially) — it's rare — going to the degree he does."
Leafty was presented the award by the district in a surprise ceremony on Wednesday during an end of the year celebration at the school.
E-mail: terickson@desnews.com