GINGER SAYER IS STANLEY SWITLIK’S VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Stanley Switlik Elementary School principal Linda Diaz, right, announces Ginger Sayer as the school’s Volunteer of the Year. CONTRIBUTED

One of the masterminds behind the famed Jog-a-thon fundraiser that rakes in cash to benefit students at Stanley Switlik Elementary School is now the school’s Volunteer of the Year, principal Linda Diaz announced in a ceremony on Jan. 10.

“Since its inception, the Jog-a-thon has raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit our students, contributing over $75,000 since 2021 alone,” the school said in a press release.

In an application sent to district officials, Switlik leaders touted Sayer’s contributions to student council activities and the school’s annual pancake breakfast and musical through more than 35 years of volunteer efforts and a 17-year teaching career.

“If it is an event that goes on at Stanley Switlik, Ginger is there to give every ounce of help she can,” the application states. “She is the reason local businesses, families and the entire community of Marathon grow closer together to support our school, all because of her outstanding quality of service with Stanley Switlik Elementary School. Her professionalism and quality of service go beyond our expectations when asked for a volunteer.”

“It was a total surprise, and very much appreciated,” Sayer told the Weekly. “Our little community has so many who have helped the schools year after year. Our three kids went through the schools here from kindergarten, and now it’s the grandkids, so it’s been easy to go the extra mile when it benefits family and neighbors. I’m incredibly honored to be recognized.”

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.