LaVerne Bosse has the type of reputation that has followed her for 22 years. At Olde Providence Elementary, staff and students refer to her as the “go to girl.” And Bosse doesn’t mind one bit. The school volunteer has been at Olde Providence for more than two decades, logging more than 900 hours this year.
Her character has recently caught the attention of the North Carolina Office of Governor Bev Perdue for long-standing service to the State. Bosse was awarded the Long Leaf Pine Award for her years of exemplary service to North Carolina.
Bosse spends most of her free time working in the media center, a place where the school needs her most since they are without a media assistant. Weekly, she processes more than 300 books in and out of the library, assists with the school’s technology, directs the school’s media newscast, manages the media center’s inventory and a slew of other tasks. In addition to the media center, Bosse can be found providing lunch relief for front office staff and as a substitute when needed. 
“Mrs. Bosse means a tremendous amount to the school. She provides us with a valuable service and is dependable. We know she is here for us,” said Principal Rachel McKenzie. “She is our troubleshooter and when she goes on vacation, we’re lost without her. We do countdowns until her return.”
Bosse had no prior connection to Olde Providence before she began volunteering. Her youngest child was a student in high school when her family relocated to Charlotte and she only knew it as the neighborhood’s elementary school.
“One day my next door neighbor asked if I would type books for the students when they were self-publishing. They didn’t have computers and asked if I would mind typing. I simply said, ‘Sure, why not,’” said Bosse. “It all started from there.”
She never knew that her commitment would extend to years of service. And her dedication to the school means that Bosse is always learning, attending trainings and teaching students and staff about technology.
Media Specialist Patricia Parrish said that Bosse has been a guiding light in the media center.
“She has trained me more than my college program has,” laughed Parrish. “She helps kids find books and give them the attention they may need. With Mrs. Bosse here, I am available to teach and manage lessons. I get to assist the students more, because she is in the library with them.”
Bosse said her time at the school is all worth the effort — not because of the recognition she receives from teachers and staff, but because of the hugs she receives from children.
“That means a lot to me to have a child run up and give me a hug,” said Bosse. “The students love you and the teachers treat you as a member of the staff and not like someone off the streets.”
“The Long Leaf Pine Award isn’t just for me though, it is for all volunteers.”
