Volunteer Par Excellence: Diane Claypool

Editor's Note: The 29th Annual Joint Community Service Volunteer Awards gave public and lavish recognition for nine individuals who were chosen from scores of nominations. The strong ethos of volunteerism in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills is what many credit as the thing that makes the communities so strong.

 isn't adequate for nine people who have quietly made big contributions over years. So, throughout the coming days, we are reprinting the text from the introductions made for each individual at the awards event.

Los Altos History Museum President Patti Rose and museum Executive Director Laura Bajuk, complete with props, shared the introduction of Diane Claypool. We have retained their prompts for the props, just to carry a little of the flavor of thepresentation onto print. Their introduction is below.

Hi everyone. My name is Patti Rose and I am the current president of the Los Altos History Museum’s Board of Directors.

And I am Laura Bajuk, Executive Director of the Museum.

We are here today praise a multi-talented volunteer who consistently shares her talents, time and expertise in our community.

Our award winner wears many hats—and looks great in all of them. [TAP OUR HATS]

As a seasoned educator and an avid supporter of the History Museum, this person always brings a keen intellect to their service as a board member and as an active chairperson and participant on many museum committees.

This person also has a passion for history and has made many presentations on Colonial times to students, teachers, school administrators, and community members, typically wearing one of her TWO authentically sewn costumes for the talk.

This volunteer is regarded as one of the top elementary school teachers in the region and over the years has exhibited a sincere willingness and a special talent to educate fellow teachers in becoming more comfortable and more skilled in teaching history to many, many students.

With this person’s SKILL, GRACE—and always a SMILE ON HER FACE—this volunteer continues to professionally manage the logistics of various community events and social activities, to ensure success of these programs. Making it all look effortless is another of their exemplary talents.

As an active museum board member for six years, this person has happily created and served thousands upon THOUSANDS of hors d’oeuvres and has worked culinary magic at Museum events, at many Bus Barn social activities, along with catering for other nonprofit agencies in our community. And, with a wave of her wooden spoon [WAVE SPOONS], this volunteer has assisted in raising thousands of dollars to help support the mission of our History Museum.

If this volunteer is a-cookin', be assured that everyone will want to come to that event.

It is with great pride and distinct pleasure for us to present this year’s Volunteer Award to Diane Claypool. 

Congratulations Diane.