William Giacalone, Waupaca, was one of two Arlene Stahmer 2017 Volunteers of the Year recipients. The award is named after Arlene Stahmer, long-time anti-poverty advocate and CAP Services Board member from Marquette County.
After retiring, William was looking for a change of pace and a way to give back to the community. He joined CAP Services’ Waupaca Child Development Center as a classroom volunteer in December 2016, jumping right in to assisting the children in the Head Start classroom. He did a fantastic job keeping up with the pace. It is no doubt that Mr. Willy, as he is known to the kids, has filled the role of a positive male role model for some students who don’t always have that. He takes his responsibilities of the center extremely seriously. He is at the center every Tuesday and Thursday, finding special ways to connect with each of the children and families. He’s always the first one to greet them with a smile. He has silly hand gestures and nicknames for the students that make each child light up with laughter. He has gentle ways teaching respect in the classroom and guiding students in positive actions. This automobile loving, Harley driving man probably never expected that he would become such a big part of the Head Start family.
We are so thankful for all that he does!