A look of surprise came over John Laird's face as he listened to the speaker at the volunteer awards luncheon.

Laird, who was named as the recipient of this year's Eileen Vansant Volunteer of the Year award, presented by Moore County Schools, was shocked to be honored.

"I guess that's why Linda [Hubbard] wanted to make sure I was here," he said, with a laugh. Laird and his wife, Charlie, had planned to leave earlier for Atlanta, Ga., to visit family.

Laird was chosen as volunteer of the month for last October. He and his wife moved to Southern Pines after his retirement from Chrysler Corporation, in Detroit, Mich.

When Laird began volunteering at Southern Pines Elementary, he asked if he could work with one or two fourth-grade boys. Before long, he had at least six students under his wing. In addition to helping them with their academics, Laird has also supported the boys by attending their football and basketball games as well as teaching them to fish. He is also a member of the BackPack Pals program.

Joining Dr. Susan Purser, Moore County Schools superintendent, in presenting the award were Buzz Vansant and Linda Damron, children of Eileen Vansant, for whom the award is named.

Vansant, who died in 2004, began her volunteer work with the Moore County Schools at the age of 81. Not only did she tutor children weekly in a classroom at Southern Pines Elementary, she also took two of them home in the afternoon to work on homework assignments and to non-school-related events as well.

During the meal, Dr. Irene Warthman, also a school volunteer, entertained with a medley of classical pops music on the harp.

Rich Rushforth recognized all of the volunteers of the year.

In addition to Laird, they include Carolyn Penland, Southern Pines Primary; Kay Miller, West End Elementary; Mollie Hipp, West Pine Middle; Mark Moore, Union Pines High; Tamara McNeill, Highfalls Elementary; Bob Welch, Elise Middle; Kim Von Canon, Vass-Lakeview Elementary; Teresa Collins, North Moore High; Shannon Pittman, Cameron Elementary; Cindy McKenzie, New Century Middle; Bob Andrews and his dog, Zeus, and Kitty Cobb and her dogs, Haku and Lili, Robbins Elementary; Wilma Laney, Southern Middle; Leslie Bradley, Academy Heights Elementary; Blanchie Carter, Carthage Elementary; Jill Fleisher, Sandhills Farm Life; Mark Spain, Pinehurst Elementary; Rhonda Cole, Pinecrest High; Kathy Disney, Aberdeen Elementary; and Rebecca Williams, Aberdeen Primary.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com.