In West Columbia volunteering is a way of life.

Susan Bonnette is a volunteer at West Columbia’s Saluda River Academy for the Arts.

“It’s an opportunity to give back,” she said.

Bonnette’s granddaughter Emma Sturkie is a student at SRAA.

West Columbia Police Department Master Patrol Officer India Taylor is the SRAA School Resource Officer.

In March, Taylor was presented with a resolution from the West Columbia City Council, recognizing her for the creation of the Bobcat Boys and the Bobcat Girls at the school.

Jim LeBlanc, SRAA principal said volunteers play a critical role in the overall success of the school.

The Special Olympics for Lexington School District 2 students (Area 7) is April 25 at White Knoll High School. A contingent of special education students from West Columbia’s Northside Middle School will participate. Student volunteers will help.

“Volunteers provide a great purpose by allowing opportunities for the kids to be more social and to make new friends,” said Lisa Freeman of West Columbia.

Her daughter, Carrie, is a North-side student who is going to the Special Olympics.

“The one-on-one attention the students receive is heartwarming. It makes a difference,” she said.

The volunteers think so, too.

“Volunteering for Special Olympics is important,” said Brayden Cullum of West Columbia, a senior at Brookland-Cayce High. “It makes me feel good seeing the kids so happy.

“I want to be a special education teacher,” said Cullum. “So it provides me with a perspective that I feel will be helpful to me in the future.”

Ethan Bouknight is another Special Olympics volunteer with Northside Middle School students.

“Volunteering for Special Olympics means I get to see how happy the kids are when they participate in all the events,” said Bouknight. “It’s nice to see everybody, and it’s even nicer to make sure all the Special Olympians feel special on that day.”