Jackie Burris Received Her Award from Governor Janet T. Mills (D) at an Award’s Ceremony in Augusta on April 26, 2025.
Jackie Burris, 85, a life-long Munjoy Hill resident, is this year’s Outstanding National Service Volunteer award recipient. The award was presented to Ms. Burris for her dedication as a Foster Grandparent at East End Community School on Munjoy Hill. The award was presented to Ms. Burris by Governor Janet T. Mills on April 26, during the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism ceremony in Augusta.
The award recognizes an individual participant in Maine AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps Seniors who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to service by exceeding the requirements of their normal service assignment. This Governor’s award has been presented annually since 1987.
“I received an invitation to attend the event on April 18, but I didn’t know I was to be a recipient of the award until I got to the ceremony,” said Jackie who lives on Munjoy Hill, this morning. Jackie grew up on Lafayette Street on Munjoy Hill. She attended Schaller School, Emerson School, Jack Junior School and Portland High School. Jackie was the oldest of six children. She married and has two children; a daughter Lillian and a son Alfred. “The kids keep me young, I learn from them every day,” Jackie said from her apartment on the Hill.
Jackie has served for 22 years of volunteer service at East End Community School, North Street, on Munjoy Hill. Through more than 22,000 volunteer hours, Jackie has impacted the lives of hundreds of children, particularly those facing language barriers, homelessness or hearing loss. She offers kindness, attention and stability.
Jackie serves in a classroom with diverse needs, meeting each child with patience, respect and care. Her steady presence offers the consistent adult support that many students so deeply need. Known affectionately as “the Mayor” of her school, Jackie is recognized and warmly greeted by students and staff alike as she walks the halls, a testament to the lasting impact she has made over more than two decades.
“Congratulations to these beloved foster grandparents for this well-deserved recognition,” said Portland Schools Superintendent Ryan Scallon………..’We are so grateful to our foster grandparents and to all our tremendous Portand Public School volunteers for the vital role they play in assisting us to realize our goals.”
“Jackie Burris is a truly outstanding Foster Grandparent according to East End Principal Boyd Marley. “Granny Jackie’s dedication to nurturing young minds and lifting spirits speaks volumes about the person she is ——- someone who gives selflessly and loves unconditionally,” Marley said. “The impact that she’s made goes beyond words; the children whose lives she’s touched will carry her kindness with them forever.”