NEISD volunteer brings smiles to school

Anita Esparza wakes up every morning around 5 a.m. to work. 

Even at 75 years old, she’s strong and ready to work.

Esparza retired after more than twenty years working at Kelly Air Force Base ordering parts for the aircrafts. 

“When I retired, I couldn’t sit down,” she said.

She’s volunteered at Olmos Elementary for years, helping teachers like Mrs. Moczygemba and her second-grade class.

“She always has a smile on her face, you can tell she loves helping the kids. We really appreciate that support as teachers in the classrooms, so that allows us to support our students,” Moczygemba said. 

Ms. Anita comes to school every single day, hoping to help any way she can. 

“They are very sweet teachers because they bring me little cookies but don’t have to do anything because I am volunteering because I want to do the work,” she said. 

She keeps busy by making copies for teachers and helping out during lunchtime. 

“It keeps me going and it keeps me happy! I feel like I’m doing it because I’m old and I’m retired. If there are people that want to help, we really need them. The kids need them, they need someone to talk to them,” she said.

The students also know Ms. Anita by name. 

Kindergarteners Josiah Martinez & Joey Criollo said they love to have her around. 

“She’s nice… she’s really good,” they said. 

Ms. Anita says the smiling faces around her make every year she comes back worth it. 

“I love talking with the kids. They come up with the silliest things, but it makes me laugh and excited,” she said. 

With a smile on her face, Ms. Anita said she doesn’t plan on stopping until she can no longer walk.

Discover the NEISD way, where volunteers go the extra mile to make a difference.