Our Stories
Patterson Technology Center volunteers at local highschool
The employees at the Patterson Technology Center are integral, behind-the-scenes helpers and leaders our customers can rely on. So it’s not surprising that a small group of them teamed up to do some behind-the-scenes volunteering at their local high school.
For a couple of years running, PTC team members Angie Koester, Nicole Slater and Will Niccum have volunteered for the drama department at Teutopolis High School.
“For opening night, it takes a village to be show-ready when the curtain opens,” Angie said. “Our day is full of shopping for last-minute needed supplies. We pick up items for the concession stand like popcorn and bottled water. We copy, fold and staple 300 programs. We pick up photos from the dress rehearsal that week to create a photo board showing the cast and members of the musical. We set up chairs for the audience and the concession stand. It’s in a multi-purpose room so we have to get the room show ready,” Angie said.
Besides working at the PTC, two of the employees have children involved in theater.
Angie’s two daughters, Maggie and Mollie, attended Teutopolis High School. “Both girls are now adults, and I still love helping with the musicals,” Angie said.
Nicole has two daughters, Reagan and Sadie, who starred in musicals when in junior high and grade school. “We needed some additional characters when casting for Beauty and the Beast. Reagan, who is in high school now, continues being on stage. Sadie was the best role of ‘Chip.’ I believe she got the bug and when she reaches high school she will be involved too!” Nicole said.
Will’s family is a big part of the drama club; his mom is the music director for the shows. His younger sister, Bailey, loves being on stage and plays one of the main characters of all the shows. He is also a Teutopolis alum.
Volunteering for school events is a meaningful way to use your VTO hours. And because Angie, Nicole and Will volunteer as a group, their volunteer hours are matched with a $100 donation each through Dollars for Doers.
