Sheldon, Iowa — A Sheldon woman was recently awarded the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Iola Whitsell was honored for her many years of volunteer work at the Sheldon Community schools and in the Sheldon community.
Mrs. Whitsell graduated from Sheldon High School in 1959. After graduation, she made her home in Sheldon and for 30 years, she worked for the Sheldon Community School District. After retiring, she became active in volunteering and it has become a passion in her life.
Iola has volunteered for 30 years at the Sheldon Community Schools and enjoys seeing the former and present students, staff and parents. She volunteers taking tickets at football, basketball volleyball, wrestling and track events. She also is active in volunteering for the elementary school in Sheldon.
When not volunteering at the Sheldon Schools, Mrs. Whitsell volunteers at the Village Northwest Unlimited Treasure Chest thrift store, Love In the Name of Christ, Sheldon Prairie Museum, Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation, Red Cross blood drives and First Reformed Church. If someone needs a willing volunteer she is always willing to help in whatever way she can.
She was married to Tom Whitsell for 53 years before his passing in 2015. Tom suffered a brain injury in an accident at work and Iola lovingly took care of him for 35 years. Together they had four children who all attended and graduated from the Sheldon Community School District. Iola has eight grandchildren and actively attends all of their activities when she is not volunteering.
