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Retirement Corner
OCPS Employee Contributes to Student Success
By Sandra Carr

As the seasons change, Ermelinda Rolon will fully embrace the next chapter in her life by starting an off-grid, self-sustainable farm with crops and critters and visiting family and friends in Puerto Rico.

During Rolon’s 30-plus year career at OCPS, she managed the ADDitions School Volunteers program at the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools and helped it grow from 10,000 to more than 60,000 members.

Her role included training more than 400 school-volunteer coordinators to support teachers and staff throughout OCPS along with providing them with the necessary tools for success.


Ermelinda Rolon
Retiree: Ermelinda Rolon
Years with OCPS: 33.5
OCPS Retirement Date: July 19, 2022

“I loved being part of a dedicated team who supports our students and teachers and takes pride in the work that they do for the school district,” said Rolon.

Rolon grew up in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and relocated to Orlando in June 1982 to live near her mom and other family members, raise her son Jonathan Rincon and have better opportunities.

In 1986, she received her Bachelor of Arts in international affairs and minors in business administration and Latin American studies from Rollins College.

Rolon’s family members worked in the education field and inspired her to join OCPS because the school district leads students to success and builds and creates future leaders.

Her OCPS career began as a payroll clerk in 1989, and she later became the assistant for the community resource and language bank volunteer programs, which featured bilingual speakers who assisted foreign students with their studies until they were proficient in English.

Rolon also managed the Foundation’s Teach-In program, where business and civic leaders discuss academics, careers and the future with OCPS students, as well as the volunteer-nomination process for the annual Crystal Awards.

She has many fond memories of working at OCPS but her favorite still makes her laugh. It came during a volunteer-recognition event at SeaWorld Orlando.

The Foundation team set up an award table in front of the pool area at what was then called Shamu Stadium before the event. While two volunteers stood nearby, Shamu greeted them with a big splash.

The volunteers were troopers even though they were soaked and not happy with the orca whale’s performance. The shocked look on the wet volunteers’ faces will crack Rolon up for eternity.

Upcoming Virtual Workshops via Zoom:

Sept. 21, 5-6:30 p.m.:
Understanding the Florida Retirement System Investment Plan
https://bit.ly/3q6ykfd

Sept. 28, 5-6 p.m.:
New Employee Retirement Plan Choice
https://bit.ly/3ehdtmU

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