For her 20 years of mentoring and tutoring Carver-Lyon Elementary School students, Chief Administrative Officer Valorie Songer has been named 2012 Richland One Elementary School Volunteer of the Year.

Ms. Songer has been a familiar presence at the Columbia-area school to pre-K through fifth grade children. "Her service has made a huge impact on the students' academic progress," according to her nomination. "Many children, parents, and the Carver-Lyon community at large have benefitted from Ms. Songer's whole child/no child left behind approach to education. Ms. Songer demonstrates a very unique concern for children. Although she views her service of volunteering as an opportunity to make a positive difference, she also feels that the community has an obligation to support our school.

"Ms. Songer's tutoring has created opportunities for children who have many factors stacked against their chance to succeed. … Ms. Songer motivates and encourages them to perform to their full potential. She believes that if the students are successful learners at Carver-Lyon Elementary School, then they have the foundation to succeed in upper grades, to graduate, and ultimately succeed in a career."

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 430 attorneys and government relations professionals with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Nashville, Tallahassee, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and throughout the Carolinas. For more information on the Firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com, or call 803.255.9794.

Any result a lawyer or a law firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients. Please contact a lawyer to discuss possible representation of you and your particular matter.