Faces of Homewood: Sandra Vella

Sandra Vella’s involvement in Homewood PTO led to a 27-year career.

“As I got involved in the schools, I saw there was a need for an after-school program,” she said. “When my (three) kids were younger, more moms stayed home with their kids, but we were seeing more latch-key children with single moms who worked or two parents working.”

In 1986 Vella started a pilot after-school program at Hall-Kent Elementary that later spread through the school system.

Today at all Homewood schools, children gather after school for study hall and then have their choice of activities like Legos and Lincoln logs, playing on the playground, and arts and crafts — all thanks to Vella’s vision.

“I enjoy children and love working with them every day,” she said. “And I enjoy working with high school and college students. It’s a good way to help prepare them for real life.”

Over the years the program has employed many college students who have gone on to become teachers in Homewood schools, Vella said.

As she heads into retirement this month, Vella wants to spend more time with her grandchildren, travel to Spain and Portugal and other places, and make frequent trips to her house on Lake Logan Martin.

“I will miss the interaction every day with different ages of children and friends I have made through the years, but I intend to visit often,” she said.