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NORTH OGDEN -- Gaitha Butterfield, affectionately known at Green Acres Elementary in North Ogden as "Grandma Butterfield," has been volunteering at the school for the past six years.
But what makes her so remarkable is that she just turned 99 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. Mrs. Judy Jensen's third grade class nominated her for a KSL High 5.
I just want to be here and help them and do everything I can to make their life wonderful.
–Gaitha "Grandma" Butterfield
Student Adam Waite said, "One day when I came home my mom told me about the High 5. I was like, ‘Why don't we think about doing it on Grandma Butterfield?' She was like, ‘That's a good idea.'"
Principal Marilyn Runolfson told KSL, "She's part of the foster grandparents program. It's just a fabulous program that connects grandparents with children in elementary school."
Another student, Taylor Yonemura, said, "I just like her a lot because she comes here every day and reads with us and helps us."
"Grandma is just so positive," said Mrs. Jensen. "She's got notes for every single student. She lets them know how wonderful they've read and builds them up and makes them feel good, and they're good readers."
"I just love to be here with the children," Butterfield said. "I just want to be here and help them and do everything I can to make their life wonderful."
Butterfield rides a bus to the school about four days a week, typically arriving at 9 a.m. and staying until 2 p.m. She says she hopes she'll be doing that "forever."
"I love to be around the children," she explained. "This is my greatest pleasure."
Despite an injury a couple of weeks ago, she came back to the classroom as soon as she could.
As a thank you for her dedicated service, our High 5 partners, Les Schwab, gave "Grandma Butterfield" a gift basket along with a $100 gift certificate for their services.
To nominate someone for a High 5, click here.
