Longtime Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) water safety instructor Allen Parson was honored with the fourth annual T. Dianne Bellamy Small Learn to Swim Service Award at a luncheon ceremony today at Greensboro Complex.
The T. Dianne Bellamy Small Learn to Swim Service Award is named in honor of Guilford County Board of Education member T. Dianne Bellamy Small for her dedicated service as a volunteer instructor with the GAC’s ‘Learn to Swim’ program. The annual award recognizes an individual for their longtime contributions, support and commitment to the life-changing program that was established in partnership with Guilford County Schools in 2011.
“Allen has been with the Aquatic Center since the first day we opened and has been an instructor for the Learn to Swim program since we started with just four schools in our first year,” said Susan Braman, executive director of the Learn to Swim program. “He is an outstanding instructor who is patient and kind and easily adapts to teaching all skill levels. His experience and willingness to help others is a big reason why this program has been so successful and rewarding to everyone involved.”
Fifty-four Guilford County schools – the program’s highest total ever – are participating in the 2025-26 school year and more than 20,500 students have graduated from the curriculum-based, healthy lifestyle program since its inception.
The award program featured remarks from Greensboro Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter, Guilford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley, Learn to Swim board chairman Larry Burnett and Learn to Swim executive director Susan Braman.