Volunteering at Markham Elementary School is a family affair for the Markham family.

Madolyn Markham makes an annual visit to the school. Her son, William, occasionally visits and talks with administrators about the school’s needs. Her other son, Mark, has played a role in having computers donated to the school.

“Giving back to the community is very important to our family,” Madolyn Markham said.

Markham Elementary was named after Madolyn Markham’s late husband, C. Robert Markham, who was the Broward County property appraiser in the 1960s. His son, William, has been the property appraiser since 1968.

The Markham family has donated their time, money and voice to the Pompano Beach school, Principal John Duncombe said.

“They are always looking for ways to help the school,” he said. “Their help has ranged from funding school activities to attending those activities.”

The Markhams’ most recent contribution was a $1,000 check given to the school as a result of the 13th annual golf tournament conducted by the C. Robert Markham Foundation on April 25 at Flamingo Lakes Golf Course in Pembroke Pines.

Duncombe said the money will be earmarked for students’ achievements.

“We will buy plaques, trophies and certificates to honor those students who excelled academically,” he said. “We will also give monetary prizes from $10 to $25 to students who participate in our Just Say No To Drugs activities.”

Duncombe said the Markhams are an important part of the school’s success. This year, Markham Elementary removed itself from the list of schools identified as critically low performers in the Florida Writes! Test. Duncombe said the Markhams’ contributions helped. He cited free computers provided by the Florida Lottery as a result of efforts by Mark Markham, the lottery’s district director of sales, who also had a role in the agency offering the assistance of volunteers at the school.

“Our students now have the technology in the classroom that other more fortunate schools have always had,” Duncombe said. “Our parents, teachers, and students still have the most influence on our performance, but contributions from individuals like the Markhams can only help.”