Left: the Westerville City Schools Board of Education recognized Teachers Jenny Findell and Erik Ekis. Right: Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi accepted a Resolution of Endorsement recognizing October as Neighbor2Neighbor Month.
At the Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting held on Monday evening, September 25, two teachers were honored for their outstanding accomplishments and the Board endorsed October as Neighbor2Neighbor Month.
Jenny Findell, teacher of fifth grade Able & Talented students at Emerson Elementary, was lauded for having been selected to receive the 2017 Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Elementary Teacher Award for the Central District. Findell was nominated for the award because of her passion about teaching and learning, her joy for math, and her excitement and willingness to collaborate with colleagues.
Science teacher Erik Ekis was recognized for spearheading a multiyear effort to get Westerville Central High School designated as an Ohio WILD School Site by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife. To earn this distinction Ekis, his students, and numerous district and community partners completed a variety of projects ultimately resulting in habitat improvement, a documented increase in biodiversity, and a place where pupils can truly recognize the needs and values of wildlife and ecosystems.
Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi was present to accept a Resolution of Endorsement from the Board of Education proclaiming October as Neighbor2Neighbor Month. Neighbor2Neighbor is a grassroots, community-driven initiative connecting people in need to available resources and promoting kindness, cooperation and caring among neighbors everywhere. The Board urged all citizens to spend some time getting to know each other in the spirit of friendship and inclusiveness.