Left to right: Westerville City Schools Director of Purchasing & Logistics Bob Lynde; Sunrise Rotarians Jamie North and Al Rupiper; Sunrise Rotary President Diane Conley; Sunrise Rotarian Gretchen Kiehl; Service to Youth recipient Dave O’Bryan; Westerville Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Wingo; Sunrise Rotarians Kristin Moosmiller, Paul Kulik and Tom Schmitt; and Westerville City Schools Assistant Manager of Transportation and Fleet Distribution Shawn Dawson.
Dave O’Bryan, a mechanic in the Westerville City Schools Transportation Department, was surprised on March 16 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up to present him with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. He received a plaque from the club, along with a cake and a gift card donated by the Walmart Supercenter on Schrock Road. In addition, an American flag will be flown in his honor during Westerville’s Field of Heroes display. O’Bryan and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.
O’Bryan volunteers to mentor high school students in his job as a mechanic, offering a hands-on opportunity to learn by doing. If a pupil has a specific interest regarding vehicles, he tries to focus on that area. He is known for his patience, and students under his tutelage often visit him after their program has ended. He never turns down a request and always adjusts his schedule to make time for the kids. By his actions O’Bryan demonstrates the importance of being prepared for the workforce, placing their needs before his own. Sunrise Rotarians bestowed the Service to Youth award to Dave O’Bryan for giving back to the youth of our community.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards five years ago to recognize exceptional school employees who have made a special contribution to youth; have served as a positive role model for young people; and have demonstrated service above and beyond the call of duty in performing their job responsibilities. The award is named in honor of Sunrise Rotarian Diane Conley, retired Chief of Academic Affairs for Westerville City Schools.