Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik, Hawthorne Principal Brett Gambill, Service to Youth recipient Sarah McPeak; Sunrise Rotarian Rick Rano; and Sunrise Rotary President Rob Hunt.
Sarah McPeak, a music teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School, was surprised on December 20 when Sunrise Rotarians showed up at her school to name her as the monthly recipient of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Diane J. Conley Service to Youth award. She received a plaque from the club, along with flowers, a cake, and a $50 gift card donated by the Walmart Supercenter on Schrock Road. The Sunrise Rotarians said McPeak is dedicated to the education and enrichment of young minds through music. She encapsulates culture through diverse learning experiences and leadership with challenging and engaging options for students. Under her direction, students learn how to read, play, and appreciate music in its varied forms. McPeak, they said, is the epitome of a warm and loving teacher. She has given up her lunch period and planning time to work with budding orchestra students, and has worked with their parents concerning the strings program to help them find ways to fund instruments matching their family budgets. She also arranged for a number of musical artists to visit the school to share their gifts, including a troupe from Ballet Met. “Sarah continually goes above and beyond to serve students,” they concluded.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards three 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.