Back row (left to right): ESL teacher Haley Koehler, Huber Ridge Principal Christopher Blados, and Sunrise Rotarians Tom Schmitt and Jamie North. Front row: Sunrise Rotarian Kristen Moosmiller, Service to Youth recipient Debbie Miller, Westerville Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Wingo, Executive Director of Elementary Academic Affairs Barbara Wallace, Director of Special Education Guerdie Glass, and Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik.
Debbie Miller, and ESL Paraprofessional at Huber Ridge Elementary School, was surprised on January 13 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. She 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 her honor during Westerville’s Field of Heroes display. Miller and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.
The Sunrise Rotarians said Miller constantly looks for ways to assist all students, treating them with respect and modeling proper behavior. She advocates with her English as a Second Language (ESL) pupils in the classroom and with parents, with special understanding of the issues they face. She conducts at-home visits and monitors student progress, even after they leave the ESL program. “Her positive attitude brightens their day…she is always willing to listen and help in any way she can,” they said.
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.