Pictured with the staff at McVay Elementary school are ( front row) Sunrise Rotarian Diane Conley, McVay Principal Amy Miller, Service to Youth recipient Geriann Patterson, Rotary Sunrise President Rick Rano, and Sunrise Rotarians Don Denton and Paul Kulik.
Westerville City Schools Academic Coach Geriann Patterson was surprised on April 2 when Sunrise Rotarians walked in on a meeting to name her as the monthly recipient of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Diane J. Conley Service to Youth award. She received a plaque, a cake, and a gift card to Max & Erma’s restaurant.
Patterson is a child and community advocate as well as an exemplary district employee, said the Rotarians. As an academic coach, she meets with parents and teachers, and serves children ranging from those who demonstrate the highest level of need to those who are advanced. She sets a high bar to help all pupils reach their academic goals and she models hard work, studious behavior and respect for others. She is also involved with many activities at her schools and in the community, where she instructs English as a Second Language adults and helps to organize veteran recognition programs. Patterson’s nominator, McVay Principal Amy Miller, said, “Geriann stands out for her relentless dedication to children, a creative and supportive learning environment, families in need, families new to our country, and our veteran community. She is full of grace and intelligence, and inspires all of us to be better at what we do, no matter what the task.”
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards two 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.