Pictured left to right: Sunrise Rotarian Al Rupiper, Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Wingo, McVay Principal Amy Miller, Service to Youth award recipient Kathy Gordon, Sunrise Rotarian Kristen Moosmiller, Westerville Schools Superintendent and Sunrise Rotarian Dr. John Kellogg, and Sunrise Rotarians Paul Kulik and Rick Rano.
Kathy Gordon, a Multiple Disabilities teacher at McVay Elementary School, was surprised on January 29 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up during a staff meeting to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. She received flowers and a plaque from the club, along with a cake and a $50 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. She and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.
The Sunrise Rotarians said Gordon, who has served at many schools in Westerville during the past 29 years, is an advocate for inclusion, understanding of special needs youth, and student engagement. She includes her pupils in field trips, science fairs, social activities, and fundraisers. She has also facilitated the Safety Patrol program for many years and volunteers at all school events. Gordon, they said, is a “creative, inspirational, positive, passionate advocate for special needs children.”
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards four 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.