McVay reading specialist Kelly Calhoun is pictured with Principal Vicki Moss (second from left) and Sunrise Rotarians Paul Kulik, Diane Conley, Scott Dorne and Thomas Schmitt.
Reading Specialist Kelly Calhoun was surprised on October 17 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians visited Mark Twain Elementary School to present her with a Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. She received a plaque from the club, along with cookies 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. Calhoun and other Service to Youth award winners will be recognized at a breakfast in May.
According to her nominator, Calhoun goes out of her way to make Mark Twain’s significant immigrant population feel welcomed. She plans and organizes home visits, solicits donations from the community to provide for those living in poverty, and contributes generously from personal funds. She was said to “inspire us all” with her positive attitude.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards 10 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.