Service to Youth recipient Kari Dennis, Manager of Food Service & Purchasing, is pictured with her husband, Rusty, Sunrise Rotarians and colleagues.
Kari Dennis, Manager of Food Service & Purchasing for the Westerville City School District, was surprised on November 20 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians visited the Transportation Center 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. Dennis and other Service to Youth award winners will be recognized at a breakfast in May 2020.
Dennis is a leader in helping students and families access a basic need – food. She is a passionate and prominent voice for pupils and is highly visible in school cafeterias, working tirelessly to resolve food insecurity issues. Sunrise Rotarians said Dennis exhibits kindness and empathy for all with whom she works, and provides instruction for staff about food issues. She is an “endless advocate for students.”
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards 11 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.