Westerville Parent Council and Roush Honda have announced the recipients of the 2021-22 Great Educator Mentor (GEM) Award, which is presented to individuals who go the extra mile to make a positive impact in the classroom and schools.
Westerville Parent Council President Rachel Crites said the parent council, with the generous sponsorship from our friends at Roush Honda, has celebrated the contributions of staff, volunteers, and community members at each building and across the school district for 20 years.
Crites said 208 GEM nominations were submitted — a testament to the ”wonderful people we have as part of our district and community.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate and congratulate the winners of this year's GEM awards,” Crites said. “The unbelievable ways they have shown up for our students, parents and staff, especially in such a historical moment in time, is commendable. We are proud to recognize them and thank them for all they have done.”
The 2021-22 GEM Award recipients are:
PRESCHOOL
The Early Learning Center: Mark Patrick, Custodian
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Alcott: Ryan Hilperts, volunteer and substitute
Annehurst: Shari Perkins, success coach
Cherrington: Laurie Gruber, volunteer and substitute
Emerson: Norma Hadden, attendance clerk
Fouse: Stacy Samson, substitute
Hanby: Linda Ferguson, volunteer
Hawthorne: Sarah Ward, teacher
Huber Ridge: Kathy Gauen, teacher
Longfellow: Brianne Gray, custodian
Mark Twain: Angie Lee, teacher
McVay: Melissa Ratliff, paraprofessional
Pointview: Nicole Grose, teacher
Robert Frost: Nathan VanSickle, teacher
Whittier: Kim Whitney, volunteer, lunch and recess aide
Wilder: Veronica "Ronnie" Goldsmith, paraprofessional aide
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Blendon: Laura Searfoss, teacher
Genoa: Jacqueline Hart, teacher
Heritage: Stuart Gartrell, assistant principal
Walnut Springs: Dan Bichsel, coach and teacher
HIGH SCHOOLS
Central: Ann Chadwick, volunteer
North: Shaun Stiffler, custodian
South: Lauren Sefton, teacher
DISTRICT
Meg Hogan, volunteer
Tami Richmond, occupational therapist
Steve Rovtar, teacher
TERRY GORDON BUSINESS AWARD
Jet's Pizza