Westerville Parent Council and Roush Honda of Westerville have announced the recipients of the 2022-23 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 of Roush Honda, has celebrated the contributions of staff, volunteers, and community members at each building and across the school district for 21 years.
Crites said more than 300 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. Thank you is not nearly enough for all they have done.”
GEM winners will be celebrated with a special ceremony at Westerville North in April.
The 2022-23 GEM Award recipients are:
PRESCHOOL
The Early Learning Center: Krista Houston, teacher
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Alcott: Kristy Groger, volunteer and substitute teacher
Annehurst: Tricia Rose Hall, music teacher
Cherrington: Macy Pinion, aide
Emerson: Andrea Wiseman, school counselor
Fouse: Betsy Denney, teacher
Hanby: Cathy Monteiro, reading intervention teacher
Hawthorne: Jenny Scherer, school counselor
Huber Ridge: Walter Brewer, aide
Mark Twain: Amanda Matchack, teacher
McVay: Danielle Whalen, custodian
Minerva France: Anna Johnston, volunteer
Pointview: Julie Taylor, school counselor
Robert Frost: Julie Cormell, volunteer
Whittier: Angela Zimmerman, teacher
Wilder: Laura Stier, aide and volunteer
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Blendon: David Grimes, teacher
Genoa: Tina Bardwell, teacher
Heritage: Stuart Gartrell, assistant principal
Walnut Springs: Michael Pierce, custodian
HIGH SCHOOLS
Westerville Central: Michael Park, teacher
Westerville North: Sharon Dewey, WNHS Music Booster President
Westerville South: Larry and Tiffany Jenkins, WSHS Music Booster President and volunteer
DISTRICT
Molly Frizzell, volunteer
Rhonda Gilpin, Westerville Education Association President
Jeremy Hollon, Community Connection Coordinator for Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Dr. Lisa Huelskamp, gifted education facilitator
Nicole Johnson, volunteer
Cindy Straub, volunteer and theater instructor
Michael Toth, volunteer and substitute
TERRY GORDON BUSINESS AWARD
Card My Yard Galena
Westerville Parent Council (WPC) is a non-profit organization representing 31 support organizations, including PTAs, PTOs, booster and community groups in the Westerville City School District. WPCS’s executive board and numerous committees assist member organizations to ensure families are engaged and connected in Westerville schools. For more information about WPC and its initiatives, visit their website or on Facebook.