Pictured left to right: Westerville City Schools Superintendent and Sunrise Rotarian Dr. John Kellogg, Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik; Westerville Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Wingo, Sunrise Rotarian Kristen Moosmiller, Service to Youth winner Laura Hance, Sunrise Rotarians Gretchen Kiehl and Diane Conley, and Genoa Middle School Principal Carrie Trusley.
Laura Hance, Secondary District Math Curriculum Coach for Westerville City Schools, was surprised on April 22 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up at Genoa Middle School to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. She received a plaque from the club, along with a cake 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. She and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.
The Sunrise Rotarians described Hance as consistently going the extra mile for students and staff. They said her impact is exponential as a math coach, and she affects every student in the district. The hard working educator is on call 24/7, often answering questions late into the night, and helping to develop leaders of tomorrow. The Rotarians said she is always in a good mood, with a smile on her face, and that her “humility and grace are unparalleled.”
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.