Left to right: Westerville Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Wingo, Sunrise Rotarian Tom Schmitt, Westerville Central Principal Todd Spinner, Service to Youth recipient Don Ogle, and Sunrise Rotarians Kristen Moosmiller, Paul Kulik, and Dr. John Kellogg (Superintendent of Westerville City Schools.)
Don Ogle, a Government teacher at Westerville Central High School, was surprised on February 18 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up to present him with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. He 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 his honor during Westerville’s Field of Heroes display. Ogle and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Ogle serves as co-advisor for the National Honor Society, coordinating tutor sessions. He has also organized, for many years, Friends without Borders, in an effort to grow leaders and raise money, books and awareness. In addition, he coordinates talent shows and blood drives, all while volunteering for his son’s swim team. He has also reorganized lunch detentions, allowing students to assume accountability. He is often seen at school working past 7:00 p.m., and often attends athletic contests, plays and musical performances. The Sunrise Rotarians said he was nominated for “always smiling and never failing to make time for his students.”
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards five 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.