Left to right: Sunrise Rotarians Tim Gose, Thomas Schmitt, and Diane Conley; Service to Youth recipient Jodie Brown; Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Wingo; Assistant Principal Brad Adams; Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik; and Principal Tom Lanier.
ESL teacher Jodie Brown was surprised on November 14 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians visited Westerville Central High School 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. Brown and other Service to Youth award winners will be recognized at a breakfast in May.
Brown provides a safe space in her classroom for pupils of different cultures, according to her nominator, and helps them with emotional and social development. She sets the bar high for her kids and expects a lot from them, giving them an environment where they can find their voice. She helps her students gain confidence and believes they have something worth saying.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards 10 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.