Mike Kalan, the girls soccer coach at Westerville Central High School, has been recognized by the Westerville Sunrise Rotary for going above and beyond to serve students.
Kalan received the Rotary Club’s Service to Youth Award for March. Representatives from Westerville Sunrise Rotary, school administrators, staff and soccer players surprised him on Wednesday.
His nomination featured glowing praise: He has run free summer youth soccer camps to all girls in Westerville area, fostered a great vision for extending the sphere of influence outside the school, has led team volunteering efforts for WARM and fundraisers for training/equipment to underprivileged soccer programs, and teaches players to focus on something other than themselves.
Kalan received an award from the club, along with baked treats and a gift card donated by the Walmart Supercenter. In addition, recipients have an American flag flown in their honor at the Westerville’s Field of Heroes display during Memorial Day weekend. All of the Service to Youth award recipients honored from October to May will be recognized at a Rotary Sunrise breakfast in May.
Rotary Sunrise launched its Service to Youth awards in 2011 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 Conley, who is also a retired WCSD administrator.