(L to R) Westerville North High School Assistant Principal Chris Saiben,Sunrise Rotarian Anthony Genova, Principal Kurt Yancey, Athletic Director Wes Elifritz, Service to Youth recipient Jennifer Carlson, Rotarian Tom Schmitt, Rotarian Linda Bokros, Rotarian and Westerville City Schools’ Executive Director of Facilities & Operations Scott Dorne, Rotarian Paul Kulik.
Jennifer Carlson’s classroom had some unexpected guests the morning of February 26 as members of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club paid a visit to announce that she was the organization’s February Service to Youth Award recipient.
Carlson, who teaches Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics, received a trophy 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. Sunrise Rotary also recognizes yearly Service to Youth award winners at a breakfast in May.
According to the nomination form, Carlson always sees the best in students and demonstrates care through her personal connections with them; assists at school events and pitches in any time when her services are needed; arranges theme nights at football games, and brings in outside speakers into her classroom to enhance students’ social studies experience. All of this has resulted in a tremendous amount of respect for her as an educator among students and colleagues.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards 11 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.