Pictured left to right: Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik, Service to Youth recipient Amber Knight; and Westerville North Principal Kurt Yancey.
Amber Knight, a social worker at Westerville North High School, was surprised on January 30 when a representative from the Westerville Sunrise Rotary showed up at her school to name her the monthly recipient of the Diane J. Conley Service to Youth award. She received a plaque from the club, along with flowers, a cake, and a $50 gift card donated by the Walmart Supercenter on Schrock Road.
The Sunrise Rotarians said Knight spends countless hours caring for the needs of North Pointe students, all of whom have mental health concerns. She has organized fundraisers to assist students in the program, many times with clothing and shelter. Many of her pupils are struggling with substance abuse, home problems and academic issues. Principal Kurt Yancey, who nominated Knight for the award, says he has sought her guidance on how the school should prepare for crisis situations. She also assists with coaching the volleyball team, is a leader of the Warrior Way Leadership Team, and encourages all students to model and live by the Warrior Way. She seeks professional development opportunities and has paid her own way to a workshop on effective mental health strategies. “Without her focus and determination, many students would likely ‘fall through the cracks,’” Yancey concluded.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards three 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.