Challenge Day organizer Stephanie Martin, with support from colleagues, addressed the Board and Superintendent.
A Resolution of Commendation was read at the November 20 Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting commemorating 10 years of Challenge Day programs in the Westerville City School District. Forty-eight Challenge Days have been held in Westerville during the past decade, involving approximately 5,000 students and 1,250 adult volunteers. Post-program surveys indicate participants feel Challenge Day has been helpful to them in their personal lives; has made them more supportive of others; has made them more aware of the effects of bullying; and has made them feel more hopeful about their future. The total cost of Challenge Day programs in the District has surpassed $190,000, which has been covered through generous grants, fund-raisers, and donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and families of student participants. The Board and Superintendent commended all Challenge Day volunteers, donors, organizers and participants for their part in helping to create a school community in Westerville where individuals are encouraged to treat each other with respect and acceptance. They also extended a special note of recognition and thanks to the Westerville Education Challenge, an organization founded in 2990 for the purpose of sustaining Challenge Day initiatives and enhancing educational opportunities for students in Westerville City Schools.