Sunrise Rotary Recognizes Melissa Hampshire with Service to Youth Award

11/2/2012

Pictured left to right: Sunrise Rotarians Diane Conley, Gretchen Kiehl, and Kristin Moosmiller; Sunrise Rotary President Rick Rano, Service to Youth award recipient Melissa Hampshire, Sunrise Rotarians Heather Linch and Don Denton, Wilder Principal Dr. Victoria Hazlett, and Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik.

Wilder Elementary School Special Education Aide Melissa Hampshire was surprised on October 30 when Sunrise Rotarians visited her school to name her as the October recipient of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Diane J. Conley Service to Youth Award. She received a plaque, a cake, and gift cards to Max & Erma’s restaurant.

Hampshire was described as being an outstanding support person in the Special Education classroom. She is a strong advocate for children with special needs, helping them to problem-solve and make good choices. Her support with academic tasks is most valuable. Hampshire organizes and leads a Student Environment Club at Wilder. She stays afterschool working with these students on special projects, and encourages them to practice “green habits” for living and for care of the environment. They lead recycling projects, care for flower beds and take educational walks in nature. With the students in her class, Hampshire is available after school for any additional support they need. She often checks on students’ progress during lunch and recess. She is as a Girl Scout leader and has served as Wilder PTA president for many years. “Melissa is humble and does her work in a quiet, focused manner, making Wilder a student-friendly place,” said her nominator, Dr. Victoria Hazlett.

Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards two 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.