Pictured left to right: Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik; Hawthorne Assistant Principal Christine Doolittle; Hawthorne Principal Brett Gambill, Service to Youth recipient Alisa Franklin; Walmart store manager Andrew Bounds; Sunrise Rotary President Rob Hunt; Sunrise Rotarian Diane Conley; Hawthorne Guidance Counselor Bonnie Gourley, and Sunrise Rotarian Rick Rano.
Alisa Franklin, a physical education teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School, was surprised on April 17 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up in the gymnasium to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. She received flowers and a plaque from the club, along with a cake and a $50 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.
The Sunrise Rotarians said Franklin has always provided engaging and fun activities to educate her students about body movement, strength, agility and overall physical intelligence. She has also coordinated the building’s Positive Behavior program that rewards good choices with activities including magic shows, admission to the Columbus Zoo, candy, and movie times. Franklin also plans the end-of-the-year Field Day. She has a great rapport with her pupils, and demonstrates peaceful conflict resolution, showing them how to utilize their talents and strengths. Franklin, said the Sunrise Rotarians, is always flexible with her time and willing to go the extra mile for her kids. She also ensures that they meet academic standards recently adopted by the state. They concluded by saying that she is “very deserving of this reward.”
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.