Jenny Horn, front and center, is joined by Sunrise Rotarians Rick Rano, Diane Conley, Gretchen Kiehl, Westerville Central Principal Todd Spinner, and Sunrise Rotarian Paul Kulik.
Jenny Horn, a math teacher at Westerville Central High School, was surprised on October 16 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up at a staff meeting 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. She and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.
The Sunrise Rotarians said in addition to teaching math, Horn serves as the school’s Key Club advisor, which has approximately 50 members. That group raises more than $13,000 yearly for Caring and Sharing. She is also the National Honor Society advisor, where she works with some 60 students in areas of leadership, citizenship and service. In addition, she coordinates Central’s “Pennies for Patients” campaign, raising thousands of dollars to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Sunrise Rotarians called her a “behind the scenes” person who often works from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and never seeks recognition. In her eight years as advisor to these groups, Rotary estimates she has helped raise more than $150,000 for charitable causes.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards four 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.