Westerville South basketball coach Ed Calo is surrounded by friends, colleagues, players and Rotarians as he is named May’s Service to Youth recipient.
Ed Calo, head basketball coach at Westerville South High School, was surprised on May 11 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up to present him with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. He received a plaque from the club, along with a cake and a gift card donated by the Walmart Supercenter on Schrock Road. In addition, an American flag will be flown in his honor during Westerville’s Field of Heroes display. Calo and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast next week.
Sunrise Rotarians said Ed Calo not only coaches basketball, but teaches life lessons. He always serves as a positive example for the young men on his teams and is passionate about winning, but just as passionate about influencing their future. Many of his players have continued competing at the collegiate level and they often credit Coach Calo for helping to positively shape their lives. At the recent State Championship game, when Westerville South emerged victorious, at least one representative from each team he coached during the past 29 years was present to cheer him on. Calo was lauded as a mentor to many students through basketball and in the classroom. “We need more teachers and coaches like Ed who are truly dedicated to our young people,” the Rotarians said.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards five 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.