Pictured with Service to Youth recipient Diane Smith are friends, family members colleagues and Sunrise Rotarians.
Diane Smith, an educational aide at Westerville South High School, was surprised on February 15 when a group of Sunrise Rotarians showed up in the classroom to present her with the Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. She 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 her honor during Westerville’s Field of Heroes display. Smith and other Service to Youth award winners will be honored at a breakfast in May.
According to her nominator, Smith is a terrific, steady force, always contributing to the development of her special needs students. She assists the intervention teacher with daily goals. Outside the classroom she ensures that these pupils get the same types of opportunities as mainstreamed students. For example, she arranged for class members to attend a spaghetti dinner at the Olive Garden prior to Homecoming, so they could have a memorable and classic high school experience. Smith helps youngsters with life skills and ensures that they have appropriate, frequent interactions with other pupils and adults.
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.