Service to Youth recipient Matthew Christ, a science teacher and head football coach, is pictured with Sunrise Rotarians and Westerville South High School colleagues.
Science teacher/head football coach Matthew Christ was surprised on October 31 when a large group of Sunrise Rotarians visited Westerville South High School to present him with a Diane J. Conley Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise Service to Youth award. He received a plaque from the club, along with cookies 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. Christ and other Service to Youth award winners will be recognized at a breakfast in May 2020.
Christ is a dedicated educator who is a consistent figure in the lives of young people. Sunrise Rotarians said he is a true professional who understands the challenges students face in and outside school; that he maintains a work ethic “second to none” and has changed the culture of the football program at South. His message to youth is, “If you flip the switch at school, you will learn what you can become.” Students recognize him as a great teacher and friend.
Rotary Sunrise instituted Service to Youth awards 11 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.