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2004 Friend of Education Awards
Friends of Education are dedicated to Ohio’s students.
One of the most exciting parts of our annual awards banquet is the Friends of Education awards. It is a pleasure to meet the unique and giving people who make our schools very special places for our students to learn and grow. Each of this year’s recipients have contributed to there area schools in some very unique ways – but share the common thread of tireless dedication of our schools.
We congratulate each of this year’s Friend of Education recipients!
| The Chelmans have been involved with Mad River Schools since 1968. As their four children progressed through school, so did Don and Donna’s list of volunteer activities. They were scout leaders, room parents, PTO members, concession stand vendors, and field trip chaperones. They made time to wash uniforms, build a bandbox, and drive the equipment truck. Projects like the Saville Circus, Ohio Days, Old Fashioned Fun Days, the Beary Special Student program benefited from their creative energy. After 31 years of teaching for the district, Donna retired but the couple is still going strong and can be found at basketball and football games in the concession stand. |
| This retired businessman has stepped forward as an enthusiastic supporter of Bay Village Schools. He first made his presence felt as chair of the Citizens for Bay Schools, a bond and operating levy campaign. Thanks to his leadership and ability to discuss issues with friends, neighbors, and critics, Mr. Garrett has accelerated successful levy campaigns despite voracious opposition. He has donated supplies and computers and has demonstrated his eloquent communication speaking and writing on behalf of the district. |
| Rita Trimble, Lisa Whiting, Lisa Dyas, Angie Weber, and Larry Wright have volunteered endless hours in three levy campaigns. Each has served as campaign chair at least once, or often twice. The have spent untold hours in weekly committee meetings and attending community events. Behind the scences they are responsible for stuffing mailers, cutting support ribbons, creating and distributing flyers and signage, and spreading the message through door-to-door canvassing and telephone marketing. Their individual communications skills were matched by their determination and perseverance which spelled success for the district. |
| Mrs. Reed has delivered the digital age to Helke Elementary School with excellence and dedication. Attending every Helke field trip and school activity, she recorded thousands of images and precious moments to produce an annual 2-CD collection for each school year. She also produces the school newsletter where her pictures and graphics are the hallmark of quality. Special events like Grandparents’ Day and student retreats are “no problem” for her to record on videotape editions. Her largest contribution to Helke was the welcome-to-school CD, Take a Closer Look, for kindergarten families. It is a multimedia CD with text, sound, video tours, Web links, tips for parents, video demonstrations, and Web links. |
| This father of five daughters was active as a school board member for over a decade and also served in local township government. He has retired from his businesses but not his interest in the school district. Recognizing that he and his wife were in a position to give back to the community, they focused on the school district. Their first major donation was a tree nursery for the Anthony Wayne High School Future Farmers of America chapter. This is a working nursery that the students manage and profit from study and sales. Next, the Roaches turned their attention to the Youth Challenge Program which teaches tolerance and respect. The program has made a marked impact on student attitude towards others. Mr. Roach’s foundation sponsors an annual motivational assembly for all students bringing experts in motivation up close and personal to the students. |
| Despite his demanding role as President of Jergens, Inc., Mr. Schron has been an invaluable resource, promoter, and friend to Polaris Career Center. Through his efforts, the local NBC affiliate included Polaris in a program called “Dateline Cleveland”. In addition, he was instrumental in facilitating a partnership between Polaris and Cuyahoga Community College. The venture provides local business and industry with high quality training services at Polaris, Tri-C or on-site. Mr. Schron is a distinguished speaker, who includes Polaris in his presentations. He brings recognition, motivation, and validation to Polaris as only he could do. |
| Sky Bank has a 24 year history of partnership with the Lucas County ESC. They have been creative in their support of programs for students in the county and their contributions have been significant. Some examples of their involvement include: credit cards with a percentage gifted back to school districts, corporate sponsorship of golf fundraiser, paying for advertising and publishing costs, office furniture and equipment, and speakers for events. Most generous and far-reaching is their recent half million dollar donation towards the start up of the Challenger Learning Center of Lucas County. The simulated space center will provide a unique math, communication, problem-solving and teamwork experience for literally thousands of students in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. |
| Michael Summers’ call to public service came early. From his role on student council in 8th grade on, he has contributed to local school programs. During his term as president of the Lakewood Board of Education, he led the district in the development and funding of a school facility master plan, which included reduction, renovation, and replacement of school buildings. His trademark commitment, honesty, and drive made him approachable to community and school members. He exuded genuine warmth and sincerity towards recipients of awards at board meetings. Going beyond district boundaries, he served on the Governor’s Task Force for Economic Development where he spoke on trends in business related to education and preparing students for work in the 21st century. He again spoke out for education appearing on a television program exploring education and the future of business in Ohio. He works tirelessly to ensure a quality school district and community for all to enjoy. |
| More than a superintendent, Dennis Woods is a dedicated professional educator. His commitment to excellence was for all students. With that goal in mind, Mr. Woods built relationships in the community with government officials, parents, businesses, and community groups. He went beyond Bay Village in his quest to further education by serving: as president of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, on the state superintendent’s cabinet of advisors, on Ohio Governor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Funding Student Success, and many other influential boards. His public testimony before legislators on behalf of education has earned him respect across the state. His retirement after 35 years in education, signals a new beginning of work for children and education, not the end. |
| The parishioners of Zion Methodist Church felt the need to connect with the community and they only had to search two blocks away for the answer to their mission. They contacted Whitehouse Primary School and together determined to develop a Tutoring Assistance Program (TAP) for at risk students in the first through fourth grades. The hour and twenty minute after school program offers one-on-one tutoring assistance in six to eight week sessions. The program is held at the church where students can also participate in the YMCA program after tutoring. Both programs are free due to the donations secured by Zion Methodist to fund them. Church members volunteering as TAP tutors, complete weekly reports on student progress for teachers from their lessons and help with homework. Over 150 children have participated in TAP over the past three years. Zion Methodist completely underwrites the ancillary costs of the program and freely shares the talent and generosity of their members with the students at Whitehouse Primary. |
Return to main NSPRA/Ohio Awards page.
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