SIDNEY — Superintendent John Scheu recognized Sidney High School (SHS) senior Carly Drury with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her “exemplary volunteer service” during Tuesday night’s Sidney City Schools Board of Education meeting.
“‘The award recognizes all Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities and their country; was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on service and civic participation’. … So, not only was she nominated, but she was selected,” Scheu said, reading the certificate and introducing Drury to the board.
Drury was nominated by SHS after excelling in the following activities: at school she is currently carrying over a 4.0 GPA, is the head field commander in marching band, plays the violin in orchestra, is a member of student government and the National Honor Society; within the community she has been a part of many levels of 4-H for the past 10-years — including office holder and camp councilor, the Junior Fair Board president, participates in her church and assists in several other activities.
Drury confirmed she also attended President Donald Trump’s Inauguration in January. Her mother, Debbie Simpson, said she has taken private piano lessons for the past 14 years and plans to attend Belmont University in the fall, majoring music business. She is also the daughter of Mark Drury.
Scheu congratulated and commended Drury for her volunteer service and said it was neat having a SHS senior nationally recognized.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, which recognizes middle and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.
Chairman/CEO of Prudential Financial John Strangefeld said in a press release, “The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their communities. By recognizing these students and placing a spotlight on their volunteer activities, we hope to motivate others to consider how they can also contribute to their community.”
NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti said in the release,“Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life. These honorees practice a lesson of hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”
In other business, the board:
• Accepted donations for the Board/Administration Scholarship Fund: $100 from Kevin Boerger, $100 from Jon Geuy, $50 from Keith Helmlinger and $50 from Fran Dembski.
• Authorized an agreement with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for school security substitutes for the 2016-17 school year at the rate of $16 per hour.
• Approval to enter into an agreement with Midwest Regional Educational Service Center for full-time substitute teacher Elisabeth Baker for school year 2016-17 at the rate of $163.69 per day, effective Feb. 17, 2017.
• Approval for the purchase and installation of a new clock and bell system at Sidney High School from Low Voltage Solutions, Inc., at the cost of $27,996.44.
• Approval for the installation of two catch basins and drain pipes at Northwood by Wagner Paving Inc., at the cost of $14,100.
• Approval of the roof repair and preventative maintenance of roofs at Lowell Elementary and Sidney High School by Cotterman & Company, Inc., at a total cost of $18.850.
• Accepted the retirements of three longtime employees of the district:
— Donna Heath, Sidney High School head cook, will retire effective June 1, 2017. She has been with the district for 35 years;
— Tove Russell, Northwood head cook, will retire effective May 29, 2017. She has been with the district for 23 years;
— Pat Wackler, Emerson head cook, will retire effective May 26, 2017. She has been with the district for 22 years.
Scheu said the employees had a little over 75 combined years and that it will be big loss for the district.
“All three did an exceptional job. They will be difficult to replace,” said Scheu.
• Approval for the employment of the following personnel on a one-year limited as needed contract for the 2016-17 school year:
— Substitute teachers at $90 per day for Courtney Conley, effective Feb.22, and David Whelan, effective Feb. 10.;
— Substitute van driver Patti Boshears at $15.17 per hour, effective Feb. 7;
— Classified substitute Tegan Knasel as a substitute cook at $9.49 per hour and/or custodian at $13.19/hour;
• Approval for the employment of Tori Purk for the 2017-18 school year as a junior varsity volleyball coach at $2066, effective for school year, 2017-18 and as a full-time floating substitute teacher at Bachelor’s $37,567, effective Aug. 21.
• Approval for the Competition Cheer Team’s trip to Orlando, Florida, March 15-20, 2017. Trip expenses to be paid by team members, athletic department and donors.
The board’s next meeting will a be a work session on Monday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at the board of education office.
