Westfield Washington Schools gives first Rock Service Awards

(Above left) WEF Executive Director Ashley Knott presents the Rock Service Award to Rotary Club of Westfield’s Melody Jones, Laura Demeter, Cindy Olson and Richard Watkins. (Above right) WWS Superintendent Dr. Paul A. Kaiser, Bill Anderson of Kiwanis Club of Westfield, WEF Executive Director Ashley Knott, and Marsha Bohannon of Kiwanis Club of Westfield. (Photos provided by Westfield Washington Schools)

Award given to people, organizations displaying ongoing support, fostering positive change in Westfield schools & community

During the June 14 Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) board meeting, the board, in partnership with the Westfield Education Foundation (WEF), gave out Rock Service Awards to three community organizations who have gone above and beyond the call to support the mission of WWS, which is to provide rigorous and engaging experiences to prepare all children for their future.

WEF Executive Director Ashley Knott said she is proud to be shining a light on these organizations.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to partner with these great groups to continue providing our Rocks with excellent academic and extracurricular experiences,” Knott said. “These organizations truly have a selfless approach to community, and it shows in all the things they have done for our district and our kids. We can’t thank them enough for what they have helped us accomplish and we look forward to continuing these great relationships for years to come.”

WEF Executive Director Ashley Knott presents Brian Anderson of Westfield Lions Club with the Rock Service Award. (Photo provided by Westfield Washington Schools)

WWS Board President Rebecca Ogle said it is important that the district highlight important community partners.

“The Westfield Washington Schools board of trustees wanted to recognize groups that contribute to our community and make Westfield a better place,” Ogle said. “These groups help nurture not just the students but our community as a whole. So, we’re very excited to start giving out this service award and continue with our culture of gratitude and recognition that we’ve brought to our school board meetings and to our district.”

The following organizations were honored at the public meeting: Kiwanis Club of Westfield, Rotary Club of Westfield and Westfield Lions Club. Here are just a few of the ways these groups have contributed to the district and the community:

Kiwanis Club of Westfield

Kiwanis Club has partnered strategically with WWS to provide financial support to WEF, Care Closets, mental health awareness campaigns, scholarship programs for high school seniors and more. Additionally, the Kiwanis Club fosters the development of in-school service leadership through initiatives like Service Over Self and Key Leader. Outside of the regular school environment, the club supports community groups like Student Impact, Carter’s Play Place, and AFS-USA.

Rotary Club of Westfield

Rotary Club of Westfield has consistently supported the school district, the community and the Foundation by volunteering and donating to programs and initiatives like teacher grants, Laugh It Off Grant teacher appreciation event, Meals on Wheels, Westfield Public Library book donation, Mid-West Food Bank, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Youth Assistance, Student Impact, signage at school zones, Gaga Ball pits in elementary schools, 151st Street roundabout, Christmas tree decorating at Cool Creek roundabout and more.

Westfield Lions Club

Westfield Lions Club has consistently supported the school district, the community and WEF by volunteering and donating to programs and initiatives like teacher grants, WHS Culinary program, WHS music programs, WHS Leos Club, student scholarships, WHS Hoosier Girls State, Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana, Open Doors of Westfield, Heart and Soul, Indiana Lions Eye Bank, Leader Dogs for the Blind and Indiana Law Camp.

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The school board and WEF will continue to use this award as a way to show its appreciation and gratitude to the people and organizations in the Westfield community who show a Rock Strong commitment to students, staff and community members.