1. education
2. school

2015 CCA – Staff Awards for Online and for Program
Karen Brothers
Staff, Coffman High School
Ms. Brothers is an excellent guidance counselor at Coffman High School who quietly and consistently
goes above and beyond the duties of a guidance counselor. Most of these activities involve many hours
after work and during the weekend. She is involved with Student Government, Peer Collaboration,
Coffman Connections and more. All of these community building and service-oriented activities
contribute to the nurturing and positive culture at Coffman. They also provide great role modeling and
help teach our teen citizens how to become community champions. Ms. Brothers treats each student
individually by focusing on their strengths, and being supportive of their goals. Her influence is very
positive, and helps students become productive and contributing young adults.
Cheryl Burns
Staff, Scioto High School
As the treasurer of Dublin Scioto High School, Ms. Burns has maximized the benefit of every penny of a
$10,000.00 grant for the school’s Aquaponic systems. Ms. Burns sorted through a mountain of data to
research numerous businesses. She called supply companies to arrange the purchase of materials and
ensured that we received all discounts from the businesses that offered them. Ms. Burns monitored
every purchase order and she ensured that companies and staff were reimbursed in a timely fashion.
Her attention to detail saved staff time which allowed them to focus on the curriculum. Ms. Burns went
well beyond the description of her job responsibilities and is a model for the staff at Dublin Scioto High
School.
Cris Carrera
Staff, Indian Run Elementary
Ms. Carrera is celebrated as a Community Champion for the time she offers in support of Indian Run
Elementary School’s "Grow to Serve" garden. Ms. Carrera serves on the school garden committee
working to support teachers and students with gardening initiatives as well as planning, planting, and
nurturing the multiple vegetable and herb garden beds. Ms. Carrera is often seen working in the garden
after school and throughout the summer months, making certain that the plants are harvested and
delivered to the Dublin Food Pantry. Ms. Carrera has volunteered her time to support students and
families at school Literacy Nights and can be counted on to be a solution when day-to-day scheduling
demands are presented. As a paraprofessional, Ms. Carrera can be counted on to offer compassion and
kindness to her students so they experience success both in and out of the classroom setting.
Debbie Doherty
Staff, Eli Pinney Elementary
Ms. Doherty has an amazing ability to see big picture goals and craft unique and creative plans that
produce amazing results. As an intervention specialist at Eli Pinney, Ms. Doherty takes the excellence
that we are all familiar with in the Dublin school system to the next level. She can see through students’
struggles to find their strengths and by doing so, she helps them reach their goals and build valuable
confidence along the way. Her creativity, passion, dedication, patience, and professional excellence help
students achieve incredible goals as she continues to guide them to a future that is bright. She helps to
push students ever outward and their goals ever upward to reach their dreams. With Ms. Doherty’s
help, students become more confident and independent by learning skills that will allow them to
become productive members of their communities.
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Michele Engberg
Staff, Jerome High School
Ms. Engberg goes above and beyond what is expected of a foreign language teacher. Her enthusiasm for
teaching Jerome High School students the language of German is infectious. She teaches her IB students
in German rather than in English, which lets the students hear conversational German spoken daily. Ms.
Engberg encourages her students to visit Germany and to take advantage of Friendship Connection
which is a program that pairs a student from Germany with one of her students so they can “exchange”
places. Ms. Engberg’s support of and participation in Friendship Connection takes substantial time and
effort on her part each year. She spends a lot of time encouraging Jerome students to sign up for the
program and arranges classes for the students from Germany when they arrive in the spring. She also
plans and conducts multiple meetings for parents and students who will be hosting a German student.
Due to her excellent teaching methods and her extra after school activities related to Friendship
Connection and the German Club, Ms. Engberg is deserving of a Community Champion Award.
Mya Fannon
Staff, Deer Run Elementary
Mya spent countless hours after school and almost every weekend setting up for the annual Art Show.
The same night as the fifth grade concert, the Art Show requires a great deal of work to ensure that each
grade level has art lining the hallways of the school for parents and students to enjoy. Area senior
citizens also enjoy this art as part of the annual Senior Breakfast. This year, a framer was hired and
students could choose a piece of art to be framed, and the proceeds from this event will go to improve
the school’s outdoor entrance. Mya also spent many hours creating an amazing mural from recycled lids
and caps that brightens the halls of Deer Run Elementary. Mya is creative, a hard worker and a team
player.
Elizabeth Stutz Gordon
Staff, Davis Middle School
Ms. Stutz exemplifies the ideal guidance counselor. As a counselor at Davis Middle School she is caring
and helpful. She is also empathetic and makes herself available to both parents and students. Ms. Stutz
has an incredible knowledge of what middle school students and their parents need to be successful.
She even thinks to inform new students on small but important details like the procedures for buying
lunch at school. She keeps parents updated through phone calls and e-mails as she checks on students
who need her extra attention and support. Ms. Stutz is a familiar and friendly face in a sea of people and
always acknowledges parents and students with a smile, wave or helping hand at events. Her support
makes a world of difference to many students at Davis Middle School. Every middle school should have a
Ms. Stutz!
Marylee Hahn
Staff, Wright Elementary
Ms. Hahn prepares students to lead the next generation through their love and protection of the
environment. Her tireless efforts led to the creation of the Environment Club at Daniel Wright
Elementary School. Under her leadership, students worked in all seasons planning and preparing the
land to create an organic vegetable garden. Ms. Hahn taught the students different farming techniques
based on Native American farming practices. At harvest, the students picked the vegetables and tasted
them in a variety of recipes. In her classroom sessions the students discuss environmental issues and
ways to protect the earth. Ms. Hahn even took the students bird watching one spring weekend and
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taught them about birds. Ms. Hahn deserves recognition for teaching her students practical knowledge
and the importance of the environment.
Karen Harriman
Staff, Scioto High School
Ms. Harriman leads the Young Professionals' Academy program for Dublin City Schools. YPA offers
selected high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to intern in their desired profession for a
semester. This program teaches students the importance of professionalism and community
involvement. Ms. Harriman has worked tirelessly for more than a decade ensuring the students are well
prepared and have a real world experience to guide their future paths. She makes herself available to
her students any time to steer them through the program. In addition to teaching the students, Ms.
Harriman is very engrained in the business community constantly growing program connections and
seeking donations to fund the yearly scholarships. Ms. Harriman tirelessly places 45-75 students a year
in internships throughout the Greater Columbus area. She has had a huge impact on students' lives for
more than a decade and is still as passionate as ever. Her impact reaches far beyond the students
currently enrolled in the YPA program and extends to hundreds of students across the country.
Geri Keeley
Staff, Olde Sawmill Elementary
Ms. Keeley is a leader that is energetic, motivated, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and a great
communicator. She serves on the school's Support Team and is a Student Success Team coach. Ms.
Keeley also serves on the district literacy team and acts as the intermediate literacy leader for Olde
Sawmill. As a teacher at Olde Sawmill Elementary School she is able to influence those around her in a
positive way. Ms. Keeley often mentors new teachers in the building. Currently, she is mentoring a new
teacher who is enrolled in the resident educator program. Ms. Keeley has recently visited other schools
to observe a "model” classroom and is working with her team on restructuring the Reading and Writing
Workshops. As a leader Ms. Keeley understands the importance of supporting others around her. She
leads by example, seeks input, and is a good listener. Ms. Keeley cares deeply for the Olde Sawmill
community where she lives and where she also raised her family. She has been a great supporter of her
son's sporting teams, especially by participating in many spaghetti dinners for the baseball team.
Deb Maynard
Staff, Coffman High School
Ms. Maynard is an extraordinary person and staff member of Coffman High School who works hard to
provide opportunities for African American students and parents within the Dublin City School District.
This year, as in the previous six years, she was instrumental in organizing and implementing the district
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration program. What's so incredible is that Ms. Maynard continues to tackle
the responsibility necessary for the success and implementation of this program even though she has
fulfilled her commitment as President of the Dublin Parent of Black Students Organization. Her energy,
spirit and desire to educate all students and to expose them to the extraordinary sacrifices of Martin
Luther King Jr. is inspirational. Like a good leader, Ms. Maynard reaches out to include as many
participants as possible from all schools in the district. MLK day is a national holiday and a day off from
school for both staff and students. Each year she convinces students and staff to participate making the
MLK program a successful event that showcases the talents of our students and staff. Ms. Maynard is
very deserving of this special recognition.
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Deb Maynard
Staff, Coffman High School
Ms. Maynard is an extraordinary person and staff member of Coffman High School who works hard to
provide opportunities for African American students and parents within the Dublin City School District.
This year, as in the previous six years, she was instrumental in organizing and implementing the district
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration program. What's so incredible is that Ms. Maynard continues to tackle
the responsibility necessary for the success and implementation of this program even though she has
fulfilled her commitment as President of the Dublin Parent of Black Students Organization. Her energy,
spirit and desire to educate all students and to expose them to the extraordinary sacrifices of Martin
Luther King Jr. is inspirational. Like a good leader, Ms. Maynard reaches out to include as many
participants as possible from all schools in the district. MLK day is a national holiday and a day off from
school for both staff and students. Each year she convinces students and staff to participate making the
MLK program a successful event that showcases the talents of our students and staff. Ms. Maynard is
very deserving of this special recognition.
Mike Monfort
Staff, Indian Run Elementary
Mr. Monfort, or "Mr. Mike" as students call him, has amazing character traits and exemplifies caring and
responsibility every day at Indian Run Elementary School. He demonstrates a dedicated work ethic and
goes above and beyond his custodial duties to find a way to get the job done. With the many demands
of our jobs, Mr. Monfort makes sure our school is a comfortable and safe place for students and staff.
He can be depended upon to fix a broken bookshelf or desk, locate a piece of furniture, provide
consistent snow removal, or even help a teacher carry a heavy load to their car. Mr. Monfort is always
smiling, is a wonderful listener, and always has kind and encouraging words for staff and students. In the
past, he has volunteered his own time to come in and support Indian Run students because he is
genuinely interested in their welfare. Mr. Monfort is a true gentleman in all aspects of the word. He is an
integral asset to our entire Indian Run community and we are all lucky to have him as part of our
custodial team.
Marisa Saelzler
Staff, Wright Elementary
As the founder of the “Wright Wheels Bike Club” Ms. Saelzler brings joy to the families of Daniel Wright
Elementary School. Wright Wheels is a before school enrichment club in which Wright students and
volunteers from Bike Source work alongside one another to refurbish donated bicycles to give to
students and parents who need them. She reached out to the Dublin Education Foundation for grant
funding to purchase a storage shed, bike helmets, locks, and repair equipment in addition to requesting
donations of bicycles from the Dublin community. In addition to her daily dedication to teaching, Ms.
Saelzler also enriches the lives of Daniel Wright Elementary students by teaching them the value of
serving others as well as providing this service of giving to the community. As the library media
specialist, Ms. Saelzler also started a free book fair by reaching out to the community to solicit donations
of hundreds of new and gently used books so that every student at Wright is able to select books to call
their own. She actively seeks out opportunities to enrich the lives of children, engaging the community
and forming valuable partnerships. Ms. Saelzler demonstrates a deep sense of caring for all of our
Wright community, freely giving of her time and efforts. She is a true leader through her words,
thoughts, and actions.
Marisa Saelzler
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Staff, Wright Elementary
As the founder of the “Wright Wheels Bike Club” Ms. Saelzler brings joy to the families of Daniel Wright
Elementary School. Wright Wheels is a before school enrichment club in which Wright students and
volunteers from Bike Source work alongside one another to refurbish donated bicycles to give to
students and parents who need them. She reached out to the Dublin Education Foundation for grant
funding to purchase a storage shed, bike helmets, locks, and repair equipment in addition to requesting
donations of bicycles from the Dublin community. In addition to her daily dedication to teaching, Ms.
Saelzler also enriches the lives of Daniel Wright Elementary students by teaching them the value of
serving others as well as providing this service of giving to the community. As the library media
specialist, Ms. Saelzler also started a free book fair by reaching out to the community to solicit donations
of hundreds of new and gently used books so that every student at Wright is able to select books to call
their own. She actively seeks out opportunities to enrich the lives of children, engaging the community
and forming valuable partnerships. Ms. Saelzler demonstrates a deep sense of caring for all of our
Wright community, freely giving of her time and efforts. She is a true leader through her words,
thoughts, and actions.
Marisa Saelzler
Staff, Wright Elementary
As the founder of the “Wright Wheels Bike Club” Ms. Saelzler brings joy to the families of Daniel Wright
Elementary School. Wright Wheels is a before school enrichment club in which Wright students and
volunteers from Bike Source work alongside one another to refurbish donated bicycles to give to
students and parents who need them. She reached out to the Dublin Education Foundation for grant
funding to purchase a storage shed, bike helmets, locks, and repair equipment in addition to requesting
donations of bicycles from the Dublin community. In addition to her daily dedication to teaching, Ms.
Saelzler also enriches the lives of Daniel Wright Elementary students by teaching them the value of
serving others as well as providing this service of giving to the community. As the library media
specialist, Ms. Saelzler also started a free book fair by reaching out to the community to solicit donations
of hundreds of new and gently used books so that every student at Wright is able to select books to call
their own. She actively seeks out opportunities to enrich the lives of children, engaging the community
and forming valuable partnerships. Ms. Saelzler demonstrates a deep sense of caring for all of our
Wright community, freely giving of her time and efforts. She is a true leader through her words,
thoughts, and actions.
LauraBeth Shanklin
Staff, Wright Elementary
Ms. Shanklin is a one-of-a-kind colleague and teacher. She was in charge of Adopt a Family for the Daniel
Wright Elementary Special Education staff and made sure the three families that were adopted received
great care. Ms. Shanklin also gives back to her colleagues as a member of the Social Sunshine
committee, planning and executing special events for the school staff. She always has a kind smile and
word of encouragement for anyone in need. Ms. Shanklin worked for the Summer Lunch Program and
she joined the team to pilot the new summer school program starting this summer for Wright students.
She also takes the time to mentor three students outside of the building by taking them to movies, out
to dinner, or to a PTA sponsored event. It is clear to see these students love her when they stop by her
classroom to say hello or share a story. The staff at Wright Elementary is very grateful that Ms. Shanklin
so selflessly gives her time and effort to the Daniel Wright Elementary community.
Josie Stewart
Staff, Wright Elementary
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As the co-founder of the Dublin Free Summer Lunch Program, Ms. Stewart has spent the past four
summers volunteering her time to organize busing, train and manage volunteers, and ride the bus with
students to and from the lunch site. She also supervises children, organizes special events and reading
activities, and is responsible for the continuation of the program each year. She has been instrumental
in securing funding for busing and donations of time and materials for the program. She believes
strongly in the importance of providing food and a safe and nurturing place for children to spend their
summer days. Ms. Stewart is a Reading Recovery and Literacy Coach at Daniel Wright and she is also the
staff coordinator for Daniel Wright's second grade reading mentor program. She welcomes adult
community volunteers to Daniel Wright Elementary to serve as reading mentors to our at-risk second
grade readers. She helps with training and communication between the teachers and the volunteers.
Ms. Stewart values each relationship and works hard to foster these partnerships. Dublin City Schools is
lucky to have such a dedicated staff member who gives of her time and talents to make a difference in
the lives of so many children at Daniel Wright Elementary.
Chris Troyer
Staff, Scioto High School
Live Like a Champion is a program developed by Mr. Troyer of Scioto High School to teach Dublin
students how to live healthy and happy lives by making healthy life choices, physically and emotionally.
He is passionate about empowering young athletes at Scioto to take responsibility for their health. He
has recruited Ohio State University's Athletic Training Club to assist him as he voluntarily visits Dublin
City Schools speaking and interacting with young students. Despite working 50+ hours a week as one of
the Athletic Trainers for Dublin Scioto High School, Mr. Troyer still finds time to educate elementary and
middle school students on healthy lifestyles and therefore decreasing the incidence of injury. Since the
spring of 2001, he has been a valued preceptor for Ohio State University's Athletic Training Education
Program (ATEP). He has served OSU students directly though mentorship and being a guest speaker in
the classroom. Mr. Troyer is a quality clinician and educator who mentors by motivating and leading
others in a positive direction. By doing so he has left an indelible mark on his students and his
community.
Mike Ulring
Staff, Coffman High School
In 2014 Mr. Ulring was very supportive of two Dublin families during very difficult times. He was
nominated for a Community Champion Award by a pastor of a Dublin based church for his swift arrival
after the Dublin Police Department delivered hard news to families with connections to Dublin Coffman
High School. In each instance, in a short period of time, Mr. Ulring arrived on site accompanied by
appropriate members of his staff team to offer support to the families. His care for students and families
in challenging circumstances, expressed in these behind-the-scenes moments, brings great credit on Mr.
Ulring personally and communicates care for our city that extends beyond what occurs directly in the
classroom or extracurricular environment.
Lara Valentine
Staff, Deer Run Elementary
Ms. Valentine, a music teacher at Deer Run Elementary School is the coordinator for the Community
Breakfast held each year at the school. Senior citizens in the Dublin community are invited to visit Deer
Run and enjoy breakfast provided by the staff along with a musical program performed by the 5th grade
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class. Ms. Valentine choreographs, decorates, and embellishes a musical extravaganza that “will knock
your socks off.” She puts in many hours outside of the classroom to organize this event. The seniors in
our community love it. They come back year after year and even ask to bring their friends and relatives.
Ms. Fannon displays a piece of art from every student at Deer Run Elementary School. As the art teacher
for Deer Run, she has the gift of being able to inspire her students to create amazing art. Ms. Fannon
puts many extra hours into her projects for the students, with an eye toward saving the environment.
Many items in her art projects are articles that her students collect from home. The Deer Run bottle cap
project will be a wonder to see upon its completion.
Lara Valentine
Staff, Deer Run Elementary
Ms. Valentine, a music teacher at Deer Run Elementary School is the coordinator for the Community
Breakfast held each year at the school. Senior citizens in the Dublin community are invited to visit Deer
Run and enjoy breakfast provided by the staff along with a musical program performed by the 5th grade
class. Ms. Valentine choreographs, decorates, and embellishes a musical extravaganza that “will knock
your socks off.” She puts in many hours outside of the classroom to organize this event. The seniors in
our community love it. They come back year after year and even ask to bring their friends and relatives.
Ms. Fannon displays a piece of art from every student at Deer Run Elementary School. As the art teacher
for Deer Run, she has the gift of being able to inspire her students to create amazing art. Ms. Fannon
puts many extra hours into her projects for the students, with an eye toward saving the environment.
Many items in her art projects are articles that her students collect from home. The Deer Run bottle cap
project will be a wonder to see upon its completion.
Gardner Watkins
Staff, Scioto High School
Mr. Watkins and his team of students worked so hard to win a $10,000 Make A Difference School grant
that a community member stepped in and donated the money to make their dream of creating an
Aquaponic system a reality. He and his students rallied support from the school, the community, and
friends to gain funds for this problem-based learning project to build a sustainable future. In kicking off
the project Mr. Watkins once again rallied the support of students and worked countless hours to
develop this project that gives back to the Dublin community through product, service, and mentorship.
His support of this initiative is a true show of his passion for students, improved educational practices,
and community spirit. Mr. Watkins has been a stand-out science teacher at Scioto High School for many
years. His superior work ethic demonstrates dedication to so many of our students, and enthusiasm for
all facets of education.
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