Five awards recognize outstanding service, teaching, and impact across WC.
Worthington Christian School recently celebrated five faculty and staff members through awards presented by the Fund for Academic Excellence, a long-standing family of funds that supports scholarships and special recognition awards across the school.
Formerly known as the PTF Endowment Fund, the Fund for Academic Excellence was established in the late 1980s by a group of WC parents who wanted to invest in the school’s students, faculty, and staff in a lasting way. Today, the fund continues to be managed by a committee of parents, alumni parents, and grandparents, and is chaired by Dan Custer.
The Fund for Academic Excellence includes ten named scholarships and four special faculty and staff awards. Gifts may be directed to any of the named scholarships or awards, or to an unrestricted account that provides supplemental support across the fund. New scholarships and awards may also be established within the Fund for Academic Excellence at any time.
This year’s faculty and staff award recipients were surprised and celebrated across campus:
Teacher of the Year: David O’Roark
The Teacher of the Year is selected annually by a vote of fellow WC teachers. This cash award is presented to the faculty member who best demonstrates the ability to inspire all students to learn intellectually and spiritually. In his 25 years at Worthington Christian, Dave O’Roark has directed more than 80 productions and earned Best Director of a Musical at the 2022 CAPA Marquee Awards for WC’s The SpongeBob Musical. More than producing plays and musicals, O’Roark creates communities where students are known, challenged, and invited to grow. Enjoy the following video, recorded after the surprise announcement.
PTF Trustee Awards: Grace Zhou and Kathy Kramer
Grace Zhou, a seventh-grade science teacher, is known for teaching the whole student through project-based learning and thoughtful integration of biblical principles. In a key transitional year, she also stepped forward to serve as Science Department head, demonstrating leadership, humility, and a clear commitment to WC’s mission.
Kathy Kramer has worked tirelessly behind the scenes as WC’s food service director, serving students, staff, and families with dedication and care. Loved by her staff and volunteers, she is an example of faithful, hard work carried out with both excellence and a steady sense of humor.
34 Impact Awards: Jordan Berner and Emma Thomas
Jordan Berner, a WC alumna and kindergarten teacher, is known for her caring and effective teaching, her leadership on the Faculty Council, and her thoughtful voice in helping guide important school conversations. Her impact reaches beyond the classroom through her support of students, families, colleagues, and the broader WC community.
Emma Thomas, a first-grade teacher and assistant volleyball coach, is recognized for helping students grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. She is deeply loved by her students and respected by colleagues, parents, and athletes for the meaningful impact she has across the Lower School and Upper School communities.
Together, these awards reflect the heart behind the Fund for Academic Excellence: honoring faithful service, encouraging excellent teaching, and investing in the people who help carry out Worthington Christian’s mission each day.
WC is grateful for the parents, alumni parents, grandparents, and donors whose generosity continues to make these awards and scholarships possible.
Thank you, Creative Moments Photography and Brian Shindle, for the images.