Past Recipients of the Community Spirit Award Honored - January 2020
For January, Winton Woods City Schools honored all community spirit award recipients from past years for their contributions to the district.
Mark Docter Selected for Community Spirit Award - October 2019
Winton Woods City Schools Director of the Child Nutrition Department Mark Docter joined the Warrior team in 2017. Since his arrival, the district and community have been greatly impacted by his dedication to health and nutrition. “He has been a great addition to our team,” said Executive Director of Business Affairs Steve Denny. Superintendent Anthony G. Smith also shared how the students love his food because he is an incredible chef. This is one of the many reasons he was selected for October’s community spirit award.
In 2017, he thought of the innovative idea to convert an old school bus into a meal transportation vehicle to ensure every student received a nutritional boost during the summer. This summer, “Nutrition is the Mission” will be on the road for its third consecutive year to bring nutritious meals to four bus stops in the community with the addition of a wifi hotspot and mobile library. At the October board of education meeting, Smith mentioned Docter’s implementation of increasing the lunch offerings in the schools which include “restaurant quality” food like chicken wings, chicken alfredo, and steak and cheese paninis. “I’m deeply grateful and honored to receive this award,” said Docter. “I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Shown from left to right at the October board meeting is Katrina Rugless, Debbie Siemon, Loretta Gordon, Mark Docter, Shawna Brocker, Vickie Koeninger, Sarah Kelly, Bev Wyrick and Shari Spaw. Photo by Drew Jackson.
Charlie Fredrick Honored at Winton Woods Board Meeting - August 2019
Charlie Fredrick invested his time in doing what he loved, and the people who knew him would say he loved Winton Woods City Schools. It was where his wife Mary Jo, daughter Maureen and three sons Chuck, Joe, and Mike, spent a lot of their time as a family. On August 26, Winton Woods expressed to the family its deep appreciation for Mr. Frederick’s dedication to the district by honoring him posthumously at its regular board of education meeting. Members of the community, staff, and family members reminisced through heartwarming stories and testimonials that spoke of the impact Mr. Fredrick had on the Winton Woods community and athletic department.
“I am a product of Charlie Fredrick fighting for me,” said Athletic Director David Lumpkin. “He was a tremendous leader and a hall of fame athletic director who led by example.” Superintendent Anthony G. Smith acknowledged Mr. Fredrick for being “a catalyst in the community, not only in sports but also in the field of education.” In 2018, the Fredrick family started a scholarship fund for two Winton Woods students to receive $500 every year.
“My dad loved his job,” said Mike after mentioning a time his dad took him to drag baseball fields. “It really spoke to the passion he had for his job.” His younger brother Joe expressed his appreciation for Winton Woods after naming their football-track stadium in his honor. “I don’t think anyone spent more time at the stadium than Dad did,” said Joe. “We cannot be more grateful for how kind you have been to my father. Thank you.”
On Friday, September 13, the Warriors hosted Upper Arlington High School in the Charlie Fredrick Stadium. It was the first home football game of the season in honor of Mr. Frederick’s dedication, commitment to and love of Winton Woods City Schools.
PHOTO CAPTION: Shown (l-r) at August board meeting are Joe Fredrick, Mike Fredrick, Mary Joe Fredrick, board member John Cuppoletti, and Athletic Director David Lumpkin. Photo by Drew Jackson.
Dr. Monica Swope with Kingdom Family Dentistry Honored with Community Spirit Award - May 2019
Winton Woods City Schools presented Kingdom Family’s Dr. Monica Swope with the district’s Community Spirit Award at the May board of education meeting. “Dr. Swope has an incredible professional commitment to healthy smiles and has been in our community with Kingdom Family Dentistry, just 50 yards from the Winton Woods Intermediate School, for almost 30 years,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. Smith extended the district’s thanks and appreciation to Swope “for serving our students and for supporting our district and families over the years.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Monica Swope as she receives the Community Spirit Award at Winton Woods City Schools’ May board meeting from Board Vice President Katrina Rugless. Photo by Drew Jackson.
Park Place Restaurant - November 2018
Winton Woods Superintendent Anthony G. Smith honored Mr. Richard Bedford with the district’s Community Spirit award at the December board meeting. “I want to honor Mr. Bedford for his contributions to Winton Woods City Schools,” said Smith. Warrior parent, alumni and manager of Park Place restaurant uses his business to support members of the community and district.
Forest Park's Allstate Insurance - September 2018
Winton Woods City Schools honored Forest Park’s Allstate Insurance at the September board of education meeting with the Community Spirit award for their long-time service to the district. The company has been a proud supporter of our schools and students for over 20 years.
Ms. Stephanie Ison Honored with Winton Woods City Schools’ Community Spirit Award - March 2018
Ms. Stephanie Ison was honored at Winton Woods City Schools’ March board of education meeting with the district’s Community Spirit Award for her service to the district. Ison who served as project manager over the Girls Crew team getting on the water.
“We would like to recognize an incredible group of people—the army core. They were very instrumental in helping us get that waterway, getting the boats on the water and making sure we can do all the essential things we needed to do for our girls rowing team. Without the army corps of engineers, it would have not happened.”
The Community Spirit Award is presented to an organization or individual to recognize their significant contributions to the district over the period of years.
Ms. Stephanie Ison and Winton Woods Board of Education President Jessica Miranda. Photo by Drew Jackson.
Golden Corral selected for December’s Community Spirit Award
Some say there is no greater gift than giving. And that is exactly what Golden Corral Manager Kevin Micmicam and his team did when they provided Winton Woods football team with two incredible meals at no cost.
“He did something that was very noteworthy when the team was on their way to the state championship game,” said Superintendent Anthony Smith. “ It showed the spirit of giving back to the community and the young men greatly appreciated the generosity of the restaurant.”
“You can spend money and do a lot of things but actually going out and helping is different,” said Mr. Micmicam. “The Winton Woods Warriors had a tremendous season and we just wanted to take care of the team.”
Golden Corral Manager Kevin Micmicam is shown with his wife and board President Jessica Miranda.
Officer Rebecca Eavers is Honored with Community Spirit Award - November 2017
Winton Woods City Schools presented the district’s Community Spirit award to Officer Rebecca Eavers for her help in enhancing the community through her commitment, involvement and positive influence.
Some of Officer Eavers contributions to the community include assisting with the neighborhood block watch program, community response and ‘WeThrive’ teams, Forest Park clergy and apartment owner associations, and Latino adult conversation class. “She’s also in the planning stages of fundraising to help a nursing center with the holiday initiative for their residents,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.
The award was given out at the November board of education meeting. Smith extended the district’s thanks and appreciation to Officer Eavers for the support she has shown over the years.
Officer Rebecca Eavers is shown with Lieutenant James Ward, Superintendent Anthony G. Smith and Winton Woods Board Vice President Dr. Viola Johnson. Photo by Drew Jackson.
Sandra Dees Honored with Winton Woods City Schools’ Community Spirit Award - October 2017
.jpg?id=13743&width=533)
Sandra Dees was honored at Winton Woods City Schools’ October board of education meeting with the district’s Community Spirit Award for her longtime service to the district.
“This award goes to an incredible individual who’s been at the forefront of the district, leading the charge, making sure that everyone understood their purpose and commitment,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.
As a parent and community member, Mrs. Dees is a faithful supporter of educational reform and believes that students should have as many opportunities as possible to achieve and be successful.
Additionally, all eight of her children attended Winton Woods City Schools. The youngest daughter, Louise, graduated in 2010 from Winton Woods High School as valedictorian.
The Community Spirit Award is presented to an organization or individual to recognize their significant contributions to the district over the period of years.
PHOTO CAPTION: Shown front row l-r is Mr. Kerry Dees Sr., Sandra Dees, and Louise Dees with Winton Woods Board of Education President Jessica Miranda. Mrs. Dees also holds a photo with her children: Kerry Jr., Marcus, Katherine, Daniel, Cassandra, Constance, and Darnell. Photo by Drew Jackson.
Mercy Health is Awarded the August Community Spirit Award - September 2017
Fairfield Hospital has supported Winton Woods City Schools with a variety of services for almost six years. This community partnership has provided students with free health checks, a sideline physician at our varsity home football games, and numerous other services to ensure our students are healthy, safe and can perform at their best. It was all this, and more, that led to Mercy Health receiving the district’s Community Spirit Award at the August 28 board of education meeting.
“I’ve had several meetings with Mercy Fairfield Chief Executive Officer Tom Urban, and I can tell you he has a genuine care for our students,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. “As president and CEO, Mr. Urban makes it a point to participate in meetings with the school district. Each year, Mr. Urban continues to outdo himself by providing for our students in a variety of meaningful ways.”
Winton Woods Athletic Director David Lumpkin said Mercy Health’s presence every day is an invaluable service and is a reflection of the company’s commitment to Winton Woods City Schools. Mercy Health provides all teams with an athletic trainer that supports the district at both home and away contests. The impact can be shown through the students.
Tom Urban thanked the board upon receiving the award and said, “We are fully behind and supportive of the goals that this organization has, and again it’s an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the Winton Woods family.”
Tom Urban received the Winton Woods City Schools’ August Community Spirit Award. Board members Jessica Miranda and Katrina Rugless can also be seen in the picture. Photo by Drew Jackson.
March 2017 - Dr. Stephen Wilson
Winton Woods City Schools presented Mercy Health’s Dr. Stephen Wilson with the district’s Community Spirit Award at the March board of education meeting. “Through his words of encouragement and service to our student athletes and families, Dr. Wilson has shown himself to be a friend and partner to Winton Woods City Schools and a leader in our community,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.
Dr. Wilson, who practices internal medicine, serves as a team doctor for the Warrior football team and spends many Friday nights in the fall on the football sidelines. He has also provided athletic physicals at a reduced cost for students, with half of the cost returning to support the high school’s athletic department. At his new facility on Winton Road in Forest Park, Dr. Wilson now provides concussion testing for athletes involved in all contact sports.
“As a keynote speaker at one of our Man-to-Man STEM conferences, Dr. Wilson encouraged our young men to display leadership in their lives and to put in extra time each day on their studies,” said Smith. “He told them, ‘Small things can send your life in an entirely different trajectory.’”
Smith extended the district’s thanks and appreciation to Wilson “for serving as a positive role model for our students and for supporting our district and families.”
Dayspring Church - February 2017
Dayspring Church in Forest Park was honored at Winton Woods City Schools’ February board of education meeting with the district’s Community Spirit Award. “We’re grateful to the Dayspring congregation, Senior Pastor Tim Kufeldt, and his team for their service and outreach to our students and their families as they fulfill their mission to impact our community and our world,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.
Before the start of the 2016-2017 school year, the district partnered with the church as part of the Feed the Children food drop which gave away 60,000 pounds of food and personal items to families in need. This event, which was sponsored by the Star Riding and Touring motorcycle organization, personally impacted over 250 Warrior families who benefited from the assistance.
In 2010, Dayspring joined a coalition of churches who worked together to bring Whiz Kids Unplugged! to Winton Woods Middle School. This volunteer tutoring program was specifically designed to address the social and academic pressures faced by middle school students.
Another Dayspring outreach, Operation Letter Storm, began in 2007. Winton Woods students showed their support of military troops by writing letters to those serving the United States in locations around the world. The letters were included in care packages that were put together by Dayspring’s Yellow Ribbon Support Group.
Additionally, the church has served district families through its Giving Tree program and by hosting the high school band for a Christmas concert to raise money for the band’s 2015 China trip.
“We thank Pastor Kufeldt, his staff and congregation for their on-going support of this district,” said Smith.
PHOTO CAPTION: Winton Woods Board President Jessica Miranda is shown with Dayspring Senior Pastor Tim Kufeldt. Photo by Teresa Cleary.
JANUARY 2017 - Paul and Marianne Denning
Those who know Paul and Marianne Denning will tell you they are a true example of the phrase “open hearts, open home.” Over the years the couple has hosted more than 10 international exchange students, many times those with special needs, as part of the AFS-USA international program that emphasizes inclusive intercultural experiences. Their hospitality was part of the reason the two were honored at Winton Woods City Schools’ January board meeting with the district’s Community Spirit award.
“Mr. and Mrs. Denning have helped these students realize not only the dream of coming to the United States, but dreams like playing on a school sports team, performing a self-written solo as part of concert choir, and being a typical American teenager,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.
He added that Mr. Denning has also used his experience as both a rower and crew coach for Xavier University to help the district get its girls’ crew team off the ground and into the water. “Knowing that collegiate crew is looking for diversity in the sport and that many scholarships go unclaimed, this has proved to be an amazing opportunity for our athletes,” said Smith.
“We are grateful for the many years that Mr. and Mrs. Denning have supported Winton Woods students, and we thank them for their generosity and kindness to our district and our community.”
Chip Henderson
Winton Woods City Schools honored Chip Henderson at the January board of education meeting with the Community Spirit award for his long-time service to the district. Henderson, along with Dr. George Wharton and former board member Dr. Brandon Wiers, formed the group Concerned Citizens for Improved Schools to assist district leadership in assessing progress toward its student achievement goals. “Their involvement in these efforts has shown that they are strong advocates for education and opportunities for children,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.
“The first day I walked into this district, Mr. Henderson told me, ‘You have to be committed to the work to be the superintendent,’” said Smith. “He would say over and over, ‘We have to make sure that our children are first.’”
Smith extended his thanks and appreciation to Henderson for the positive impact he has had on the district.
Dr. George Wharton
Winton Woods City Schools presented the district’s Community Spirit award to Dr. George Wharton for his help in enhancing the educational success of its students and teachers. The award was given out at the January board of education meeting.
“Dr. Wharton, along with former board member Dr. Brandon Wiers and Mr. Chip Henderson, formed the group Concerned Citizens for Improved Schools to assist district leadership in assessing progress toward its student achievement goals,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. “Their involvement in these efforts has shown that they are strong advocates for education and opportunities for children.”
Smith extended the district’s thanks and appreciation to Wharton for the support he has shown over the years. “Your willing involvement in this district has made an impact on our students’ futures,” Smith said.
Thad Willard Honored
Winton Woods Superintendent Anthony G. Smith honored Thad Willard with the district’s Community Spirit award in a posthumous presentation at the January board meeting. “I want to honor Mr. Willard for his contributions to Winton Woods City Schools,” said Smith. Willard served as a member of the Winton Woods Student Achievement Committee and was frequently at board meetings.
Smith said Willard was adamant about academic success and wanted students to have strong GPAs that would lead to educational opportunities at all the top colleges in the area. “Mr. Willard was very relentless, always giving me information, and asking, “Where are our National Merit Scholars and how many honors diploma students do we have?’” said Smith.
Smith extended his condolences Willard’s wife, Maria Waltherr-Willard, and led the audience in a round of applause for the work her husband had done over the years for the district.
DECEMBER 2016 - Greenhills Librarian
Winton Woods City Schools presented its December Community Spirit Award to Greenhills Children’s Librarian Amy Charley at the December 12 meeting. “Imagine being able to light up the faces of students the minute you walk into a classroom,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith in his award presentation. “That’s what happens when Amy Charley visits our Wee Warriors at Winton Woods Primary North and South. The students know that Ms. Charley will introduce them to new people, help them visit new places and teach them about our world—all through the books she brings to read.”
For more than five years, Charley has visited classrooms and stopped by at the end of the school year to promote reading through the library’s summer reading program. “As educators, we are grateful for the additional support that this program provides for our students when school is not in session,” said Smith.
Charley also helps school librarians coordinate their teacher collections through the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and has arranged for free author visits. “Our primary school librarians, principals and classroom teachers all expressed their happiness that Ms. Charley was receiving this award,” said Smith. “The time she spends with our students has a wonderful impact on their learning and their imaginations.”
NOVEMBER 2016 - General Electric
For years, students at both Winton Woods High School and Middle School have benefited from the time and expertise donated by engineers from General Electric Evendale who serve as mentors, advisory committee members and even classroom teachers. Engineers Bryan Barrett and Daniel Lang were honored at the November board of education meeting with the district’s Community Spirit Award.
Myrtis Smith, Project Lead the Way engineering teacher at Winton Woods High School, said that since 2009 she’s welcomed Barrett’s input in his role as a member of her advisory board. “The board consists of industry people who help set the direction of the program and who meet two or three times a year,” she said. “They provide speakers, arrange field trips, mentor, give advice on resources such as grants, programs or competitions and provide input on program decisions.”
Lang has volunteered his time in Smith’s classroom, coming to school one day a week to work with members of her robotics team, helping them prepare for the Great Oaks annual robotics competition. There students are tasked with designing, building and programming a robot. “Mr. Lang is a wonderful resource and has been an awesome mentor beyond the club by helping students with projects and college and career questions,” said Smith.
Michael DeMain, math teacher at Winton Woods Middle School, is in the fourth year of a partnership with General Electric through the company’s Igniting Minds program. The program’s mission is to help improve students’ grasp of math and science by providing hands-on opportunities that will increase their interest in these subjects. “Each year the engineers have worked with the students on math activities and projects, while helping them see themselves in STEM careers like engineering or computer technology,” said DeMain. Last year GE presented DeMain with a grant check for $2,900 that was used to purchase a laptop and software so students are able to see geometry in a three-dimensional application and better understand geometric concepts.
Superintendent Anthony G. Smith said, “Winton Woods City Schools is grateful for General Electric’s support of project-based learning in our schools and for their engineers’ hands-on involvement in our classrooms. The time they have spent volunteering with us has significantly impacted the future of our students.”
Since 2012, Winton Woods Primary South has held McTeacher Night at the neighborhood McDonald’s restaurant on Winton Road in Springfield Township. This annual school fundraiser has teachers and staff working behind the counter, at the drive-thru and in the restaurant.
For their efforts, over $2,000 has been donated to the school for classroom supplies and student incentives for Primary South’s Bucket Boutique. At the boutique, students who demonstrate positive behaviors have monthly shopping opportunities. Proceeds from this year’s McTeacher Night, which happened in September, will help fund the school’s spring carnival. “Our staff and student body are grateful to McDonald's for their continued collaboration and support,” said Principal Danielle
Wallace.
Winton Woods City Schools thanked Owner Bill Kilroy, General Manager Casey Wilson, and Springfield Township Supervisor Bev Turner for their continued generosity in supporting the district’s students and teachers. “Your contributions directly impact the educational support that our students receive,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith.
SEPTEMBER 2016 - Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union
Since 2014 Winton Woods City Schools has enjoyed a financial education partnership with the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union. The company’s employees have volunteered both their time and financial resources to support the district’s students, staff and families in a variety of ways. CPFCU was honored at the September board of education meeting with the district’s Community Spirit Award.
CPFCU recently sponsored two sessions of Finances 101 at Winton Woods High School, where students played the Game of Life, which emphasized how earnings impact buying decisions, how to set a budget, how much it really costs to run a household, and how to spend within one’s means. Students traveled through a life-sized game board where they were assigned a career and a salary and rolled the dice to determine the number of children they’d have. Along the way, they had to figure out how they would pay for rent, food, insurance, car payments, and life’s little surprises.
CPFCU has also donated $4,000-$4,500 annually to the district through contributions to the Winton Woods High School Special Education Department, the alternative school’s College Fair, and the district’s new teacher orientation.
“Our financial partnership with CPFCU allows students to join the credit union and free services are provided for all student accounts,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. “Additionally, the credit union awards scholarships each year to high school seniors who display academic excellence and involvement in community service. In 2015 Winton Woods graduate Sarai Dean was awarded $1,000 per year for four consecutive years of study at Northern Kentucky University.
“We are grateful for the ways CPFCU has supported Winton Woods students, and we applaud its members for their generous service to our district.”
SEPTEMBER 2016 - McKelvey Rd Baptist Church
Pastor Bob Singleton, Assistant Pastor Rick Schroer and the congregation of McKelvey Road Baptist Church in Springfield Township were honored with Winton Woods City Schools’ Community Spirit Award for “embracing the idea of community service through their volunteer work with the students of our district,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. The award was presented at the September 26 board of education meeting.
When asked why he donated his time, Singleton said he “recognized the need for the church to be involved in the school system.” He and his church members have helped at the Open House at Winton Woods Primary North and often sit outside of classrooms tutoring students in math and reading, “We’re grateful that the volunteers from McKelvey Road Baptist Church have generously given their time and attention to our youngest Warrior learners,” said Smith. “They understand the power of academic success and support our mission to actively engage and challenge all learners to reach their maximum potential.”
August 2016 - United Way Success By 6
A continuing collaboration between Winton Woods City Schools and United Way Success By 6 has helped support the district’s youngest learners as they start on their path to academic success. “Success By 6 stresses the importance of early childhood education and was instrumental in helping us this year with the Jumpstart programs for our kindergarten and preschool Warriors,” said Corina Denny, community engagement coordinator for the district. Success By 6 contributed $7,000 to the Jumpstart program.
“United Way Success By 6 has also sponsored an annual Kindergarten Readiness Summit that has helped our staff members identify new and effective strategies to engage families and communities in school readiness efforts,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. “All of this has helped Winton Woods City Schools reach its goal of ensuring all students achieve their highest potential.”
Smith and the board of education expressed their gratitude for the ways that United Way Success By 6 has supported Winton Woods students and teachers. “We applaud the organization for its generous service to our district, and this month we’re pleased to present them with the August Community Spirit Award.”
Only a few partnerships in the Winton Woods School District have lasted as long as the one with
the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Psi Omega Chapter, Forest Park, Ohio. Their long-standing generosity to Winton Woods’ students led to the group being honored with the district’s Community Spirit Award for February, which was presented at the monthly board of education meeting.
Fifty students at Winton Woods Primary South in Springfield Township started their school year with new backpacks filled with school and classroom supplies, healthy snacks and a bookmark with nutritional information all courtesy of the sorority.
“What makes this donation to our students even more special is that it is the continuation of a partnership that has gone on for over 10 years between the sorority and the district,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. “These students, and their teachers, greatly appreciated the educational support that these backpacks provide. This donation is truly a gift, as our young Warriors arrived on the first day of school well supplied and ready to learn.
“We are grateful for the many years that Alpha Kappa Alpha has supported Winton Woods students, and we applaud the members for their generous service to our district.”
JANUARY 2016
Dr. Brandon Wiers was honored at Winton Woods City Schools’ January board of education meeting with the district’s Community Spirit Award for his longtime service to the district. Wiers, who served on the board of education from 2010-2012, has since formed a group called “Concerned Citizens for Improved Schools,” along with George Wharton and Chip Henderson, to assist district leadership in assessing progress toward its student achievement goals.
Additionally, in February 2015, Wiers and his three children, all professional educators, formed a private business, Wiers Educational Consulting, LLC, whose mission is “enhancing numeracy.”
The Community Spirit Award is presented to an organization or individual to recognize their significant contributions to the district over the period of years.
DECEMBER 2015 - John Pennycuff
Forest Park—Colleagues, friends and family came out on December 14 to honor Winton Woods board of education member John Pennycuff for more than 25 years of service to Winton Woods City Schools. “John’s tenure on the board shows his dedication, commitment and concern for this district and its students,” said Superintendent Anthony G. Smith. “Words will never be enough to express the gratitude we feel for the time, talent, and energy that Mr. Pennycuff has put in since he was elected in 1990.”
Pennycuff received the district’s Community Spirit Award and had Forest Park Mayor Charles Johnson proclaim that it was “John Pennycuff Day” in Forest Park. In addition to his time on the Winton Woods board, Pennycuff was installed as the president of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) in January 2010 and spent the year supporting educational concerns throughout Ohio. He has also served the board as legislative liaison for many years and has worked with the Ohio and National School Boards Associations to seek improvements in laws governing schools.
Pennycuff and his wife, Mary, are 37-year residents of Forest Park. Their two children attended Winton Woods schools from kindergarten through high school graduation.
“We are grateful for your support of public education and for strengthening the educational experience of our students through your service on the Winton Woods board of education,” said Smith.