Storey Headlines Annual Awards
The Fund for Academic Excellence blesses teachers and students.
In the late 1980s, a dedicated group of Worthington Christian fathers embarked on a mission to bolster their school’s future. Sharing a common vision for sustained support, they sought a solution that would leave a lasting impact. It was Tom Mason who proposed the idea of establishing an endowment fund—a financial reservoir designed to generate continuous income through investments, ensuring perpetual resources for the school. Unanimously agreeing on its potential, the Parent-Teacher Fellowship Endowment Fund came into existence.
As time progressed, leadership evolved, and the fund underwent a name change to the Fund for Academic Excellence. Yet, its fundamental goal persisted: to cultivate an enduring legacy of benevolence and assistance for WC. While much of its endeavors occur discreetly, each spring, the fund’s board proudly unveils the beneficiaries of its support: ten scholarship recipients and five distinguished employees, all made possible through the generosity of donors to the Fund for Academic Excellence.
Headlining the recognition is the Teacher of the Year, awarded annually by a vote of fellow WC teachers. This cash award is given to the faculty member who best demonstrates the ability to inspire all students to learn intellectually and spiritually. The 2024 recipient is James Storey. On Tuesday, May 7, Head of School Dr. Mike Hayes and Fund for Academic Excellence Chair Dan Custer interrupted Storey’s class with a surprise announcement.
Trustee Awards
Two additional surprise recognitions were made on Tuesday—the Trustee Academic Award and the Trustee Service Award.
Trustee Academic Award
Joel Walton
This cash award recognizes an individual who exhibits exemplary academic service to WC and its students. The award recognizes unselfish service to students and fellow faculty and staff members.
Trustee Service Award
Kelly Herbst
This cash award recognizes a non-academic staff person who, by his or her actions, faithfully represents the Lord in their daily work. Often behind the scenes, their effort is essential to fulfilling the mission of WC.
Rounding out the annual faculty and staff awards is the 34 Impact Award. This cash award is presented annually to two WC teachers who have “made a difference” by inspiring and encouraging students at WC. The award is based on 2 Timothy 4:2. Sixth-grade teacher Allie Elifritz was honored during the Lower School’s musical program on May 3. The Upper School’s recipient will be announced during the May 17 awards program.
Congratulations to all of the honorees, and thank you to the Fund For Academic Excellence donors for making these annual awards possible.