On April 15, 2026, Westerville Sunrise Rotary proudly recognized Erica Beebe, School Counselor at Westerville North High School, as the April 2026 Service to Youth Award recipient.

Erica is a dedicated student advocate who works tirelessly to remove barriers so students can thrive academically and be placed where they learn best. As a leader within her department, she has expanded access to valuable community resources by helping to organize weekly “Workshop Wednesdays,” where local businesses and colleges connect with students. These sessions, held during lunch in the Commons, provide meaningful opportunities for career exploration and college planning, with counselors available to guide and support students in real time.

In addition, Erica serves as advisor for the Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) group, empowering young women with mentorship, encouragement, and tools to help them set and achieve their goals. Her commitment to student growth extends well beyond her formal responsibilities.

Erica’s dedication was especially evident when a colleague went on leave. She stepped in to take on additional scheduling responsibilities—managing calls, emails, and meetings—while continuing to fully support her own students. Despite the increased workload, she ensured that no student needs went unmet, often working beyond school hours and on weekends without complaint.

A hands-on leader who leads by example, Erica is always willing to offer support, collaborate on solutions, and take action to improve outcomes for students. Her unwavering commitment, compassion, and leadership truly embody the spirit of the Service to Youth Award.

Service to Youth Award recipients receive a commemorative trophy, a $25 gift card, and cookies from Kroger. Erica will be formally honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting in May, and a flag will be flown in her name at the Field of Heroes over Memorial Day weekend.
 

It's time to apply for the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Foundation’s Youth Impact Grant! This grant supports programs and projects that support youth who live or study within the Westerville City School District boundaries.

Applications are now open and must be submitted by May 1st. Our Grant Committee will review all submissions following the deadline. Grant recipients will be notified in June, and funds will be available for distribution in July.
 

We encourage you to apply and share how your organization is creating positive impact for youth.

You can access the application using the following link: Youth Impact Grant Application


For more information, and to submit your application, please contact: 
Amy Ellet
Sunrise Rotary Foundation Grants Coordinator

aeebauman@gmail.com or 614-565-5861

We are excited to be celebrating the 18th Anniversary of the Field of Heroes and would like to invite you to join our efforts by supporting our event as a Patron. The Field of Heroes is a Memorial Day tradition in central Ohio, providing an opportunity for our community to honor its personal heroes.  This year's theme is "We The People" as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our great Nation.

The 2026 event will be held from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25, at the Westerville Sports Complex, 325 Cleveland Ave. Westerville.

The deadline to submit this form and be included in print advertising (according to your patron level) is Friday, April 25, 2026.

More information is available at the links below:

 Patron Levels

 Patron Form

For Patron Questions, ask Rich Schorling, Patron Coordinator rschorling@gmail.com.

It was great seeing our City Manager Monica Dupee last Wednesday. There is a lot to be proud of about living in our town. I really appreciate receiving her annual updates.

OK it is time. Our signature event, Field of Heroes, will be occurring a little more than a month from now. Get your calendars out and find some time on Memorial Day weekend to volunteer. Your gift to me as my term is winding down would be for every member of our club to volunteer for at least one shift. That sounds like a contest. I will ask Leigh to track the percentage of our membership on our sign-up genius to let you know when we hit 100% participation.

On Wednesday we will be having a program on the Columbus Zoo. Angel Mumma and Brian Harman will be joining us. It is always great to hear about what is going on at the Zoo, and I appreciate Tom Strasburg getting this scheduled for us. I look forward to seeing you.

Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club and Westerville Noon Rotary Club members have been serving family dinners for homeless youth at Star House each month. We recently learned that due to funding cuts, they are closed from 2:30 to 10:30 pm until further notice. As such, we will be serving our monthly meals at lunch time.

Star House is no longer requiring background checks or trauma training in order to serve lunch! If you are able serve lunch, we will set up at 11:30 am and be done around 1 pm. 

We also need assistance with purchasing items and/or cooking. Food can be dropped off to Chris Herbert the Sunday before if it’s non-perishable, or Monday before 10:30 am if it’s hot food.

Our next lunch will be held on April 27. If you are able to participate, please use the sign-up genius to indicate what you can bring and/or if you will join us to help serve the lunch.

The remaining 2026 dates are:

• May 18 
• Jun 22
• Jul 27
• Aug 24
• Sept 28
• Oct 26
• Nov 23
• Dec 28

Your support is greatly appreciated.

• May 9
• August 8
• November 14

April 24-25: District 6690 Conference
April 27: Star House Lunch
May 9: WARM volunteer opportunity
May 13: Satellite meeting
May 22-25: Field of Heroes
August 17: Golf Outing

 

Enlighten your fellow Rotarians.  Suggest a speaker to brighten our day! No reasonable suggestion refused.

BUT, your guest must be willing to attend in person.

Email  AJ Fox  at ajfox@me.com or Jackie Washburn at  jackiegardner1@hotmail.com