Each year, as part of the Rowland Council PTA Founders' Day Celebration, the Ada May Warner Honorary Service Awards are presented to recognize special individuals or organizations for their contribution t othe welfare of children and youth. These are given to those in our community who have shown outstnading effort, dedication, and devotion in working directly with children to better their future.
This year's Ada May Warner recipients were:
Kathy Delegal: For her leadership as President of the FOR US Foundation and her untiring support and dedication to the Rowland Unified School District. Ms. Delegal stepped up and accepted the leadership challenge at a crucial time for the Foundation. She has brought a vision of excellents that has guided the Foundation in developing strategic goals and actions to prepare for the future. (Pictured: Her husband Don Delegal accepted her award on her behalf).
Marge and Frank Knouse: This dynamic duo (married for 68 years!) has established a 4th grade scholarship program for students who show the most academic improvement, and who receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. They model the core values of Community of Caring and show how two people can make a major difference for the lives of students. They are committed to their community and RUSD and are everywhere!
Sara Hall - Counselor at Nogales High School: Nogales Principal Dr. Nancy Padilla surprized Sara by presenting her award and said these words:
"Sara came to our district an experienced Social Studies teacher. She has been employed with RUSD since Sept. 1998 when she was hired as Nogales High School’s ASB director. After 3 years of pumping up the kids and raising school spirit, Sara completed her degree in counseling and began in earnest her passion. She has been in charge of and created an incredible College/Career Center that provides every facet needed by students to get to and succeed in college!
Her 200 day work calendar is supplemented with an additional almost 40 long nights voluntarily given by Sara for the success of our Nobles. She walks students through completing college applications, FAFSA qualifications, filling out grant applications. For students who have college graduated parents this is an arduous task, and for the large number of potential first time college goers in our school, she helps families navigate the mind-boggling array of hoops and requirements.
In addition, she writes hundreds of letters of recommendations for college admissions. Not the fill in the blank kind, but with the personal touch highlighting the unique gifts and talents that each student brings. She is an expert in AVID, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement—all of which have specific and different demands. In addition to all of this, she has a caseload of approximately 340 students that she is responsible for monitoring graduation requirements, attendance, and social emotional needs.
Sara Hall embodies our motto, Believe…Be Noble. As Mother Teresa once said, 'If I look at the mass, I will never act. If I look at the one, I will.' Sara always sees the one!"