Franklin honors those making a difference for the kids

Edited to add names of other awardees of district and school awards.

When someone walks into Franklin Area High School they are likely to be greeted by Sally Carr, the front office go to person who can answer just about anything. Carr, is the Franklin principals' secretary and the 2023 recipient of the Support Staff Member of the Year Award for her efforts helping the school.

There was a ceremony earlier in the day, but Carr was out with a bum leg so she missed it and had to watch a video sent to her. Later her daughter Jennifer arranged for her to visit the school and the principals to get her award. 

Carr, standing between the co-principals KC Miller and Tom Holoman for a picture called them her "two boys," as she grinned ear to ear with her award.

​"They young enough to be my kids," she said.
​
Also receiving recognition's music director Steve Johnston who was awarded the Franklin High School and Franklin Area School District teacher of the year award. He stopped back later in the day to have his photo taken with Carr.

Johnston said he was humbled and grateful for the recognition.

Challenges after COVID, and the changing landscape of education has made him reevaluate and learn new approaches to reaching his students, he said.

​ He feels he was a better teacher this past year as a result. As they move into summer, Carr will be nursing her leg back before tackling some summer-time school issues like helping decide what to do with an over abundance of crayons at one of the district elementary schools. Johnston is looking forward to a little break to reenergize for next year, he was already hitting some golf balls with his daughter and is hoping to be playing some trombone duets with her too. ​

Also awarded was the district Support Staff Member of the Year Karen Van Horn. Support staff members of the year from the elementary school's were: Angel Day from Sandycreek, Kelly Dunkle from Victory and Sharon Reddick of Central.

​Elementary teachers of the year were: Danielle Webb from Central, Jackie Anderson fromSandycreek  Meredith Riddle from Victory.

Editor's Note: For some reason that neither of us can remember, back in 2015 when I started at the Derrick and visited Franklin High School for the first time, Sally and I  began taking selfies together.
​We did not let this opportunity pass us by today. I thank Sally for always letting me know important things going on in the school that would make for a good story and for her warm response when I walk into the office.