WCHS staff build positive culture, celebrate each other with Warhawkie award

The staff at Westerville Central High School have taken a new spin with their staff member of the month award. 

The Warhawkie — a repurposed championship trophy with the letter W attached to the top — has been bestowed upon a staff member or a group of staff members by the previous winner. With the passing of the trophy, staff members personally present the award to the next winner, giving praise, sharing stories and explaining why they were chosen as the next Warhawkie recipient. 

“It has been awesome to hear the stories and the ‘why’ behind why the previous honorees select the next honoree,” Principal Dawn Sayre said. “I truly believe in the power of gratitude and its impact on fostering a positive culture.” 

She started the tradition last year as a way to empower WCHS staff to honor the work of their peers and the important role each team member plays in making “Central a place where everyone looks forward to coming everyday because they feel valued, loved and cared for.”

The Warhawkie aligns with the school’s Warhawk Blueprint plan — a vision of what staff, students and parents want for WCHS.

“Last year, we spent the entire year talking about what kind of school we wanted and what beliefs we hold true and want to foster and instill in our students while honoring the tradition of excellence that has been established by those before us,” Sayre said.

After getting feedback from staff, students and parents, the school staff spent the year developing the Warhawk Blueprint. And this year, they are in the process of bringing it to life, she said.

“We believe you don't get the culture you want, rather you get the culture you lead,” she said.

Last month, administrators presented the Warhawkie to the school’s custodial staff for their work in preparing the building for the start of the school year. 

During Tuesday’s staff meeting, the custodial staff led by head custodian Brian Bishop awarded the trophy to the food service staff. 

“These ladies, every day they feed all of the students and most of the staff and they do it with a smile,” Bishop said during the staff meeting. “We’re so proud of them. We couldn’t think of a better recipient of the award than them.”

Sayre echoed his comments.

“You are a huge part of our family and we thank you for what you do every single day,” she said to food service workers Regena McGuire and Marilyn Drake as they received the trophy from Bishop.

Both McGuire and Drake said they were thankful for the recognition.

“Sometimes we feel like we are unappreciated,” McGuire said. “This is wonderful.”