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Worthington honors Circle of Grandparents on 25th anniversary
Summary
The Worthington City School Board formally recognized the Worthington Circle of Grandparents (COG) for 25 years of volunteer service. Founders and long‑time volunteers described the program's origins, its reach (about 62 volunteers serving 65 classes this year) and its impact on students across district elementary schools.
The Worthington City School Board on Oct. 27 recognized the Worthington Circle of Grandparents for 25 years of service to district elementary schools.
Board President Kelly Davis invited Jim McKelligan, a Circle of Grandparents volunteer, to describe the group's history and current work. "For 25 years ... grandparents have been inviting students into their lives, giving them life lessons, love, attention, care," McKelligan said during the presentation.
McKelligan outlined the program's origins in the mid‑1990s, when community leaders and educators met at the Griswold Center to consider whether character instruction should be supported in schools. By 1997 the nonprofit Partners for Community and Character (PCC) organized the initiative and, by 2000, the Circle of Grandparents began piloting volunteers in six classrooms. He said the program has averaged about 70 volunteers annually; this year 62 volunteers are scheduled to work in 65 classes, reaching roughly 1,625 students.
Speakers emphasized the program's classroom presence and longevity. McKelligan told the board some classrooms had long‑standing volunteers who continued to be remembered by former students. The board showed a brief video honoring volunteers and extended thanks to coordinators and district staff who support COG.
Board members and volunteers framed the recognition as a community partnership that supports character education and provides mentors for students. No formal actions were required beyond the recognition vote to place the acknowledgment on the record.
The program's organizers said they plan to continue recruiting volunteers and partnering with elementary schools. The board adjourned after routine business items later in the meeting.
