Rice Lake teacher Cindy Worth and community volunteer Laurie Sarbach honored at board meeting

Cindy Worth, an eighth-grade science and social studies teacher at Rice Lake Middle School, was recognized at the Nov. 10 Rice Lake Area School Board meeting after being named the Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Innovation & Education Award winner.

A nominator cited Worth’s 29 years of classroom teaching, hands-on science curriculum and her 18-year leadership of an eighth-grade Washington, D.C., trip. Worth accepted the recognition, saying she was "deeply honored, humbled, and excited" and describing teaching as a collaborative effort. She thanked principal Josh Tomish and assistant principal Lori Leaf by name for their support.

The board also read a nomination honoring Laurie (Lori) Sarbach as Citizen of the Year for work with the Barron County Boys & Girls Club, Rice Lake Rotary, United Way of Rice Lake and the Rice Lake Area School District School Board. Sarbach, a newly elected school-board member, accepted the honor and said she is "committed to making this a community that's meant for everybody" and that her community work is rooted in creating a good place for children to live and thrive.

The board noted several other Chamber awards presented that evening: Business of the Year to Bridal Therapeutic Services; the Rising Star Achievement Award to Jody Bunnell; and the Century Award to Fred Thomas Resort.

Why it matters: Recognitions spotlight long-term educators, volunteers and community partners whose work supports students and school programs and help sustain extracurricular activities such as the long-running Washington, D.C., student trip.

What's next: No board action was required for the awards beyond public recognition; the meeting proceeded to routine business and committee reports.