MONROE - Jo Ellen (Gordee) Mosher and David Mosher presented the James R. Gordee Kiwanian of the Year Award for service to youth to Barbara McArdle, Monroe Middle School teacher. This is the first awarding of this recognition.
The presentation recognized McArdle as a special person for her work with middle-school-age children.
She has been in the Builders club, a Kiwanis service organization for middle school youth, for 27 years. A few of the highlights of her service to youth include leading a blood drive this year and helping with the adopt-a-highway cleanup for many years. She has a unique ability to listen to and respect what students have to say, make them feel valued and encourage them to work hard toward their goals, according to a news release.
Herb Ainsworth brought Jim Gordee to the Kiwanis club in the 1960s. Key Club was just getting started and Jack Riese was the advisor. Gordee made almost every meeting for close to 40 years. He and his wife, Jeraldine, chaperoned the Key Club annual convention at their own expense for most years. He was a regular at both regional and national Key Club conventions. Wisconsin Upper Michigan Key Club presented him a plaque recognizing his involvement. He also took care of the youth cabin and storage sheds for decades. During this time, he was awarded scouting's highest honor, the Silver Beaver, and was a regular at Canyon Camp. Gordee never was interested in Kiwanis board positions: He felt that he was best able to serve Kiwanis with his youth outreach.
Gordee died in April 2016, and the Kiwanis wanted to recognize his legacy with this award, according to the release.
The presentation recognized McArdle as a special person for her work with middle-school-age children.
She has been in the Builders club, a Kiwanis service organization for middle school youth, for 27 years. A few of the highlights of her service to youth include leading a blood drive this year and helping with the adopt-a-highway cleanup for many years. She has a unique ability to listen to and respect what students have to say, make them feel valued and encourage them to work hard toward their goals, according to a news release.
Herb Ainsworth brought Jim Gordee to the Kiwanis club in the 1960s. Key Club was just getting started and Jack Riese was the advisor. Gordee made almost every meeting for close to 40 years. He and his wife, Jeraldine, chaperoned the Key Club annual convention at their own expense for most years. He was a regular at both regional and national Key Club conventions. Wisconsin Upper Michigan Key Club presented him a plaque recognizing his involvement. He also took care of the youth cabin and storage sheds for decades. During this time, he was awarded scouting's highest honor, the Silver Beaver, and was a regular at Canyon Camp. Gordee never was interested in Kiwanis board positions: He felt that he was best able to serve Kiwanis with his youth outreach.
Gordee died in April 2016, and the Kiwanis wanted to recognize his legacy with this award, according to the release.
