Regina Wheelus, who has served as an educator at S.S. Dixon Intermediate School for the last 12 years, was recently recognized by her colleagues for her efforts in going above and beyond as part of her daily routine at the school.
On Thursday morning, Wheelus − an intervention specialist at the school − was surprised fellow educators with an Great American Inspire Award, presented by the Great American Insurance Group. As part of her award the school received $1,000 from the insurance group.
The school’s principal April Martin said Wheelus is very deserving of such a recognition.
“She is always up here until late always doing something,” Martin said. “She stays her late without anyone telling her to.”
In addition to the $1,000, both Wheelus and Shelley Malone, who wrote an essay in support of Wheelus receiving the award, received a $250 check from the insurance group. The insurance group only gives out eight awards a year during the months of September through April, said Paul Kent, a retirement specialist for RLI Solutions.
In addition to Wheelus’s work as an Response to Intervention specialist, Martin also goes above and beyond when it comes to fellow staff members. Wheelus often stays late at the school to decorate for special occasions, like a teacher’s luncheon or a birthday party.
In the essay, Malone said she did not have enough space to write about all of contributions Wheelus brings to the school.
“She is very deserving of it, she always goes above and beyond,” she said. “I just can’t look around and not see her in every single thing that goes on at this school.”
Although Wheelus was surprised to receive the recognition, she maintains a humbled attitude.
“I am very fortunate to say that I love coming to work,” Wheelus said. “I was very surprised, I do things because I don’t expect anything in return.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Educator at S.S. Dixon Intermediate receives recognition and $1,000 for school