The PCC Circle of Grandparents, a volunteer group of the Partners for Citizenship and Character, was recognized for members' time and dedication to the students of the Worthington School District at the April 26 board of education meeting.

A volunteer group of seniors visit their adopted elementary classrooms to work with students on character development by focusing on the PCC word of the month.

This year, more than 60 grandparents are working in 76 classrooms.

Among the participants honored at the meeting were Gay Blossom, Carol Bogaards, Barb Boucher, Larry Carlson, Helen Davis, Dorie Eisenman, Elizabeth Hague, Jack Folk, Rosemary Johnson, Ginny McDougle , Mary McRury Jim Mitchell, Chandran Nair, Abramo Ottolenghi, Joan Ottolenghi, Sandy Shearn, Debra Stephen (coordinator), Braxton Tewart, Joan Van De Weghe , Helga Waldrop, Paula Wilt and Mary Winter.

Local teacher

receives award

Music teacher Laura Flowers Benson of Worthington has been recognized as the Nationally Certified Teacher of the Year by the central east district of the Ohio Music Teachers Association.

The annual award recognizes excellence in music teaching and dedication to service in the local community.

Benson has been teaching piano in Worthington for the past eight years. She performs as a member of the Sonora Trio, an ensemble of strings and piano.

Benson serves as president of the Columbus Music Teachers Association. She is also the state vice president of the Ohio Music Teachers Association.