The career center board of education presented Cheryl Weirich, principal’s secretary, with the district’s 2011 Distinguished Service Award at the Dec. 15 regular board meeting.

During Weirich’s nearly 30-year career with the district, she has served as guidance secretary, principal’s secretary and has filled in as superintendent’s secretary during a medical leave. She has adapted to 11 different administrators and always been an outstanding secretary. Her professionalism radiates in everything she does.

Weirich is the go-to person in the secondary school. No matter what is asked of her, she does it professionally, efficiently and correctly. She always looks for the good in people and will go that extra mile to assist them.

The board commended Weirich for her dedication, perseverance and work ethic, as well as her long-term commitment to the career center, noting that she has been a valuable asset. Mike McDaniel, superintendent, in commenting on Weirich, stated, “She has an excellent relationship with the staff and treats everybody with respect. She is a great example of professionalism and class.”

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor that the Ashland County-West Holmes Joint Vocational School District bestows on its employees. Its purpose is to recognize an employee’s outstanding contribution as a positive role model and an exemplary representative of the district. It is to be presented no more than once a year at the discretion of the board of education. Weirich is only the 12th employee of the district to receive the award. Board members who served on the 2011 Distinguished Service Award selection committee were Thomas Donley, David Kick and Esther Welch.