Part of what makes Madeira City Schools one of the top districts in the country is its ongoing group of parents and community members who consistently donate their time and talents. Once a year, the Madeira Board of Education recognizes some of those people with its highest honor - the 'I Make a Difference Award.'
The award is bestowed for actions that are beyond the scope of direct job responsibilities, enhance the district over a number of years, or is a one time event that significantly impacts the district. At its May 15 board meeting, the Madeira City School Board presented the prestigious ‘I Make A Difference Award’ to three recipients who have gone beyond the expected to make a difference in the district.
Synda Bernicke is an Educational Aide at Madeira Elementary School (MES) who also leads the MES School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) – a group established in 2004 that believes healthy students are better learners. She is instrumental in the district’s two annual Walk to School Days, and Vegetable Tasting Tuesdays at the elementary school.
Susan Busch has been a consistent and dedicated volunteer at all Madeira schools for the past 23 years. She has lead Madeira High School’s successful After-Prom for the past five years. She also played a key role in the 2021 ‘Prom Under the Stars’ during the pandemic.
Ann Ramos has been a volunteer in Madeira City Schools since her youngest was in Kindergarten in 2003. She’s been involved with PTA/PTOs, Got Art? Program, high school boys soccer, and has run the theatre arts ticket program since 2010.
Any Madeira Schools employee or volunteer may nominate any other employee or volunteer for the award any time throughout the year. Recipients are honored by the Madeira Board of Education and their name(s) added to a permanent plaque in Madeira High School’s Perin Learning Commons