‘THANK YOU’

Larkmoor staff recognized for dedication

Principal nominates trio; Meijer presents gift baskets, gift cards for work during pandemic

A Lorain City Schools teacher and two support staff were honored as unsung heroes for their commitment to the students and fellow workers at Larkmoor Elementary School.

On Sept. 15, Meijer presented gift baskets and $500 gift cards to second grade teacher Rona Lauricia and cleaners Deena Lindo and Kay Chaffin.

The three were nominated by Principal Chantelle Lewis for going above and beyond expectations to care for the Larkmoor family.

Meijer Lorain Store Director Cassandra Robinson visited the school, 1201 Nebraska Ave., for a surprise award ceremony outdoors with teachers, support staff and the 420 or so students who received a break from their studies.

The company wanted to recognize teachers for their work, especially in light of the difficulties of distance learning in the novel coronavirus pandemic, Robinson said.

She said she knew Lewis through their work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County and was aware of Lewis’ passion for her school.

At Meijer, some store associates also have spoken highly of the school.

“It was an easy choice,” Robinson said.

Lauricia has taught in Lorain City Schools since 1995, and is a 25-year second grade teacher.

Lindo is a 12-year worker and Chaffin is in her sixth year working at the school.

The presentation was a surprise.

The three honorees agreed Lewis did a good job keeping it secret and they were grateful for the recognition.

“It feels great, really good,” Chaffin said.

“Kind of overwhelming,” Lindo said.

She and Chaffin said they helped set up for the ceremony, but thought it was for a different school program.

The best part of the second grade class is “that they’re here in person,” Lauricia said.

“Honestly, having them here in person is the greatest part,” she said. “I missed them so much when we were virtual.”

Lewis also said it is a

blessing to have the students back in the classrooms instead of learning online.

“It’s a family here,” she said. “We love each other, we work very well together, we don’t have high attrition. “It’s a great thing.” The other teachers at the local school were awarded

$25 gift cards and coupons for school and office supplies.

Meijer also donated a coffee maker and supplies for the school’s staff lounge.

That day, Lewis granted an extra break to students who gave up their recess period for the award presentation.

“It’s a family here. We love each other, we work very well together, we don’t have high attrition. It’s a great thing.”

— Larkmoor Elementary School Principal Chantelle Lewis

RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Lorain City Schools’ Larkmoor Elementary students hold up letters to spell out “thank you” at a Sept. 15, ceremony to honor three unsung heroes of the school. Meijer presented gift cards and gift baskets to cleaners Deena Lindo and Kay Chaffin and second grade teacher Rona Lauricia for their dedication to the Larkmoor students and staff.

RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL From left, Lorain City Schools’ Larkmoor Elementary cleaner Kay Chaffin, second grade teacher Rona Lauricia and cleaner Deena Lindo hold their gift baskets and gift cards Sept. 15 outside the school.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD PAYERCHIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Gift baskets await for three recipients recognized as unsung heroes of Lorain City Schools’ Larkmoor Elementary Principal Chantelle Lewis speaks to the students Sept. 15before an awards presentation outside the school.

From left, Lorain City Schools’ Larkmoor Elementary cleaner Kay Chaffin, cleaner Deena Lindo and second grade teacher Rona Lauricia hold their certificates of recognition Sept. 15 outside the school. Meijer presented the honors for the three, nominated as unsung heroes of the school.

Lorain City Schools’ Larkmoor Elementary Principal Chantelle Lewis, standing at left, speaks to students on Sept. 15as second grade teacher Rona Lauricia holds her gift basket and cleaners Deena Lindo and Kay Chaffin approach for their awards.