Montgomery County United Way has awarded Crawfordsville Community School Corporation the 2022 Award of Merit for the category of 51-299 employees based on the significant campaign growth. In addition, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rex Ryker has been given the 2022 Ann Malott Leadership Award for his dedication and leadership to making a long-lasting impact and change to Montgomery County.

The corporation’s Award of Merit was given based on the results of the annual United Way campaign and compared peer organizations based on numerical evaluations. The evaluation criteria is as follows: Employee per capita giving levels (35% weight); Employee % growth from previous year to current year giving levels (30% weight); Employee dollars raised (25% weight); Total dollars raised (10% weight)

According to Montgomery County United Way, “CCSC has been a long-time supporter of the MUFFY/United Way campaign. As the teachers frequently state, they see the need that our children and families have on a daily basis plus see how our agencies provide much needed services and support. This year was another solid campaign that included a 54% increase or growth in giving. We also recognize that they supported the work of United Way in Montgomery County on another front by becoming our first Kindergarten Countdown Camp partner.”

Kindergarten Countdown Camp is a free summer camp to help prepare children with very little or no preschool experience to become ready for kindergarten. Camp is taught by licensed and experienced teachers in a school setting. Last year was the first summer of camp for Montgomery County.

To begin a significant program like Kindergarten Camp is no easy endeavor, which is one aspect of why Ryker was awarded the Ann Malott Leadership Award.

The Ann Malott Leadership Award honors a community member or organization who exemplifies service and leadership to improve our organization and our community. It will be given to an individual or group who has demonstrated a commitment to action and made an impact on causes, programs, or projects that create lasting change in Montgomery County through their involvement with United Way in Montgomery County.

Ryker was praised by Montgomery County United Way and Area Director, Gina Haile, stating, “When we decided to merge with United Way of Greater Lafayette, we knew two things were key. First, we needed to have a few good “wins” in our first year. And second, we needed to bring community impact programs to Montgomery County. Kindergarten Countdown Camp was one of the programs we identified and we felt the Crawfordsville Community Schools was the logical partner. We reached out to Rex and quickly knew that we were working with the right individual. Rex asked important assessment questions, but also immediately understood the import value that this program could bring to Crawfordsville students and families. Rex brought the right people to the table, worked through the logistics and administrative details, tactfully dealt with “hiccups” along the way, and kept us all laughing through the process. Like Ann Malott, Rex’s visionary and thorough leadership set the foundation for a successful partnership in this endeavor. A true “win” for our community!”