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Kellie Rodkey Wins Administrator of the Year Award

Kellie Rodkey Wins Administrator of the Year Award

Avon Academy is in its second school year. In that short time, Coordinator Kellie Rodkey has distinguished herself as one of the most effective, impactful administrators in the national network of academies backed by the Simon Youth Foundation

This month, Rodkey learned that she is the 2024 Simon Youth Foundation Administrator of the Year.

Avon Academy has been a passion project for Rodkey, and she has been involved in every aspect of the process that brought the Academy from an idea in 2022 to a reality when they opened in the summer of 2023. 

Watching our students find success each day is a reward in itself. Kellie Rodkey

"While I am honored to receive this recognition, this would not have been possible without the support of the Avon leadership, school board, and the Academy Team," says Rodkey. "We are fortunate to work with the Simon Youth Foundation and so many community partners to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for our well-deserving students. Watching our students find success each day is a reward in itself."

Avon Academy serves students in grades 10-12 who are at-risk due to unforeseen life challenges, who find it difficult to succeed in a large high school environment, or who need more one-on-one attention to thrive. Last year, the Academy's first year, they served 115 students, achieving a 98% retention rate and a 95% graduation rate. Proud graduates moved on from Avon Academy in the spring to attend two- or four-year college, vocational/trade school, full-time employment, and military service.

"When we started Avon Academy last year, we knew Kellie Rodkey was just the perfect fit to lead the program," says Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham. "Her passion for students, eagerness to build strong relationships with the community, and her focus on building a top-notch program have had a huge impact! Kellie's work led to our partnership with Simon Youth Foundation and I'm so glad that they have also recognized her extraordinary efforts and skills as a leader."

We knew Kellie Rodkey was just the perfect fit to lead the program. Dr. Scott Wyndham

Avon Academy resides in the Administration Center at 7203 East US Highway 36. Administration Center staff — which includes superintendents, HR, finance, special education, food services, school safety, curriculum and instruction, multilingual learners, and payroll departments — all vacated the basement and first floor of the three-story building to make room for the Academy. The willingness of these district administrators to squeeze into tighter spaces and even relocate to different facilities has been a worth the inconvenience.

Congratulations, Mrs. Rodkey, and thank you for all you do for our students!

 

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