Newark City Schools Superintendent Doug Ute was surprised Tuesday by members from the Youth Leadership Council of Licking County. The students revealed that Mr. Ute is this year's recipient of the Ruth Satterfield Award for Prevention Excellence. The Ruth Satterfield Award for Prevention Excellence is given to an individual who actively supports youth development and advances youth prevention across Licking County.
Students in the council — from high schools across the county — nominate and vote on recipients for the award. Mr. Ute was chosen due to Newark City Schools' commitment to social and emotional awareness.
"I'm touched by this, believe me, and very honored," he said.
Newark City Schools has created a Social, Emotional and Academic Success (SEAS) group the brings together counselors and other personnel from across the district to discuss the best ways to reach students throughout the year. The district has held a day focused on social and emotional awareness for students and staff each of the past two years.
Mr. Ute was quick to thank district staff members who help to lead those efforts.
"That's what we live and breathe for in our district," Ute said. "We all thank you for that recognition."
The award will officially be presented during a ceremony on May 22.
The Ruth Satterfield Award is named after prevention veteran and Licking County resident, Ruth Satterfield. Satterfield was part of the original group of parents who brought youth-led prevention to Licking County in the early 1980s. Serving as the Prevention Director at Pathways of Central Ohio for 15 years, Ruth also held positions at Mental Health & Recovery for Licking and Knox Counties, Newark City Schools and she served as the Prevention Chief at the Ohio Department of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services from 2008-2011.