Professional Partner of the Month: June 2007
Ricki Hevner
“I think Ricki’s philosophy is that she believes in every child’s potential to succeed. And if there are obstacles in the way, she will ask others to get involved and help.”
- Susan Moore, School Counselor, York City School District
“Ricki’s always been there for us, whether it’s transporting kids to camp, or handing out snacks to foster families.”
- Arletta Shenfeld, The Second Mile
“There is a question that people always bring up: Are educators born or made? Ricki Hevner was born to be a teacher.”
- Katie Hackett, Teacher, York City School
A 4th-grade teacher at Alexander D. Goode Elementary in the York City School District, Ricki Hevner is retiring this month after some 30 years in the classroom. Besides teaching for many years as her vocation, Ricki has also volunteered countless hours to further serve children and families. For her outstanding work, The Second Mile is proud to recognize Ricki Hevner as its June Professional Partner of the Month.
When Mrs. Hevner was asked what gives her the most satisfaction in her job, she responded that it is seeing students achieve, as well as seeing them establish goals for the future, and learning how to interact with classmates in a proper, considerate manner. Working with a team of dedicated professionals to teach students and to really reach them – hopefully making a difference in their lives - is what has motivated Ricki to come into her classroom each day. She stays optimistic despite the challenges of dwindling funds in support of inner-city education, crime, an erosion of the family unit, and at times a lack of parental involvement in the education process.
Colleagues agree that Ricki’s strong spirit keeps her going, with one sharing, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard her complain about anything,” and another stating, “I can’t say enough great things about her – she is a great asset to children.” Clearly Ricki’s attitude must keep her energy high, since she volunteers many of her spare hours with The Second Mile’s York Chapter Board, in addition to coordinating its Children’s Fund and Community Service Award Program. She has done other tasks for The Second Mile too numerous to list, but these include transporting children to Summer Challenge Camp, helping at camp registration, and volunteering at fundraising events.
Mrs. Hevner comes from a teaching family - her father is a retired high school principal - while her husband, Steve Hevner, volunteers on The Second Mile’s Southcentral Regional Board. Besides being a Second Mile family, Steve and Ricki are both Penn State graduates who also serve on the board of the York County Chapter of the Alumni Association. With a son who attends Penn State, the Hevners enjoy traveling to football games in Beaver Stadium.
Whether utilizing a Second Mile program like Nittany Lion Tips, referring students to the Summer Challenge Camp Program, advocating for students (even those that might not be from her classroom), or volunteering her time to try to improve the lives of others, Ricki Hevner give 100% in all she does. The Second Mile salutes her for the powerful, positive impact she makes, and has made, on all those around her.
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