The Hubbard VFW Post 3767, in collaboration with Hubbard Schools, presented the VFW Unsung Hero Award to Connie Swartz, recognizing her dedication and service to the Hubbard Exempted Village School District.

The award was created to recognize school support staff who play an important role in keeping students safe and schools running smoothly. Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, maintenance and custodial staff, office staff, paraprofessionals and others often work behind the scenes, but their contributions have a direct impact on students and staff each day.

Swartz was nominated by teacher Kayla Welsh, who described her as someone who consistently goes above and beyond in her many roles.

Swartz serves as a classroom paraprofessional, drives a school bus and helps clean and prepare the building during the summer. Welsh said Swartz is always willing to step into whatever role is needed and brings a positive attitude to her work each day.

As a bus driver, Swartz makes an effort to get to know the students on her route and support them beyond the ride to and from school. Welsh shared that Swartz notices when students may need something as simple as appropriate clothing or shoes and quietly works to help meet those needs. She also takes an interest in students' extracurricular activities and makes an effort to attend and support them.

In the classroom, Welsh said Swartz is flexible, dependable and ready to adapt when plans change. She also makes a point of building relationships throughout the school, including remembering students' birthdays and making them feel valued.

"Quite simply, our classroom would not function as smoothly or effectively without Connie," Welsh wrote in her nomination.

The VFW Unsung Hero Award is a reminder of the many people who contribute to the success of Hubbard Schools each day, often without receiving recognition.

Congratulations to Connie Swartz, this year's VFW Unsung Hero Award recipient, and thank you for all you do for Hubbard students and staff.