Logansport honors teacher, staff member with Crystal Berry
May 20—The Logansport Community School Corporation surprised their 2022 Crystal Berry recipients Friday morning with unexpected award presentations.
Becky Groff, a 37-year veteran teacher, had just begun her math class when high school principal Matt Jones, Superintendent Michele Starkey and Groff's children, Ethan and Emma, walked into the classroom with the certified (teaching) award and a bouquet of flowers.
Rhonda Richey, the athletic department secretary and a Logansport employee of 44 years, walked out of the office to find her grandchildren holding celebratory signs. She was surrounded by family as Starkey presented her with the classified (staff) award.
"I've wanted this for a long time, actually," Richey said. "It means a lot. Really cool people have gotten this before me and I look up to them. I'm just totally surprised by it."
A class full of students watched Groff receive her award.
"It's so overwhelming to be recognized for all my years of teaching, contributions to the school and the kids," she said. "Just being recognized — I really appreciate that."
Groff will retire when the school year wraps up. She said she had always been extremely involved at the school.
"I love working with the kids in the classroom and outside of it," she said. "All aspects of being involved with the students has been pretty amazing."
Groff's students clapped for her as Starkey and Jones left the classroom.
"My mom has been dedicated to teaching," Ethan Groff said. "She has the reputation of being the intimidating teacher but deep down she really cares. I think it's not until years later that kids realize just how much my mom cares."
Emma Groff said her mother has taught throughout Cass County, including at Pioneer and Ivy Tech. She has served as an academic coach and swim coach. She also came out of retirement to teach one more year.
Jones called Groff an outstanding educator and said students were lucky to have her as a teacher.
"She has that special quality where not only does she have an outstanding mastery of the subject matter but she has that magical touch where she can take her mastery and transfer it to her own students," he said. "She is a dedicated teacher and has been for many years."
Richey said she started with the school corporation right out of high school in 1978 and has been in the athletic office since 2005.
"She's always really pleasant and willing to go above and beyond," Starkey said. "She's a Berry through and through."
"She's amazing," said athletic director Brian Strong. "To me she has been the backbone of the athletic department. Great employee, amazing Berry and it's really been a pleasure to work with Ronda."
"I'm really honored to get this," Richey said, tears coming back to her eyes.
The Crystal Berry Awards were created in 2015 and recognize educators and staff who are exceptional employees, support students and contribute to the school community. Winners are selected from a group of nominations.
