Wellsville BOE Member To Be Recognized

Now in his 17th year as a member of the Wellsville Board of Education, Thomas F. Brophey, pictured here, will be formally recognized by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) at their Northeast Regional Spring Conference. In a letter from the Deputy Director of Search, Service & Board Development of the OSBA, Mr. Brophey was recently notified that he will be the recipient of two awards at the Spring Conference to be held in Warren, Ohio on March 24.

For his efforts that reflect a "true commitment toward public education" and "the importance" he attaches to his role on the Wellsville Board of Education Brophey will receive an OSBA "Master Board Member" award and a 2010 OSBA Award of Achievement. Out of 3,400 board members in Ohio, only 20 will be honored with the "Master Board Member" this year. This honor usually is awarded to members with 25, 30 or more years service. Brophey is one of 93 out of that same 3,400 state wide membership to be honored with the OSBA Achievement Award. A "Master Board Member" receives a life time membership in the OSBA.

Last year Brophey was awarded his first Achievement Award and Distinguished Board Member honors "for over 15 years of service to public education of school children of Ohio". At the time of his first election to the BOE he was the youngest member ever in Ohio to serve on a Board of Education. Brophey was re-elected to another term in last fall's General Election.

For his service Brophey was also commended by U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson and the 111th U.S. Congress with a Congressional Letter of Commendation that is given to "those who have given of themselves to foster academic excellence within their communities". Wilson commended Brophey for "his long and distinguished career of dedicated service to America's youth".

Wellsville's Mrs. Marge Dysert was a teacher in the Village's school system and also served as a member on the BOE following her retirement. She served with Brophey in his early days on the Board. Mrs. Dysert said she has known Tom Brophey all his life and even had him as a student in her class. She remarked he was an excellent student. She went on to say Mr. Brophey always impressed her with his conscientious concern helping both students and parents to provide the best education possible. Dysert said Brophey always thoroughly researches any new concept and even contacts authorities in Columbus before presenting it to the Board. She remarked Brophey is intensely dedicated to Wellsville education and extremely helpful to fellow Board members.

Brophey serves as the Wellsville BOE Legislative Liaison and was selected to serve as V.P.on this year's Board. He will be attending a State Legislation Conference March 10 in Columbus, meeting with other OSBA members and State Legislatures. That meeting will take place at the Ohio Statehouse. He also serves on the OSBA Student Achievement Leadership Team that meets in Columbus two times a year.

Congratulations Tom. We feel it's an honor well deserved and an honor to call you friend.

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