The Worthington Board of Education recognized the Circle of Grandparents program for its remarkable 25-year milestone at their October 27th meeting, celebrating a unique initiative that has impacted nearly 28,000 students since its founding in 2000.
A Program Born from Community Dialogue
Jim McElligott, a current volunteer and grandfather of six Worthington students, traced the program's origins back to the mid-1990s when the Worthington Board of Education initially restricted character education to homes, congregations, and after-school programs. A group of community leaders, teaching staff, and coaches questioned this restriction, spending a year meeting monthly at the Griswold Center to gauge community interest.
After conducting 37 dialogue sessions and a newspaper survey that garnered 1,000 responses, the community made it clear: character education should be taught in Worthington schools. This led to the creation of Partners for Community and Character (PCC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 1997.
Steve Rowe's Vision
During a brainstorming meeting in the 1999-2000 school year, Steve Rowe—who was present at the recognition ceremony—articulated a vision that would define the program: "I have a vision of grandparent-aged adults holding hands, circling our community, protecting our children, guiding them to good character, like a circle of grandparents."
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From Pilot to District-Wide Success
The program launched in 2000 with seven founding members who went into six classrooms as a pilot program at Bluffview, Slate, Wilson Hill, and Brookside elementary schools.
The program has grown steadily since then. At it's peak the program included 80 volunteers and received the Ohio Department of Aging's Ohio Citizens Hall of Fame Award in 2011.
Current Impact
This school year, 62 volunteers serve in 65 classrooms across Worthington's elementary schools — 31 of whom are brand new to the program. These volunteers will impact approximately 1,625 students this year. Over its 25-year history, the program has reached an estimated 27,750 students.
McElligott emphasized the program's uniqueness, noting that despite extensive research across the country through various better business bureaus and research organizations, he has never found a similar program anywhere except in Worthington, Ohio.
Why It Works
According to McElligott, the program's success stems from the long-standing partnership between Worthington Schools and community groups. Rob Messenheimer, Director of Elementary Education, and the 12 elementary principals provide tremendous support, while the warmth and creativity of COG volunteers brings character lessons to life in classrooms each month.
The impact extends beyond the classroom. McElligott shared stories of lasting impressions: one volunteer's grandson used "moral courage"—a concept taught in COG—to help an opponent who fell during a soccer game. Another volunteer, who taught for 38 years and had a COG volunteer named Grandma Helga in her classroom, reports that former students still ask about Grandma Helga years later.
A Unique Worthington Treasure
Board President Kelli Davis praised the program for inviting grandparents into schools and into students' lives, providing life lessons, love, attention, and care—all values central to Worthington Schools. The recognition concluded with a video tribute featuring current volunteers sharing their experiences and explaining why the program matters to both the volunteers and the students they serve.
The Circle of Grandparents continues to welcome new volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of Worthington students, carrying forward a 25-year tradition of connecting generations through character education.
Check out the COG website, where you can find out how to get involved in the program.