Dedication recognized

TIFFIN — Being a school treasurer is a balancing act that Tiffin's treasurer, Ryan Cook, has mastered. That's why he received the 2024 Central Region Distinguished Service Award at the annual conference and expo in Columbus of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) Foundation for School Business Management. He was nominated by Tammi Cowell, Treasurer of Tri-Rivers Career. "Ryan exemplifies the qualities sought after in nominees for this award," she said. "He is a true example of a school business leader who serves the students of his district as well as being mindful of his constituents and their needs." Cook is a member of OASBO, which he says benefits the district and himself through "the continued professional development the organization offers, as well as the political aspect of staying aware of issues taking place with the legislature in Columbus." "I would think of OASBO as the eyes and ears of school business professionals across Ohio," he said. "They offer school business professionals many different avenues to learn and advocate to move schools forward. I have benefitted tremendously over the years from the rich network of school professionals I can reach out to when I encounter an issue that I feel one of them might be able to provide insight on." The Distinguished Service Awards Program is a "series of awards recognizing one individual from each of OASBO's five regions who has made a significant contribution to their profession," the awards announcement states. "It is always nice to be recognized by your peers for accomplishments to the school business profession," Cook said. "I was surprised when I found out, and it's humbling. I have always had good people working with me, so while humbling, I can't take all of the credit. I've got a great team here at Tiffin that works hard to make sure we deliver top notch business services." School board members appreciate the dedication, according to board president Dustin Williams. "One of the selection criteria for the award is 'How the candidate has assisted the local school in maximizing its financial resources beyond the requisite job responsibilities', and I think it's fair to say Mr. Cook has demonstrated this trait on a regular basis in his time here." Award winners are given a $500 scholarship to grant to a senior in the district. Cook has deferred the selection of a senior for the scholarship to the district's guidance team. "That would be a perfect fit for their expertise," he said. "I just asked that it not be tied necessarily to academics - rather, overall accomplishments, worthiness, etc. As we all have read, college is expensive and I felt that giving this to a student selected outside of the bounds of a GPA might help someone who just hasn't found their passion in the classroom but wanted to further his or her education."