Staff Report

RIO GRANDE — Fred J. Deel, director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, was honored with an Outstanding Leadership Award at the 22nd annual awards ceremony of the Ohio Educational Service Center Association on Nov. 12 in Columbus.

The Leadership Award is given to individuals who render a specific leadership service that has significantly benefited children within an educational service center area. Deel was nominated by Dr. Denise Shockley, Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center superintendent, and Dr. Charla Evans, Gallia County Local Schools superintendent.

Deel was a member of the original stakeholder team that helped create a vision, obtain grant funding, and start the LEADS after school programs in the Gallia County Local School District.

As president of the Gallia County Commissioners, Deel garnered support from a variety of community agencies to launch the new initiative that focused on tutoring, intervention, enrichment and cultural opportunities.

In his current job, Deel continues to voice strong support for after school programs in both Columbus and Washington. Deel was 4-H Extension agent in Gallia County until his retirement in 2004, and is a former member of the Gallia County Local Board of Education.

Today, the after school programs administered by the Gallia-Vinton ESC are located at nine sites and serve 1,700 students a year.