Betsy Spencer Named May Wayne Way Volunteer Award Recipient

Opening Doors and Creating Opportunities for Stout Field Students

When Betsy Spencer first helped create a partnership between Rolls Royce and Wayne Township Schools, she didn't just launch a mentoring program. She started something that would transform what's possible for students at Stout Field Elementary.

Since the HOSTS mentoring program began, Betsy has remained a driving force, consistently showing up year after year to mentor students and other mentors, and dreaming up new ways to expand opportunities for students who might otherwise never have access to them.

"Betsy clearly goes above and beyond in all she does," says Principal Tim Wickard. "Our students love the experiences, and the opportunities strengthen our community and make us better.

Beyond her work mentoring through HOSTS, Betsy has organized field trips that have taken Stout Field students to Purdue University and, most recently, regular visits to the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust Museum. During these trips, 50 students at a time experience hands-on learning opportunities where they can explore engineering, aviation history, and the legacy of innovation that exists right here in their own community at Rolls Royce and Allison Transmission.

She's also connected Stout Field to grants and resources that fund STEM opportunities, ensuring that students have access to the kinds of experiences that spark curiosity and open doors they didn't know existed.

What makes Betsy's impact so far-reaching is that she doesn't just do her own work—she brings others in. She recruits other mentors and volunteers with an infectious personality that encourages people to get involved. She's constantly thinking about how to make things better for Stout Field students and staff.

"If you look close enough at many of the things we offer to students, you will find that often behind the scenes, Betsy was involved in some way," Principal Wickard says. "Maybe it was a small connection, an encouragement. Betsy is always trying to find ways to make us better through her reach and opportunities to influence."

Betsy doesn't limit her impact to Stout Field. She serves many communities. But Stout Field is deeply grateful for her constant desire to serve, connect, and make things better for students.

This month, Betsy Spencer was recognized as a recipient of the Wayne Way Volunteer Award, which honors volunteers who go above and beyond to support our students and schools. She embodies what it means to show up for students and strengthen our community.

"For her vision, her generosity, and her unwavering commitment to opening doors for our students—thank you, Betsy," said Superintendent Shenia Suggs at the May Board of Education meeting.

The Wayne Way Volunteer Award recognizes volunteers in Wayne Township Schools who demonstrate exceptional commitment, positive impact on students, school and community support, reliability and leadership, and embodiment of district values. Nominations are accepted monthly. Learn more here.