The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was pleased to recognize (and surprise!) Claire Zurbuch as the “2014 Volunteer of the Year” at the District’s Annual Meeting on November 6. Claire was honored for his generous commitment to education and service in Geauga County.
Throughout his career in formal education, Claire has always had a remarkable ability to engage students in challenging science concepts through hands-on activities and experiments. He pioneered many exceptional initiatives, such as serving as the first director of the Porter Science Center, where every third through fifth grader in Lake and Geauga Public Schools visited to participate in science experiments to enhance their education.
Though he is now retired, Claire continues to contribute to Geauga County learners, both children and adults alike, and is dedicated to serving and enriching our communities. A few of Claire’s current volunteer engagements include assisting Cardinal Elementary School students in science classes and tutoring, volunteering at the Burton Elementary and Cardinal Elementary camp programs to provide science lessons, teaching amateur photography classes at local libraries, serving as Treasurer of the Samaritan’s Society at St. Lucy’s/St. Edwards Church to provide food for needy folks in our area, and serving as an active member of the East Geauga Kiwanis and chairman of youth services, which contributes to countless school scholarships and community projects.
Claire is a dedicated, innovative, and fun educator and volunteer who makes Geauga County proud! Congratulations to Claire for being chosen as Geauga SWCD’s Volunteer of the Year.
