January is Board of Education recognition month, and we appreciate the dedication of our Olentangy Board of Education to our mission to facilitate maximum learning for every student.

Get to know your Olentangy board members as they answer five questions about themselves.

Brandon Lester

1. What teacher had the greatest impact on you as a student, and why?
   Though I'm from a smallish town in West Virginia (with fewer residents than Olentangy has students!), I was so fortunate to have many amazing teachers thanks to a community that consistently supported its public schools. My favorite was Mrs. Linda Morgan, my AP English and Humanities teacher -- I'll never forget her encouraging us to "reach for the sublime" and find a deeper meaning in everything we read.
2. Did you have a favorite subject in school?
   I loved my English literature classes the most, but my band classes (marching, concert, and jazz) were always a close second.
3. What was your dream job in elementary school?
   For a long time I wanted to be a chemist, but in high school I changed to wanting to be an attorney (probably because my mom said I liked to argue a lot).
4. What is your favorite activity in your free time (preferably in Delaware County)?
   We love to go hiking as a family, and have made it a tradition to get in a long one each New Year's Day, no matter the elements; this year was at Highbanks Metro Park with our two golden retrievers, who are experts at finding the muddiest parts of trails.
5. What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus, and what would you recommend eating there?
   There's no way I can pick one favorite restaurant as there are just too many wonderful options around here. Two standout dishes that I've had recently, though, are the egg soufflé sandwich at the Locust Table and the quesabirria tacos at Victor's Taco Shop -- both delicious!

Dr. Kevin Daberkow

1. What teacher had the greatest impact on you as a student, and why?
   Dr. Frank Henderson had a life-changing impact on me as a political science student at Ohio University. He cared enough as an educator to challenge me to push myself in my coursework. His life experiences encouraged me to really focus on what mattered and to think beyond myself in my work.
2. Did you have a favorite subject in school?
   I loved social studies in school as a young person, in high school, and eventually studied political science in college. I vividly remember reading stories about communities as a young elementary student.
3. What was your dream job in elementary school?
   All I wanted to do as an elementary student was to build forts in the woods by our home and also be in the Army with Vic Morrow. Yes, I watched some black and white TV shows as I was growing up!
4. What is your favorite activity in your free time (preferably in Delaware County)?
   Family drives everything we do in our free time! I love coaching softball with my youngest daughter's team. The softball team is like a family. I love helping my son with his lawnmowing business. I love going to hockey games with my oldest daughter. And finally, although we do not play enough, I LOVE playing super competitive Scrabble with my wife.
5. What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus, and what would you recommend eating there?
   There are so many great restaurants to enjoy in Delaware County but our newest favorite place to eat is Villa Nova in Columbus! Village Coney in German Village is a close second. 

Kevin O'Brien

1. What teacher had the greatest impact on you as a student, and why?
   Mr. Brennan. He was my high school math teacher. He gave me confidence that I could do the work and be successful.
2. Did you have a favorite subject in school?
   Math
3. What was your dream job in elementary school?
   I wanted to be a police officer.
4. What is your favorite activity in your free time (preferably in Delaware County)?
   I enjoy spending time on Alum Creek boating and fishing.
5. What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus, and what would you recommend eating there?
   My wife and I enjoy Firebirds at Polaris - great menu, service is always good and its close by.

Dr. Libby Wallick

1. What teacher had the greatest impact on you as a student, and why?
   Without question, the teacher who had the greatest impact upon me was the late, great Mrs. Barb Bollon. When I was in 3^rd grade, Mrs. B said I would grow up to be a teacher. Fast forward to my freshman year of college as a marketing and sales double major. I was unhappy in my studies. I quit. I took a break. It wasn't until a friend of the family, who taught kindergarten, invited me to read to her class that I remembered Mrs. Bollon's words. I changed my major, went back to school, and earned my undergrad in Middle-level Education. The best part is that in my first teaching position, Mrs. B and I shared some students and even went on a field trip together. She left an indelible mark upon me and had a huge impact upon the trajectory of my life and career.
2. Did you have a favorite subject in school?
   Absolutely! Reading has always been my favorite. In fact, I'm certified to teach language arts and social studies because of my interest in government, geography, and political science.  
3. What was your dream job in elementary school?
   When I was in elementary school, I believed that I would grow up to be a teacher. By high school, I was convinced otherwise. A few twists and turns later, I found my way and it turns out elementary me had it right. My career has evolved, but education will always be at the core of what I do. I think it's important to note that the path to adulthood and our careers isn't always linear.  It can be messy as we find our way, and that's okay. Nothing is carved in stone. Take the time to find what you love and pursue it relentlessly.  
4. What is your favorite activity in your free time (preferably in Delaware County)?
   Outside of reading, I've had a love of running for many years. I used to coach cross country, track, and serve as a pacer for Marathoners in Training. Local 5ks and half marathons are the best. I'm looking forward to hitting local paths and trails as I train for the Cap City ½ coming up this April.
5. What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus, and what would you recommend eating there?
   One of my favorite restaurants in Columbus is Kitchen Social. I enjoy both the Polaris and Bridge Park locations (and I'm excited to know they've expanded to the Cleveland and Cincinnati markets). You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but you MUST order the cheddar + scallion biscuits with honey butter.  

Lizett Schreiber

1. What teacher had the greatest impact on you as a student, and why?
   The teacher with the greatest impact was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Jahnke. She was engaging and encouraging in a way I had never experienced, and did so much to build up every student and make every day fun. And she brought her dogs to school one day!
2. Did you have a favorite subject in school?
   My favorite subject was usually English, but I also really enjoyed Chemistry in high school, thanks to the wonderful teacher I had.
3. What was your dream job in elementary school?
   I think my dream job was to be a veterinarian, since I loved (and still love) animals.
4. What is your favorite activity in your free time (preferably in Delaware County)?
   My favorite activity is to go to the different parks and go for a hike. I also really enjoy paddle boarding in Alum Creek.
5. What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus, and what would you recommend eating there?
   My favorite restaurant is Marcella's. They have a fantastic pecorino cheese appetizer, and you can't beat the meatball.