ROADRUCK NAMED 2019 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

A gentle hero who has touched the lives of many in a variety of ways from caring for an ailing pet to listening to a concerned parent, a great deal of compassion has been shown to the citizens of Orrville by the 2019 Citizen of the Year.

Dr. Greg Roadruck was surprised with the announcement that he had been selected as the 2019 Paul L. Powell Citizen of the Year at the Orrville City School Board meeting on February 20. 

“Greg may have moved to Orrville for a job, but he transplanted himself here with his whole heart, remarked Lori Reinbolt, president, Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce who made the official announcement. “His contributions exemplify what Powell meant when he referred to Orrville as “The Promised Land,” 

Roadruck arrived in Orrville in 1980 to join Dr. Jack Rogers in opening the new Orrville Veterinary Clinic north of town.

“Greg was a good, no a great hire!” stated Rogers. “After he was here, an Amish friend of mine asked if I knew that Dr. Roadruck spoke German. I didn’t, but it turned out that he studied German in order to work with the large Amish clientele we served.”

A practicing veterinarian, Roadruck has cared for the area’s farm animals and pets for 40 years.    

Roadruck’s enduring commitment to the Orrville community was described in fifteen nomination letters that were submitted on his behalf.  

“When Greg first ran for school board, I thought he was crazy,” remarked colleague William Yost. “Then he got involved with the YMCA, Heartland Education and the Orrville Area Boys and Girls Club. I marveled at his persistence and commitment to Orrville.”

“Greg embodies everything that makes a community like Orrville so very special,” stated Jon Ritchie, superintendent Orrville City Schools.

Roadruck has served on the Orrville City Schools Board of Education for 30 years including serving as board President for the last 20 years. He also served as Orrville’s representative to the Wayne County Schools Career Center Board of Education for over 20 years. In this capacity, he provided leadership as board President and also served on the Personnel Committee.

In 2015, Roadruck received both the 25 Year Veteran Award and the Ohio School Board Association All-Ohio Award. These awards reflect his loyalty and dedication to our schools and community.

Roadruck was part of the core team that developed the proposal which today is known as the Heartland Education Community. He was a key contributor to the development of the Character Education program, a central curriculum component in the Orrville City Schools.  

“Our parents always encouraged us to ‘leave this world a little better than we found it.’” remarked Lindsay Roadruck, “I realize that this sums up my father’s heart and his true nature better than anything else.”

Roadruck served two different times on the YMCA Board, both during construction projects. Additionally, he served on many administrative committees as a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, including co-chairing the family ministries committee and the church building committee.

“Some people give to their communities just for the joy of giving, and they find their deepest satisfaction in quiet and anonymous giving,” commented Jenny Smucker. “Greg Roadruck is one of these.”

Roadruck will be the 55th Citizen of the Year recipient that was first presented in 1969 to honor the legacy of Paul L. Powell, owner of The Orrville Courier-Crescent newspaper from 1930 – mid 1960’s. The Dix Family established the Paul L Powell Citizen of the Year award to recognize him for his community leadership, his journalistic talents and his deep affection for Orrville, his promised land.  

The Paul L. Powell Citizen of the Year award will be formally presented to Roadruck at the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration on March 26. Tickets to attend the evening event at The University of Akron Wayne College are available at www.orrvillechamber.com.

https://orrvilleareachamber.eventbank.com/event/annual-dinner-awards-19164/