Longtime Urbana volunteer, Kanittha Fay, is being recognized for her countless contributions to the Urbana School District and Urbana Community with the Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation Local Hero Award.
Fay is committed to the Urbana community and works tirelessly to show others its greatness. Not only does she volunteer for the Urbana School District, but also the League of Women Voters of Champaign County, the Urbana Parks advisory committee and We Love Urbana, an organization she co-founded.
“To me, giving back means showing the outcome of all the work that public education puts into our community. In a way, it is like growing flowers, it is such an exciting process,” Fay said. “To receive kindness and care from teachers, staff and volunteers, take it in and grow is a privilege. Giving back completes the process, and, hopefully, we can pass this on and inspire the next generation.”
Fay is also known for frequently providing small tokens of appreciation for Urbana staff, such as meals for conferences, snack trays, and other small gifts from Urbana businesses.
“She recognizes the importance of celebrating and thanking our staff so they know they are appreciated and loved,” said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Urbana School District, Dr. Angi Franklin. “It is critical for all of us to wrap around those working in our schools so that our best staff are in front of our students.”
Last year, Fay spearheaded the Urbana School District Mayoral Recognition Program, after reading about a similar program in New York. The program recognizes students for their community service work. In its first year, forty students completed more than 2,300 hours of community service. Now in its second year, Fay hopes the program continues to expand, and one day also includes middle school students.
“During my 11-year career, it has been rare to find a parent and community member with the heart and compassion for the entire school community like Mrs. Fay,” said Urbana High School Principal, Taren Nance. “From day one, she supported my vision and has continued to stand alongside me in the fight for equity and equality. Her spirit and love for all of mankind is what we need more of; she is a pillar within the Urbana community at-large.”
While Fay’s daughter graduated from Urbana High School last year, that isn’t stopping Fay from continuing her volunteer efforts.
“Often, volunteering is a missing but crucial part of our society. Our schools, teachers, parents, students and local businesses on their own can only do so much,” Fay said. “Volunteers help bring people and organizations together and find synergy and create new ideas. Great things happen when we listen to each other and exchange ideas.”
“I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with Kanittha on several projects to help with recruitment, retention, and morale of Urbana staff,” said Franklin. “She is a fierce supporter of buying local and supporting our small business owners in Urbana because it directly impacts our community and local schools.”
Fay will be recognized at the CUSF Distinguished Alumni Awards reception on April 14.