Robin Comfort, Joanie Dugger honored with district award at State of the Schools

The Upper Arlington Board of Education honored the late Joanie Dugger and Robin Comfort with the 2019 Dr. Robert Arkin Service and Leadership Award during the annual State of the Schools event on November 14.

Dr. Arkin served on the Board of Education for 12 years and was a champion for ensuring all Upper Arlington students benefited from a well-rounded education of the highest quality.  The award in his name is given annually to Upper Arlington community members who exemplify service and leadership in the schools.

Joanie Dugger was a longtime school volunteer who served as the executive director of the Upper Arlington Education Foundation and Upper Arlington Alumni Association for 17 years.  She was a key force in the expansion of the Education Foundation’s grant program, the creation of the Golden Bear Bash and the annual UAHS Alumni Open House.  

“She did so much, but Joanie wasn’t one to take credit for any of these things,” said Superintendent Paul Imhoff.  “Instead, she enjoyed stepping out of the spotlight and letting others have a moment to shine.”

Robin Comfort was also a longtime school volunteer.  In 2007, she was elected to the Board of Education and served for 12 years, part of that time alongside Arkin.  She was a driving force behind the district's belief that All Means All, ensuring all students and staff feel welcomed, valued and loved within the schools.  She was also key in the facilities master planning process, providing the leadership along with her board colleagues that brought thousands of community voices into the process.

“Robin was constantly caring for others - and nothing brought her greater joy,” said Imhoff. “She was tireless, energetic and relentlessly positive in her work with our schools and throughout the Upper Arlington community.”