Presentation
Theresa M. Fredericka, INFOhio Executive Director

INFOhio Executive Director Theresa M. Fredericka (left) presents the 2006 INFOhio Spence White Service Award to OME-RESA's Dave Savastone during the eTech Ohio Technology Conference in February 2007.

Picture credit: Tony Marshalek

It is my honor to present the winner of the 2006 INFOhio Spence White Award – very fitting, since tonight is all about thanking individuals for contributions to INFOhio.

The INFOhio Spence White Service Award was established in 2003 in memory of an ITC Director who had a vision of how technology and the Ohio Computer Network could support INFOhio’s mission of providing equal access to information resources to all Ohio students and teachers. Spence believed wholeheartedly in INFOhio’s goals and worked tirelessly to make them a reality until his death in 2002. His exemplary service to INFOhio set a standard of excellence to aspire to and created a legacy to be celebrated.

This year’s recipient as defined in our award guidelines must demonstrate Spence’s commitment and dedication to the INFOhio vision of using the virtual preK-12 library to transform teaching and learning by connecting educational resources with the power of information technology.

It is a pleasure and privilege to present this award to Dave Savastone from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Regional Education Service Agency – our ITC located in Steubenville. OME-RESA serves an 11-county area and 45 school districts in Mid-Eastern Ohio.

Dave, a former school library media specialist for 20 years, has been working at OME-RESA for about eight years as INFOhio Manager. During Dave’s tenure, library automation has grown to include 26 public school districts and 100 buildings (including non-publics) serving a total of 40,158 students. Thanks to his efforts, his schools have received three Library Services and Technology grants awarded by the State Library of Ohio – in 2001, 2003 and 2006 – for a total of $600,000. As a result, 83% (83 out of 100) of his total buildings have been automated with these federal funds.

The completion of the automation process provides students and faculty with online access to their own building’s resources plus the ability to search all libraries throughout the state for resources they would like to use. In addition, several of the schools now participate in statewide resource sharing, which allows them to borrow books and other resources from participating schools and libraries.

As one of his librarians from Edison Local put it, “It is like magic that my little library is receiving resources from all over Ohio. Last Friday, 44 items arrived to help students with their research paper. My district is thrilled with this system.”

You only need to meet Dave and within minutes you understand that he is one of those individuals who loves what he does. He is always positive – no matter what the situation – and has a can-do attitude. He is a real team player, willing to help no matter what the task.

Connie Evans, New Philadelphia City Schools, noted in her nominating letter that Dave is ”an amazing force for the advancement of INFOhio library automation technology throughout all of Ohio…Dave supports the INFOhio project with his outstanding service, his organizational skills and his unwavering dedication to the goals of INFOhio. As he began the automation of our district, he always approached this multifaceted project with enthusiasm, organization excellence and technical expertise. His ability to understand the technical intricacies of the system and also the practical everyday responsibilities of library personnel was essential in making this project a reality.”

Cynthia Russell-Marshall of Garaway Schools added, “He has offered training sessions and walked us through step by step – never giving us more than we need at any given time, so that we are not overwhelmed…He goes above and beyond to promote the use of INFOhio resources and technology. Dave is the face of INFOhio in eastern Ohio.”

Finally, it is fitting that Dave is getting this award because in many ways he is so like Spence. One of our INFOhio directors, Michael Wildermuth, described Spence in these words, "Spence was level-headed, soft-spoken, friendly and he offered sage advice. But, mostly, he was distinguished because he cared. He cared about the people he worked with and the people he worked for. He encouraged us when we were down and needed encouragement. He supported us when we needed support. He worked quietly and tirelessly, even near the end, for the things he cared about. He made the world a less threatening and friendlier place. Spence was kind; and those of us who knew him and worked with him appreciated and enjoyed his kindness.”

These words also can used to describe Dave, the way he works, the way he cares about the people he works with, and the quiet passion that drives his every action.

Dave, for your commitment to the students and to the schools of your region, and for being so true to the spirit of this award, we commend you and your efforts for promoting and nurturing our beloved INFOhio.

Congratulations!