Germantown recognized a resident Monday evening for the way she’s loved local schools and put that admiration to work benefiting education.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen surprised Robyn Rudisill with a proclamation during its meeting, recognizing her investment in the suburb. Monday was named “Robyn Rey Rudisill Day,” according to the document. It acknowledged her service to the city and particularly local education.
“Those that know Robyn would tell you she is the first to step up to help, and the last one to leave,” the proclamation stated. “She truly lives by the saying, ‘If you see a need, fill that need!’ She has never met a stranger and welcomes everyone with a loving spirit and a servant’s heart.”
Rudisill is moving to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, accompanying her husband in his career change. She was unaware of the honor as the city agenda simply read “Proclamation-Citizen Recognition.” She teared up as Mayor Mike Palazzolo read of Rudisill’s service.
The mayor joked her proclamation may be among the longest in the suburb’s history. Palazzolo called Rudisill an “extraordinary volunteer for decades.” Those in attendance cheered and gave her a standing ovation as she accepted the award.
“Why did you do this to me?” Rudisill said to Alderwoman Sherrie Hicks.
“You did this to your self,” Alderwoman Mary Anne Gibson said before thanking Rudisill for all of her efforts.
The Germantown Education Foundation held its meeting at Germantown City Hall Monday night to help pull off the surprise.
Rudisill was named Germantown Education Foundation’s executive director in early 2020, but the last three decades have been dedicated toward education. She worked in Mississippi schools before teaching in Germantown under both legacy Shelby County Schools and the Germantown Municipal School District. She also served as a reading specialist at St. George’s Independent School’s Germantown campus and an assistant professor at Crichton College.
Rudisill has also served in community organizations and events like the Germantown Charity Horse Show, Oktoberfest and Haunted Houston. She worked with the Duntreath neighborhood and coordinated many of their activities.
Hicks said Rudisill has invested herself into Germantown serving the suburb for years.
“She has been giving her time, her talents and her love, her effort to making our schools better and our whole community a happier place,” Hicks said.
GEF spent months without a director before Rudisill and needed organization. As she restored structure, she organized fundraisers for the schools. Hicks said Rudisill has positioned GEF to pursue even more funding.