When Ruth Vanderworken was asked to be at Camden Elementary’s “Welcome Wednesday” assembly on June 3rd, it didn’t immediately register that she was the guest of honor. In fact, we had to interrupt her normal duties to have her join us.
If you know Ruth, that story fits to a “T”. For 15 years, Ruth has been an integral part of the Camden Elementary School family as a Teacher Aide. She’s been the first to bring a sense of spirit and whimsy to any occasion, and balances that personality with an unwavering, almost whisper quiet reliability in her daily tasks. With Ruth, you never have to ask if the job is done. And she does all of it with love.
On this particular morning, it was time for Camden Elementary School to give that love right back. The Camden Central School District is pleased to announce that Vanderworken is the recipient of its “Seed of Selflessness” award for 2026.
“I feel so honored and appreciated by the staff of this District,” she said.
The Seed of Selflessness Award is one of the highest honors a Camden staff member can receive. Its purpose, as established by the Camden Board of Education, is to recognize the individual who best represents one or more of the following criteria:
Has chaired or participated in community and/or school committees that help to improve our school district.
Has significantly changed the lives of youngsters while motivating them to realize their full character potential.
Has volunteered or performed these additional assignments inside and outside of normal working hours.
Vanderworken was nominated by former CES colleague Christy Seymore, who now works as the Administrative Assistant to the Counseling Office at Camden Middle School.
“I strongly believe that Ruth Vanderworken is a perfect example of someone who is selfless,” Seymore said in her nomination. “Ruth is someone you can count on every day, no matter what. She is without a doubt one of the most dedicated and hardworking employees that we have. A day without Ruth at CES is just not the same and I know there are many kids who look forward to going to school because of her!”
In her nomination, Seymore cited several examples of Ruth’s commitment to student morale and well-being. She is well-known for her eagerness to show up in costume for school events, whether that’s Cupid for Valentine’s Day, a Leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day, or even a Dinosaur just because. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruth got on a bus each day to deliver meals for students and families across the community. She is one of the first to step forward to support student field trips. She makes sure every student in her care feels valued and supported, and she’s always there to lend a helping hand to her colleagues. If a child needs gloves for the playground, Ruth is known to have a few extra pairs floating around.
For many years, she was part of the District’s “Home Alone” after-school program, and is still one of the very first to arrive at CES to prepare for the day.
Principal Amanda Mitchell has witnessed Ruth’s impact firsthand, and feels Ruth’s selflessness is the root of everything she does at CES.
“Ruth Vanderworken is the embodiment of selflessness,” Mitchell said. “Whether she’s dressing for the occasion to bring joy to our students, offering a kind word, or stepping in wherever she is needed, Ruth consistently puts others first. Her compassion, positivity, and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact on our school community. We are proud to recognize her with the Seeds of Selflessness Award for the countless ways she helps our students and staff grow and thrive.”
For Superintendent of Schools Jason Evangelist, it’s evident Ruth’s mindset is a major driver for her contributions to the school community.
“Ruth always has a smile on her face,” he said. “You can tell she just loves being around the students and being a vital member of the Camden Elementary School Team.”
As is tradition, a student recipient will also be announced at Class Night on Friday, June 5th. The annual senior award ceremony begins at 6 PM.
