Welcome, Seniors! Remember to take this journey "one step at a time".
Welcome, Seniors! Remember to take this journey "one step at a time".
Debbie grew up in the small town of Amherst, Ohio, where she spent her childhood playing with the neighborhood kids, riding her bike to friends’ houses, and swimming at the local pool. In the fall, she played soccer, and in the summer, she was on the swim team and played softball. Summertime was family time spent camping, boating, and vacationing in North Carolina. Debbie loved the beach and water. Junior High is where she found her lifetime love of running. In high school, she continued to run cross country and track, as well as play soccer. Graduating from Marion L. Steele in 1991, she then attended Mt. Union College earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995.
While working on her master’s degree, Debbie held several different counseling positions, each offering her the opportunity to assist a wide variety of people in need throughout the community. She began working with mentally ill adults and later became a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor helping at risk adolescents recovering from substance abuse. She also worked for family services making sure children were living in a safe environment. These all helped prepare her for her next career move. Debbie received her Master of Education from Cleveland State University in May 2003. In August 2003, she started working for Sheffield Lake City Schools as an Elementary Guidance Counselor. While at Sheffield Lake, she was a member of the Lorain County Schools Crisis Counseling Team. She started the Cardinal Closet, a place where students could go get clothing and food when needed. Debbie was at Sheffield Lake for 17 years. In August 2019, she returned home to the Amherst Schools system, this time as Nord’s Guidance Counselor. Debbie had an amazing ability to work with students and parents fostering a collaborative relationship that ensured success. She helped all students to see their potential and to believe in themselves. She had an open-door policy, and not just for her students. Debbie always made time for anyone who needed an ear. If she would hear of a person or family in need, she would be on the frontline setting up fundraisers, clothing drives or whatever was required to help. She genuinely believed in the importance of giving back to the community.
In her personal life, Debbie had three loves: her son, family & friends, and running. Debbie’s son was the joy and love of her life. She had a fierce devotion to her family and friends. If you were her friend, you knew you had a friend for life. Running brought her peace; she once told someone, “the run gives clarity and peace.” She loved running with her family and friends, but she especially enjoyed running with her RIOT running group. She completed 3 ultra-marathons, group ultra-marathons, 13 marathons, 27 half-marathons, and just for fun, 2 mini-triathlons with her sisters and sister-in-law.
Debbie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2021. She continued to work, run, and lead a normal life for a few months, all while on chemotherapy. She was blessed to have so many amazing family and friends surrounding and supporting her throughout her battle. Debbie died on December 20, 2021, at home surrounded by her loved ones.
This scholarship is to honor her dedication and devotion to her students and her community.
Copyright © 2024 Deborah Raesler Memorial Scholarship - All Rights Reserved.
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