“Adults with exemplary character can serve as role models for the teens by showing them that having great character can lead to success,” Howard said. “Also, it is very challenging being a teen in today’s society. Therefore, it is important for us to continue to honor and acknowledge the teens that have chosen to demonstrate outstanding character, in spite of the challenges or issues they face daily.
“These teens are our future and should be celebrated for making the right decisions,” she said.
The teen award recipients were: Isaiah Holbrook, of Middletown High School; Joni Groh, of Middletown High School; Julie Groh, of Middletown High School; Chris Dell, of Edgewood High School; Brad Malott, of Madison High School; Alexis Bailey, of Middletown High School; Jared McIntosh, of Madison High School; Thomas Hall, of Madison High School; Alex Bronston, of Middletown High School; Luke French, of Madison High School; Jordan Edwards, of Middletown High School; Dakota Powell, of Madison High School; Vincent Edwards, of Middletown High School; Rachel Jackson, of Middletown High School; and Kurtis McIntosh, of Madison High School.
Jacob Williams, a senior at Middletown High School, received the Andrew Worley Award. The award is named after Andrew Worley, a promising young swimmer whose life was cut short in a tragic auto accident and is given to an athlete who exemplifies character at a high level.
Williams, a golfer at MHS, was given the award in part for his honesty and integrity during last year’s Sectional Qualifier Playoffs when he admitted to having a triple bogey, when his competitors were ready to count only a double bogey on his scorecard. His honesty ultimately cost him and his team a shot at a state title.
Williams told the crowd of 200-plus that winning the Worley award meant more to him than his dream of winning a state title.
Adult award recipients included: Yudell Hightower, of Hightowers Petroleum and Hi-Mark Construction, received the Legend of Character Award; Kendall Wright, of Entelechy Training and Development, Inc., received the Strong Communities Award, Cathy Mulligan, a retired principal at Bishop Fenwick High School, received the Strong Families Award; and Bob Fairchild, president and CEO of Huhtamaki, received the Perry Thatcher Humanitarian Award.
O’dell Owens, president of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, was the keynote speaker and also received the Champion of Character Award.
About the Author