Legacy Awards honor local leaders for outstanding service, advocacy

Four individuals and one organization will be honored at the annual Legacy Awards ceremony, which celebrates contributions to the community.

Hosted by Ohio University Southern, the ceremony will take place on Jan. 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the Riffe Rotunda. The event highlights stories of leadership, advocacy and volunteerism. It is free and open to the public.

The program also recognizes middle and high school students who participated in the Writing Contest, which challenges students to respond creatively to quotations from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Participants were asked to reflect on how the selected quote applies to their personal experiences or their communities today through poetry or short essays.

In the middle school category, Audrey Ferguson of Fairland Middle School earned first place for her piece, "Through Love and Faith We All Live On." Jocelyn Mack, also of Fairland Middle School, received second place for "Fighter," and Emily Crabtree of Ironton Middle School placed third with "Love's Dilemma: Finding Light in the Shadows of Discontent."

In the high school category, Abbie Deeds of Dawson-Bryant High School won first place for "A Stone of Hope." Emma Emnett from Clay Local Schools was awarded second place for "In the Right," and Evelyn Mader of Dawson-Bryant High School received third place for "Making a Career Out of Humanity."

Holly Blevins, president of Ashland Pride since 2019, will receive the “Drum Major” Award for her advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. Under her leadership, the Ashland Pride Picnic has become an annual event promoting inclusivity and celebration. Blevins’ initiatives include Safe Space training for employers and a community mural project titled "Love Can Build a Bridge." She was honored by the mayor of Ashland in 2021 for her work on inclusion.

Cesiah De La Garza Bernal Blanton, born in Monterrey, Mexico, will be honored with the “Beloved Community Service” Award for her advocacy for the Hispanic community and individuals with neurological conditions. As the organizer of Latin Night in Ashland, she has raised awareness of Hispanic culture and challenges faced by Hispanic families. She is also a board-certified behavioral analyst who promotes sensory-friendly resources and racism awareness programs.

James Gordon, a 2006 graduate of Ohio University Southern, will be honored with the “Alumni Humanitarian” Award for his dedication to community service and environmental stewardship. As chairperson of Third & Center, he leads initiatives such as the First Cast Youth Fishing Seminar and the Trash Bash Community Cleanup for Earth Day. His work at the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services includes advocacy for marginalized populations, and he serves as vice president of AFSCME Local 3319.

Miriam Howard, a senior at Paul G. Blazer High School, will receive the “Dr. Charles Jarrett Emerging Leader” Award for her volunteerism and leadership. With more than 300 service hours through AmeriCorps, she has organized events such as Alzheimer’s fundraisers and the United Way’s 5K race. Her involvement with organizations like the YMCA and the Senior Citizen Center reflects her commitment to addressing social issues.

Ohio University Southern’s Student Social Work Association will receive the “Dr. Charles Jarrett Emerging Leader” Award for its efforts to support unhoused populations and promote social justice. The group’s activities include distributing warm-weather gear, restocking blessing boxes and organizing events such as Trunk or Treat. The association’s commitment to inclusion is evident through its diversity-themed programs and community engagement.

The Legacy Awards highlight individuals and groups who prioritize service, advocacy and inclusivity. The event underscores the power of leadership and its impact on building stronger communities.