Ashland resident gets prestigious award

Jan. 31—IRONTON — Darrell Smith was named the recipient for the "Drum Major" Award at this year's Ohio University Southern Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards.

Smith, who co-founded the C.B Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum, was recognized Tuesday for his determination of preserving Black history and embracing memories of the past in Ashland. Smith said he believes Dr. King would be ecstatic with the museum.

"Dr. King was about non-violence and protest," Smith said. "His methods, I believe, were the teachings of Gandhi. I remind myself, I relate to Dr. King because I was raised to care for people and to do the right thing. Dr. King taught us to keep moving forward and to never give up."

The "Drum Major" Award acknowledges those committed to equality and inclusion efforts, and promoting policies, programs or initiatives for equal opportunity and success.

Smith said, "Dr. King's message was timeless. The same things we faced through the civil rights movement, we are facing today. Dr. King taught us to love, not hate. and that definitely strengthens the community."

Dozens of people gathered inside the Riffe Rotunda for the 2024 Legacy Awards ceremony where a number of individuals received prestigious and writing contest awards.

Robert Pleasant, Director of Student Services, opened the ceremony with a quote from MLK.

"As we gather here today, let us be inspired by Dr. King's words: 'Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.' Tonight as we recognize the recipients of this year's Legacy Awards, we honor those who have distinguished themselves in service to their communities."

Stacy Murray-Medcalf was named the recipient of the Beloved Community Service Award, which celebrates individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the community through compassionate programs and activities.

"Dr. King taught us that the value of a person is not dependent on the color of their skin or their religion or their gender," she said. "That we all have purpose, we all have an opportunity to spread love and hope and be mindful and considerate of one another."

Murray-Medcalf is a breast cancer survivor who created "The Cause, Inc.," a non-profit organization promoting health resource awareness. She and her husband founded the organization to provide free resources to the community through health fairs, awareness events and patient recognition services.

"I am inspired to continue the work of Dr. King," she said. "I am the recipient of the downflow of the message that he promoted in unity and bringing culture and society together as one."

Amanda Cleary, former mayoral candidate of Ironton, was presented the Alumni Humanitarian Award. The accolade goes to an OUS graduate demonstrating a spirit of volunteerism and community service.

"Dr. King's message is one that I hope continues throughout the entirety of our human existence — because his message was of peace and equality and looking at people for who they are, as opposed to what you see visually," she said.

Cleary is the founder of Third and Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact in the community through art and collaboration with local organizers.

"My inspiration to continue Dr. King's work comes from my love of humans. I love the ability for a group of people to come together and for their uniqueness to be able to shine," she said.

Olivia Brooke Kingrey, a senior at Dawson Bryant High School, was named the recipient of the Dr. Charles Jarrett Emerging Leader Award. This award is specifically to honor an OUS undergraduate or secondary high school student for their commitment to positive change in their campus, school district and community.

Tri-State students in grades 6 through 12 had an opportunity to write a short essay inspired by quotes from Dr. King. South Point High School students were the winners of all three spots in the high school category.

Receiving first place in the essay competition was Madilyn Smith, followed by Jazzmyn Bowling and Owen Frederick. Sierra Johnson, of Ironton,, was first in the middle school category, followed by Amelia Hall, of Fairland, and Samantha Riedel.

Tyler Grubbs, Student Success Advisor at OUS, said the event was created and organized to recognize individuals, groups and organizations making steps to improving this area.

"It's wonderful and it's amazing. People are making change here," he said.