MOUNT VERNON — The American Red Cross of Knox County hosted its annual “Above and Beyond” Heroes’ Breakfast this morning at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene. Angela An, anchorwoman at 10TV Eyewitness News, was master of ceremonies. Craig Krenzel, former Ohio State Buckeye quarterback, was the keynote speaker.
Krenzel closed his speech by saying, “If everyone in this world would take the time to make a positive impact on the life of just one person, think what a difference it would make.”
Cpl. Beth Marti and Officer Jesse Butler of the Mount Vernon Police Department shared the Public Safety Hero honor for risking their lives to pull two unconscious men from a burning home.
Ira Price, a regular Red Cross blood donor who has donated 41 gallons of blood since 1947, was named Senior Hero.
Jackie Fletcher, R.N., of the Knox County Health Department, was named Health Care Hero, and was nominated by her co-worker, Pam Palm, for her work in educating the public about diseases and for “going above and beyond the call of duty.”
Kathy Wantland of Hospice of Knox County was named Workplace Hero for her “huge heart,” and for serving the public “with love in her heart and a smile on her face.”
Conard “Dude” Conway, was presented with the Armed Forces Hero award for his naval service in World War II, and for his public service, including years on the Mount Vernon City Council.
Roxanne Berry, a special education teacher in the East Knox School District, was named Education Hero for her work with handicapped children, particularly in turning her home’s yard into a summer camp for her students.
Michael Leis was named Youth Hero for his role in reviving an 84-year-old victim of a heart attack at a Centerburg grocery store in 2007.
Nancy Gregg, who heads the TRANSITION M*I*S*S*I*O*N countywide, five-district high school program for disabled students, received the Education Hero award. She paid special tribute to many of her students in the audience.
“These [students] are miracles in Knox County,” she said. “Please congratulate them as well.”
Jacque Cordle, this year’s Humanitarian Hero, was ill and unable to attend the event. Robin Strayer, director of Centerburg Senior Services, accepted her award.
“Without Jackie, we would not be where we are,” said Strayer.
The Heroes’ Breakfast honors the courage, initiative, responsibility, humanity and compassion necessary to heroism, both in the saving of lives and in demonstrative personal, unselfish character. The event is also a fundraiser that supports Red Cross programs in Knox County.
