Retiring Judge Steven R. Nation receives Sagamore of the Wabash . . .
The Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Program celebrated the success of 10 amazing students at its second annual Impact Awards Dinner Thursday evening at Beck’s Hybrids in Atlanta. The event drew in students, their families, Hamilton Heights School Corporation personnel, local legislators and dignitaries from the greater Hamilton County area and beyond for this special celebration of accomplishment.
The program recognizes one student per grade (grades 3-12) who successfully maneuvered through a challenge in their life. Students can be nominated by a teacher, guidance counselor, administrator, or any staff member that feels a student is deserving of the award.
The 2018 Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance IMPACT Award recipients’ include:
- 3rd Grade: John Rady
- 4th Grade: Eldorado Vesquez
- 5th Grade: Hunter Powell
- 6th Grade: Olivia Goldfarb
- 7th Grade: Rebecca Harding
- 8th Grade: Brian Lamp
- 9th Grade: Brian Ott
- 10th Grade: Sarah Mariotti,
- 11th Grade: Madison Barrows
- 12th Grade: Lee Martin
Dr. Derek Arrowood, Hamilton Heights School Corporation Superintendent, led the opening ceremony highlighting that the individuals in attendance were there to show their support for these remarkable students who overcame challenges in their lives.
“We had parents and teachers to state representations and judges to celebrate and honor these students,” said Dr. Arrowood. “Our students’ personal stories of their journey to success despite the obstacles were inspiring. We left humbled, hopeful and wanting to do more.”
State Representative Tony Cook was the keynote speaker. He talked about the lifelong positive impact of making good choices. Cook noted that facing difficulties is a part of life, but everyone has a choice in how they can respond. He also pointed to the wisdom and information than can be gained by listening to parents and grandparents who can help in the decision-making process. He wrapped up his inspirational message by pointing out that “you can be anything you choose to be in life.”
(From left) State Rep. Tony Cook, the Hon. Judge Steven Nation and State Rep. Kathy Kreag Richardson are pictured as Nation was given the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award. (Photo provided)
Another highlight of the evening occurred when State Representative Kathy Kreag Richardson made a surprise visit to present Judge Steven Nation with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award for his outstanding service as a four-term judge and long-standing tenure on the board of the Youth Assistance program in Hamilton County.
“This evening is all about the students and their success,” said Mary Ann Haymaker, Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Early Intervention Advocate, who helped spearhead the event. “It’s about celebrating the hard work, resilience and effort demonstrated by these students to rise above a difficult issue that may otherwise have negatively impacted their life.”
The evening was made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of this year’s sponsors: Amanda Hill Photography, Beck’s, Big Dogs BBQ, cch+a Attorneys at Law, Cicero Christian Church, Erika’s Place, Hulen Family, Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry, Old Forest Farm, Hamilton County Reporter and The Farmers Bank.