Ohio University Southern has announced a rescheduling of its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards due to anticipated winter weather conditions. Originally set for January 26, 2026, the event will now take place on February 24, 2026, at 17:30 local time. This awards ceremony is part of the university’s broader celebration honoring the life and contributions of Dr. King.
The Legacy Awards recognize both individuals and organizations that exemplify the values of service, leadership, and equity. Nominations were received from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, highlighting efforts that align with Dr. King’s vision for a more just and compassionate society.
Recognizing Community Impact
Among this year’s notable honorees, the Beloved Community Service Award will be presented to Backpack Buddies, a local initiative dedicated to providing weekend meals for school-age children facing food insecurity. This program embodies the compassion and resourcefulness that the award aims to celebrate.
The Alumni Humanitarian Award will be awarded to Brent Pyles, acknowledged for his significant contributions to volunteerism. His commitment to community service illustrates a deep sense of responsibility to improve the lives of others.
In the educational sector, the Dr. Charles Jarrett Emerging Leader Award will recognize the United Way of Northeast Kentucky’s Bridge Builders Program. This program focuses on mentoring and leadership development for middle and high school students, empowering them to take initiative in their communities. The post-secondary award will be given to the Student Nurses Association at Ohio University Southern, which engages in health-centered outreach while preparing future nursing professionals.
Another highlight of the ceremony will be the Drum Major Award, presented to the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative. Supported by an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Grant, this collaborative project aims to raise awareness of the region’s Black history and the contributions of Appalachian communities to the Underground Railroad. The initiative engages local educators and cultural organizations to preserve important narratives that have often been overlooked.
Celebrating Young Voices
The event will also honor the winners of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest, which encouraged middle and high school students to submit original poetry and essays inspired by Dr. King’s legacy.
In the middle school division, first place went to Marlie Wilson from Ironton Middle School for her piece “The Right Way to Lead.” Second and third places were awarded to Addi Harmon and Addison Woodyard, also from Ironton Middle School, for their works “The Most Beautiful Gift” and “The Rule of Love and Light,” respectively.
For the high school division, Emma Mays of South Point High School received first place for “A World Perspective.” The second and third places were awarded to Kendall Simpson from St. Joe High School for “Injustice,” and Isabella Elizabeth Stevens Ison from Green High School for “Light over Darkness; Love over Hate.”
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration serves as a platform for diverse voices to come together, reinforcing the values of compassion, service, and justice. By recognizing the achievements of both students and community members, the event aspires to inspire ongoing actions toward a more equitable future and to honor those who are making a meaningful impact in the region.
