Aristotle once said, “The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.” Making the best of unfortunate events has become the norm for Jacob Greer.
To the average eye, Jacob is a typical high school senior — a good student and standout athlete who is well-received by his teachers and peers.
“I doubt, though, that many realize the trials this young man has had to face in his short 18 years on this earth,” wrote Crestview’s athletic director Tim Kuhn in his McGowan Courage Award nomination letter.
Jacob grew up in a situation where his father’s military career and second marriage didn’t allow him to be that constant figure a young person needs. Yet, with a loving mother, brother and grandmother, Jacob managed to get through this stage of his life. You could say that for a short time, life had reached a point of normalcy. His mother had remarried, and Jake had a stable male figure in his life.
Then the unspeakable happened. On Feb. 25, 2015, while returning from watching his older brother’s sectional wrestling meet, his stepfather tragically passed in a car accident. Fast forward to 2018, and Jacob yet again suffered a great loss with the passing of his biggest fan, his grandmother.
“Losing a parent and loved one is one of the most devastating things a child can endure,” Kuhn said. “One might ask, ‘How has this young man kept it together?’ It is actually something I ask myself all the time while watching Jake walk the halls, or play the sports he so dearly loves.
“In his book ‘David and Goliath,’ Malcom Gladwell explains that for some, the death of a loved one can be the spur, a propellant that sends one catapulting into life. Because they are on their own, they are forced to persist, to invent, and to chart their own way. What truly sets Jake apart from his peers is that the adversity and challenges he has faced his entire life only made him stronger and more determined to succeed. I look not only to Jake himself, but also to his family and their constant support and encouragement for this perseverance.”
“Jacob is a pretty special kid that has a lot in life thrown at him and I am extremely proud of him,” said his mother Amie Walker. “Yet, through life’s turmoils he has always stayed the path toward his goals of going to college and being a college athlete.
“We are extremely grateful and honored that he was nominated. This award will help offset some of the expense of his higher education, which I am so grateful for.”
Jacob said he is honored, humbled and extremely grateful that his athletic director, Tim Kuhn, thought enough of him to nominate him for this award. He knows that the education award will help him with the cost of college next year and for that he can’t say “thank you” enough.
The Rotary McGowan Courage Award is supported by these sponsors: OhioHealth, Richland Bank, Haring Realty, Mechanics Bank, Gorman Rupp, North Central State College, Richland Source, Shelby Rotary Club, The Ohio State University at Mansfield, Mansfield Art Center, The Renaissance Theatre, Snyder Funeral Home, Hamilton Insurance Group, Mansfield Area Y, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, Mansfield Memorial Homes, Buckeye Horizon, Chuck Warner & Associates, Baker’s Collision Repair, Catalyst Life Services, Miller’s Diamond Jewelry, Scott and Adena King, Charles Cook, Jon Young, Dan Phallen, Gary Stroup, Harold Davis, Steve Cummins, Karen Redfearn, Scott and Mary Young, Betty Preston, Pam Sigenthaler, Melanie Riggleman, DJ Daniels, Win Meek, Walt Chaffee, Pat Chilcote, and David Crawford.
The Rotary McGowan Courage Award was founded in 1968 by the Rotary Club of Mansfield. It was named in honor of Brigadier Bill McGowan, past commander of the Mansfield Salvation Army Post and long-time member of Rotary.
The award’s focus is to recognize and honor local high school students who have faced life experiences of adversity and hardship with extraordinary courage, tenacity and fortitude.
Award recipients are invited to attend a special luncheon where they will be recognized by local dignitaries and elected officials who have ordered individual proclamations in honor of each student. A certificate from the Mansfield Rotary Club will also be presented, along with an American flag that was flown over the U. S. Capital Building, certificate for one class at North Central State College, gift certificate for a show at The Renaissance Theatre and a family membership to the Mansfield Art Center.
Award recipients will also receive a financial award of $1,000 which may be used toward any further education, work or other needs. Additionally, each student will receive a savings account certificate from Richland Bank in the amount of $100.
