MANSFIELD — The Rotary Club of Mansfield brought back the McGowan Courage Awards for the 58th annual year, recognizing 10 exceptional high school students from across Richland County who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.
Created in 1968 by Brigadier “Bill” McGowan, the Courage Awards were designed to honor the quiet strength of students who persevere through personal hardship — not for academic or athletic accolades, but for the resilience and character they show when the odds are stacked against them.
McGowan, who served as Commander of the Salvation Army for four decades before retiring in 1979, was also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Mansfield, which has been serving the community since 1920.
“This is one of our signature events,” Michele Giess, Rotary Club member said.
“The Rotary Club is a service club, our motto is service above self. This is a way to give back and celebrate the students in our community who are facing significant challenges, but continue to push forward, graduate, and shape a future full of hope,” Giess said.
Each year, ten students — one from each participating high school in Richland County—are nominated by counselors or school staff. The program is made possible by a fund at the Richland County Foundation, established by an anonymous donor and supported over the years by many community contributions.
The McGowan Courage Awards don’t spotlight GPAs or sports stats — they shine a light on perseverance, character, and heart. Students are nominated by school counselors or staff who recognize the strength it takes to show up, work hard, and stay positive when life isn’t easy.
“It’s so important to these young students because a lot of the time there’s something in life that’s setting them back,” Kyle Swigart, President of the Rotary Club, said.
“This is finally their chance to share their story. Someone may hear it and it could change their life – showing what kind of disasters you can go through to achieve bigger and better things.”
The luncheon began at 11:30 a.m. in the Kingwood Center ballroom, with the awards ceremony starting at 11:45 a.m.
The awards also reflect one of the club’s five core service pillars—Student Services.
“This is how we invest in the next generation. It’s not just about recognizing excellence; it’s about recognizing effort, resilience, and growth,” Swigart said.
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Mansfield or the McGowan Courage Awards, visit https://mansfieldohrotaryclub.com/. Look out for our coverage on this year’s award recipients.
