The Rotary Club of Mansfield celebrated the 58th year of its McGowan Courage Awards at Kingwood Center Gardens, the home for the club.
In 1968, Brigadier “Bill” McGowan created the award to celebrate and recognize local high school students who have faced life experiences of adversity and hardship with extraordinary courage, tenacity, and fortitude.
The award looks past academic or athletic achievements, but instead finds the students who show strength and resilience despite obstacles or odds being stacked against them.
After a luncheon, awards were presented to 10 students from across Richland County, each from a different school. The awards are made possible by a fund established at the Richland County Foundation by an anonymous donor. Over the years, many people have donated to the fund.
“This is an afternoon dedicated to recognizing the strength of human spirit in the power perseverance. For nearly six decades, this event has stood as a beacon of inspiration, celebrating high school seniors who have faced life’s most difficult challenges with remarkable grace, bravery, and resilience,”
“Today, we come together not only to honor their courage, but to be reminded of what it truly means to endure, to overcome, and to inspire,” Jennifer Alt, Rotary Club member, said in her introductory speech.
Words from those who nominated them, and the students themselves.
McKinlie Carpenter — Clearfork Valley Schools
At just 18 years old, McKinlie has faced unimaginable hardships. In March 2023, she experienced the devastating loss of her mother—an event that shook her world and deeply affected both her personal life and academic performance. Grief is not something one simply overcomes, but with time, determination, and support, McKinlie began to navigate this painful new reality, slowly regaining her focus and improving her grades.
Then, just as she was finding stability, another tragedy struck. In December 2023, her family lost their home in a fire. The loss was total, and the impact immeasurable. Overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty, she considered stepping away from traditional schooling altogether, opting instead for online classes—or possibly not finishing at all.
But those around her—her intervention specialists, teachers, staff, and Vice Principal—knew that she was meant for more. They saw her strength, her potential, and most importantly, her ability to overcome. And so, they rallied behind her, urging her to stay the course. They reminded her of a powerful truth: she would be the first in her family to graduate from high school.
With their encouragement and her own unwavering resolve, McKinlie made a courageous decision—not only to stay in school but to push herself even further. She filled her schedule, took extra courses, and committed to finishing early. And now, instead of walking across the graduation stage in 2026, she will proudly join the Class of 2025 as a graduate.
Nominated and written by Allison Hahn. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Cayden “Beau” Hefner — Ontario Local Schools
Beau’s journey began at the tender age of four when he was diagnosed with A.L.L. Pre-B Cell, Standard Risk, Childhood Leukemia on April 1, 2011. Despite the grim predictions and the challenges he faced, Beau rang the bell on Friday, June 13, 2014, symbolizing the end of his treatment. This milestone marked not only his victory over illness but also set the stage for his determination to defy expectations. Medical professionals advised that he would struggle with navigating school without an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and would be unable to participate in athletics. Beau proved them wrong on both counts.
After his treatment, he actively engaged in soccer, basketball, and baseball. His high school years were equally impressive; he participated in baseball for two years and football for four years, demonstrating not only his athletic ability but also his commitment to teamwork and perseverance.
Academically, Beau has consistently excelled. He began taking high school courses in the eighth grade, enrolling in three courses simultaneously. He followed this impressive start with two years of honors courses and then transitioned to full-time college courses during his junior and senior years. He is poised to graduate this May with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration, and he plans to attend Bowling Green State University in the fall to major in business.
What truly sets Beau apart, beyond his academic and athletic accomplishments, is his inspiring personality. His sense of humor lights up any room, and his ability to live in the moment and enjoy life is infectious. Beau embodies optimism, kindness, and humility. He often checks in with his sister when he is at the high school, ensuring she has everything she needs, often bringing her lunch. His love for nature, hiking, and music further highlights his well-rounded character.
Nominated and written by Veronica Cain. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Auberia Bostic — Mansfield City Schools
Aubreia Bostic is the epitome of resiliency. Life has dealt her too many challenges a person her age should need to overcome. This nomination came at such coincidental timing. During her last session, I told her I have anonymously used her story as an example with other clients at Mansfield Senior about pushing through difficulties and working hard.
Aubreia’s choices have shown she values education and hard work. Focusing on only her high school years, she has survived repeated abuse, an unexpected death of a close relative, chronic health diagnoses, and moving out of the home at seventeen for personal reasons. Throughout all these hardships, she has kept in contact with her school counselors about graduation requirements, enrolled in college classes at Mansfield Senior, and worked 10-hour shifts and overtime to support herself.
Though her body has taken a toll, often feeling tired and drained with poor eating and sleep schedules, she hasn’t let anything get in the way of her academics. She does not let those challenges get in the way of dreaming about college and a successful career.
Aubreia has worked hard on not only her successful academic career, but she has put in years of effort on her mental health. Her journey is honorable. Adults who are around her daily would be shocked to know this intelligent, funny, strong, responsible young woman has lived through some of their nightmares.
Nominated and written by Rachel Hawkins. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Nicole Miller — Mansfield Christian High School
Nicole Miller was born with branchiootorenal syndrome (BOR), a genetic disorder which affects the ears, neck, and kidneys. Postnatal tests revealed she had no kidney on her right side and a small, failing one on her left. Her kidney function remained stagnant at 28 percent for the next eight years, severely impacting her growth, diet, red blood cell counts, and blood pressure.
Her mother Letitia recalls that Nicole wasn’t gaining weight, and was tired all the time. She struggled in school. She also suffered from hearing loss. In February 2011, Nicole’s kidney function dipped from 40 to 27. Her parents began to ask everyone they knew to consider kidney donation. Eighteen people volunteered, but no one was a match for Nicole.
After months of testing with a potential donor who was eventually rejected by the medical board, Nicole’s mother had a parent-teacher conference with Nicole’s kindergarten teacher, Wendy Killian. At the conference, Wendy asked Letitia what the criteria would be for a kidney donor. As she listed the characteristics of the perfect donor, all Wendy could think was, “That’s me!”
On April 23, 2013, Nicole received Wendy’s kidney, which has been affectionately named “Sid.” The surgery was a success, and since then Nicole has gone on to defy the odds and thrive at Mansfield Christian School despite the physical and learning challenges she has experienced.
She loves the Lord deeply and sincerely. And every year, the Miller and the Killian families celebrate Nicole and Wendy’s “kidneyversary,” thanking God for His provision in Nicole’s life and for bringing them together to be “deep down blood related.” They praise God for how He has helped Nicole to overcome all of the obstacles life has thrown at her. When we look at Nicole’s story, we see clearly how God worked in her life throughout the years to grow her into the young woman she is today.
Nominated and written by Cyndi Stigall. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Brianna Studer — Madison Comprehensive High School
Upon her entrance into the world, the drama began. As soon as she was born, the hospital staff suggested that someone call the priest as fear gripped everyone in the room. Unbeknownst to them was her fighting spirit, her zest for life, her determination to make her way in this world on her terms with her feisty spirit, winning smile, and larger than life personality.
Brianna Studer was born with Type 3 Osteogenesis Imperfecta and entered the world facing extraordinary challenges. She was born with a dislocated leg, a broken arm, a fractured jaw, and healing breaks in all her long bones. Yet, despite the physical obstacles presented by her diagnosis, her spirit has never wavered.
Growing up, she endured fractures nearly every two months, experiencing pain most could never imagine. Yet her resilience, optimism, and infectious energy have become a beacon of inspiration to those around her. She navigates school and her community with confidence, zipping through life in her power wheelchair, refusing to let barriers define her.
Bri has matured into a young woman with goals and dreams just like her peers. Her bright light shines as her heart leads the way. She has learned to advocate for herself with fervor; she demands that you see the young woman first and the wheelchair, if at all, second. According to Bri, what she is most proud of is that she tries her best to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. In her own words, she states, “It’s a huge part of what I believe in and it’s what I believe I do best in this world!”
As one of the newest recruits for Ashland University, she’s already planning for her next adventure in the world of business. Bri has made her way doing what people believed she couldn’t, wouldn’t and shouldn’t do. She’s a miracle-a-minute kind of kid and isn’t afraid to tread on anything or anyone who tries to stop her.
Nominated and written by Sean Conway, Craig Green, and Mary Myers. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Franklin Sampsel — Lucas Local Schools
Franklyn is a young man with an old soul, and a kind heart that doesn’t have a mean bone in his body that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Franklyn has grown so much while attending Lucas High School and Pioneer Career and Technology Center and I have enjoyed watching the progression.
I first got to know Franklyn when he came to the high school as an eighth-grader. I had him in social studies and we worked together during study hall. He was quiet, struggled with anxiety, his ability to focus, his speech and writing and he would say his memory too, but if you wanted to know anything about trains… Franklyn was the man.
His eyes would light up whenever he had an opportunity to share his love of trains. We spent many days discussing trains since that was his topic of choice for his current event assignments in history class. Franklyn also loved to share stories about working with his dad rebuilding old cars, attending car shows and his cat Houdini.
Some time during his Freshman/Sophomore year Franklyn was diagnosed with Autism. He was uncomfortable with the diagnosis at first, until one day he said to me, “It’s just the way I learn, and everyone learns differently.” Franklyn never let it define him or get in his way. He just kept pushing forward towards his end goal… graduation.
Nominated and written by Laura Swank. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Devin Mullen — Shelby City Schools
In August of 2022, Devin’s life took a tragic turn when his mother was shot during a confrontation involving her boyfriend and another individual. One of the bullets from the altercation passed through a car window just above his younger sibling’s head. In the immediate aftermath, Devin found temporary shelter with a family friend before eventually moving in with his father in Shelby.
This transition was a turning point for Devin. On his first day of school at Shelby High School, Devin did not know anyone and did not know how to talk to anyone. He embraced his new environment, joined the football and wrestling teams, and began forming positive relationships. He also recognized the need to make changes in his own life, working hard to break bad habits such as lying, skipping school, and oversleeping. Through determination and perseverance, Devin has made remarkable progress. His grades have steadily improved, and he now holds a 2.85 GPA. His commitment to self-improvement and resilience in the face of adversity is truly commendable.
Looking ahead, Devin has set his sights on serving his country by joining the United States Navy after graduation. His journey is an inspiring testament to strength, perseverance, and the ability to rise above difficult circumstances.
Nominated and written by John Gies. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Kayla Regulus — St. Peter’s High School
Embracing perseverance and resilience during difficult moments empowers us to not only withstand adversity, but also to grow and find strength in our struggles. Each of these were lessons I learned when my alcoholic and abusive sister moved back home midway through my junior year.
Because of our age difference of over ten years, we hadn’t grown up together or developed the relationship you expect from typical siblings. By the time she re-entered my life, she had been off and on with her husband for years, was facing charges of domestic violence, and had alienated her mother-in-law in an “altercation.” When she was kicked out of a domestic violence shelter for abusing alcohol and moved into my home with her four children ranging in age from two to thirteen, the life I once knew was altered permanently.
Once my sister and her family began living with us, every aspect of my life changed dramatically: my mental health, my physical health, my academic life, and my social life. I had to give up the luxuries of freedom, privacy, time, and the strong relationship with my mother.
What I learned, however, is that life never goes back to normal because through the challenges we learn and grow. My senior year of high school I started refocusing on school and getting back on track with my life. I’ve learned to not hold things in and communication is necessary. My guidance counselor has helped me relieve my stress and anxiety and reconnect with my friends and family that I had once been distant towards. By the time my sister moved
out and lost custody of her children, I was fundamentally a different person. My confidence grew back, and I started to develop more independence. I started going out more, got my license, reclaimed my interest in animal science, and reconnected with my faith. I’ve begun to be more open to change in my day to day and accept that changes in your life are what you make them rather than what happens to you. In embracing these changes and recognizing their role in my personal growth, I have transformed the challenges I faced into opportunities for resilience and self-discovery, ultimately shaping a brighter and more empowered future.
Written by Kayla Regulus. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Addison Cornell — Crestview High School
Addison (“Addy”) Cornell was born a month early at only 4 lbs, and doctors identified major complications during pregnancy. At birth, she was diagnosed with Duodenal atresia (a blockage in the intestines) and later Goldenhar Syndrome, a rare condition affecting the development of the eyes, ears, and spine. Immediately after birth, she underwent major surgery and began a long journey of medical interventions, including heart catheterizations, multiple surgeries (including open-heart surgery at 4 months), a tracheostomy, and hearing aids due to malformed ears.
As she grew, Addy faced additional hurdles: spinal deformities required fusion surgeries and wearing a back brace, which led to regression in speech and mobility. Through physical and speech therapy, she relearned essential skills.
Currently, she is in the horticulture program at Pioneer, pursuing work she loves despite the physical demands. Her grit and work ethic shine through her daily life.
Nominated and written by Brenda Metz. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
JayByx Mack — Lexington Local Schools
To describe JayByx Mack in a few minutes is impossible. Of the thousands of students I have taught over the years, he is one who has made a strong impression on me. I will never forget him, especially his easy smile and his joie de vivre. It was my privilege to have him as a student; it is an even bigger honor to know him as a person.
Ultimately, his father was convicted for murdering his ex-girlfriend and is currently serving a life sentence without parole. His brother and wife were arrested for obstruction of justice, but those charges were dropped once it was revealed they had no knowledge of what had transpired. JayByx shared that one Google search of his father’s name brings up his dad’s mugshot. He felt embarrassed to go to school.
However, true to his character, JayByx Mack made a decision: he wouldn’t shut down. He had to be strong for his family, and he needed to take back his family name.
In a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, JayByx’s response to unthinkable adversity has been remarkable. From the beginning, he held his head up high and did not let tragedy consume him or deter him from his goals. His moral values are unparalleled, and throughout this experience, he maintained his composure, kindness, and helpful spirit.
Nominated and written by Sally Giefer. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
