The Rotary Club of Mansfield celebrated the 59th year of its McGowan Courage Awards on May 5th at Kingwood Center Gardens.
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.
This year, the son of McGowan was able to attend the event and see first hand the tradition his father started.
Nine students across Richland County were honored this year. The awards are made possible by numerous sponsors including Baker’s Auto Body, Buckeye Horizon, Hamilton Insurance, Shelby Rotary Club, Mechanics Bank, Ohio Health, Park National Bank, OSU Mansfield, North Central State College, Mansfield Art Center, Kingwood Center, The Renaissance Theater, and Richland Academy of the Arts.
“Courage looks different for each of our honorees today. For some, it’s overcoming personal hardship. For others, it looks like being strong when you don’t know how to be. For all of the students, it’s about moving forward with strength and purpose, even in the face of uncertainty,” Jennifer Alt, Rotary Club member, said in her introductory speech.
Words from those who nominated them, and the students themselves.
Megan Bays — Madison Local Schools
Imagine what it would be like to start your existence with the fight of your life. From birth — born four months too soon — weighing in at barely one pound, fighting to breathe, fighting for each beat of your heart, and then having half of your bowels removed due to an illness.
The mini Mohammad Ali, Megan Bays, spent over nine months in an incubator on oxygen and a heart monitor. You’d have to have the heart of an MMA fighter and the will of steel to be as strong and resilient as this premie!
Her mother was in shock for months, her miracle baby fought like a tiger to gain the weight and maintain her health enough to come home. Doctors and nurses warned her mother that she would most likely never be able to walk, or talk or “do anything a ‘normal’ kid would be able to do,” but our Miss Megan proved them all wrong!
Megan’s parents worked diligently to raise her as if she was a normal kid, not an outsider, which Megan says helped her a lot.
In Megan’s words, “Growing up I knew I was different, but I still tried to fit in. The kids at school knew something was different about me, but they still made me feel included, even with the constant questions– ‘what’s that dot on your forehead?’ I would just explain that it was a fat deposit… just something normal. I knew I had to prove the doctors and nurses wrong when they said I couldn’t do anything.”
Megan reiterates, “I– I had a sense of belonging, I was so determined to prove them all wrong. Even to this day, I still am proving them wrong. I have always tried to put my best effort in everything, despite what everyone else is doing around me. I believe this has made me have a different point of view, not just being different or the quiet kid. This has given me a way to make myself stronger, knowing that things won’t be handed to me and that I need to work for everything I accomplish in life. Not just for myself– but for others, too. To prove just because you are not at the same running pace as others, should not deter you because it still means you can get to the finish line. It may take more work, more confidence, or even a changed mindset to get there, but you can do it!”
“Let it be known that even though we all are on different paths, we will all get there in the end. Do not let others get you down, no matter what they say or do. Everyone is different in their own way, so own it. Ever since I was little, I had this dream to be different, to stand out. I hope people know that even in the hardest chapters, there is still another chapter afterward.”
“In the end, with a challenge there is always success, but you have to work towards it. No matter how long or short it is, set goals. Even if it is just to make one person smile, or to make their day, or to open the door for a stranger. Lead by example,” Megan reminds us, “Be that example to everyone, because you never know, you may be the reason someone smiles that day.” Megan implores us to remember that quote: “I have been fighting ever since day one– and I will continue to prove to many people that with weaknesses–there is still strength.”
I loved the line, “I hope people know that even in the hardest chapters, there is still another chapter after.” It resonates to my bones!
Nominated and written by Mary Myers. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Jenaya Powell — Ontario Local Schools
As a high school senior at Ontario High School, Jenaya exemplifies the true meaning of courage—not in a single moment, but through the consistent strength she has demonstrated in navigating the realities of her everyday life.
In May 2022, she was placed in the temporary custody of her maternal grandmother and enrolled in Ontario Local Schools. While this marked an official transition, her grandmother had long been a source of stability and support in her life. From a young age, Jenaya was exposed to mental health and substance abuse challenges within her family, circumstances that required her to mature quickly and develop resilience beyond her years.
Her grandmother was not only her caregiver, but her anchor—her safe place in an otherwise uncertain world. Tragically, just one year later, on May 27, 2023, Jenaya experienced the profound loss of that stability when her grandmother passed away. This loss alone would be overwhelming for anyone, yet Jenaya was forced to continue forward while facing additional hardships, including periods without basic utilities such as running water and electricity, and limited parental guidance.
Despite these challenges, Jenaya has continued to persevere. While she has encountered obstacles and acknowledges that her journey has included moments of missteps, what sets her apart is her ability to reflect, grow, and redirect her path. Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, she has made the conscious decision to rise above them.
In May 2026, Jenaya will graduate from both Ontario High School and Pioneer Career and Technology Center, having successfully completed all of her academic requirements. She has been an active and dedicated participant in the Horticulture program while also maintaining part-time employment—demonstrating responsibility, work ethic, and a commitment to building a stable future for herself.
Jenaya’s character speaks volumes. She is a deeply caring and compassionate individual who consistently looks out for her younger brother, serving as both a role model and a source of support in his life. Her humility is equally remarkable—while she is genuinely appreciative of any assistance she receives, she is driven by a strong desire to work for what she needs and solve problems independently.
Jenaya’s life has been shaped by trauma and hardship, yet she continues to show resilience, determination, and quiet strength. Her courage is not loud or attention-seeking—it is steady, enduring, and deeply rooted in her commitment to creating a better future for herself and those she cares about.
She is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Nominated and written by Kelly Conn. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Princess Timko — Shelby City Schools
When reflecting on the meaning of family, two quotes often come to mind: “Family isn’t an important thing; it is everything,” and “The family is the most important institution in society—if we lose the family, we lose everything.”
For Shelby High School’s recipient of the McGowan Courage Award, the definition of family has evolved many times throughout her life.
Princess Timko spent her early childhood in Mansfield, growing up in a home impacted by drug addiction. When she was in third grade, her father was tragically killed in a drug deal gone wrong in Cleveland. During this time, her mother struggled with addiction, often taking her children along as she searched for drugs. Despite these circumstances, Princess still cherished the sense of togetherness she felt with her mother and siblings.
That sense of family changed when Children’s Services intervened and placed the children in the care of their grandmother. Although their mother continued to visit, her addiction often overshadowed those moments. Eventually, even their grandmother fell victim to addiction. As her mother’s health declined due to cancer, she made the difficult decision to send her children to Shelby to live with her brother. Shortly thereafter, Princess’s mother passed away. Today, Princess keeps a necklace containing some of her mother’s ashes—a deeply treasured reminder of her.
In Shelby, Princess found stability with her aunt and uncle, who became a strong and supportive foundation in her life. She enrolled in Shelby City Schools in seventh grade and began adjusting to a new environment and a new definition of family. While the transition presented challenges, Princess persevered. She will graduate with a 3.0 GPA, a testament to her resilience and determination.
Throughout high school, Princess has been highly involved. She competed on the soccer team, earning All-League and All-District honors. As a member of both the indoor and outdoor track teams, she has competed at the state level and qualified for national meets. This spring, she was part of the National Champion 4×200 relay team at the National Emerging Elite Meet in New York City.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Princess is known as “Miss School Spirit.” She energizes pep rallies and school events, leading her classmates with enthusiasm and positivity. Her vibrant personality and unwavering encouragement uplift those around her. It is difficult to recall a time when Princess was not smiling or supporting others.
Many students faced with similar adversity might have struggled to find success. Princess, however, chose a different path. As her definition of family changed through circumstances beyond her control, she built new connections—embracing her teammates, coaches, teachers, and friends as an extended family that helped her thrive.
Princess aspires to become a nurse and hopes to continue her track career at the collegiate level. It is no surprise that she is drawn to a profession rooted in compassion and empathy—qualities she demonstrates each day. Her strength, perseverance, and positive spirit serve as an inspiration to us all.
Nominated and written by John Gles. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Ni‘Ahana Lane — St. Peter’s Catholic School
Courage is often defined as strength in the face of adversity, but in her case, it is something even more profound: the daily decision to rise, to persevere, and to transform hardship into purpose.
An exceptional student, she has earned a 4.0 GPA while simultaneously working a full-time job—an accomplishment that, in itself, speaks volumes about her discipline and determination. Yet her academic success is only one part of her story. What distinguishes her most is the quiet, unwavering resilience she demonstrates each and every day.
Through her writing, particularly her poem “It Has Only Just Begun,” she gives voice to a past marked by instability, homelessness, and deep personal struggle. Her words reflect a time when life felt overwhelming—when she questioned purpose, identity, and belonging. But rather than allowing those experiences to define her, she used them as a catalyst for transformation. Writing became her way of processing pain, and ultimately, her way of letting it go.
Her childhood was shaped by constant movement, uncertainty, and the complex realities of her mother’s struggles with mental illness and addiction. She learned to adapt quickly—navigating different environments, cultures, and expectations—often feeling the need to become who others needed her to be just to survive. Yet through all of this, she never lost the core of who she is: a young woman of deep compassion, insight, and strength.
What is most remarkable is not simply what she has endured, but how she has chosen to respond. Where others might see only hardship, she sees purpose. Where cycles of pain might continue, she has made the conscious decision to break them. She speaks not with bitterness, but with understanding; not with defeat, but with resolve.
She has expressed a clear and compelling desire to pursue higher education—not just as a personal achievement, but as a means to give back. Inspired by the failures she witnessed in the systems meant to protect and support families like her own, she is determined to become an advocate for those who feel unseen and unheard. She wants to be the person she once needed.
Her story is not one of victimhood, but of courage. It is the courage to endure, to reflect, to grow, and ultimately, to begin again.
As she so powerfully writes, “It has only just begun.” In many ways, that line captures not only her journey so far, but the extraordinary promise of what lies ahead.
Nominated and written by Curt Lesher. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Logan Gehrisch — Mansfield Christian School
Logan Gehrisch came to Mansfield Christian in 6th grade, and he will tell you that the transition was an adjustment for him. Making friends was a struggle, as was adjusting to the culture of a new school. To top it off, that was the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating the struggle to make friends.
When 7th grade started, Logan felt hopeful that things would improve. But on September 17th, Logan was in a go kart accident that led to a broken leg and arm. He couldn’t use the stairs, and some of his classes had to be moved. He struggled to use crutches, and had to relearn how to walk once his leg was healed due to the severity of the break.
Throughout his healing process, Logan kept a positive attitude and worked hard to make friends anyway. He felt like he was doing well, and so did we. We didn’t know that under the surface, Logan was struggling with depression and thoughts of worthlessness. He felt depressed, lonely, and afraid for what the future held. Unbeknownst to his loved ones, Logan wrote a note, and attempted to take his own life. By the grace of God, he was not successful. He stopped himself, and after telling his parents about how he was feeling and what he attempted, he began counseling and the long road to mental health recovery.
It wasn’t easy. Though he was learning to work through his emotions and use coping skills, things were hard. He experienced loss. Though he still felt hopeless at times, Logan kept telling himself, “One day I’m going to use this to help someone going through the same thing.”
He made good, Godly friends who lifted him up and encouraged him. He joined IMAGE, our missions choir, and started regularly attending youth group. He grew in dependence on the Lord and awareness of the Holy Spirit, and felt a calling to help others who were experiencing the same pain that he experienced.
On New Year’s Eve of this year, Logan’s cousin Matthew died by suicide. Logan found himself asking, “Why? I’ve been there–why did this happen?” Through the devastation and the grief, Logan found clarity of purpose. “I’m still alive, and I’m well. I know what it’s like to be in a dark place, but the Lord gave me hope. Other people are hurt and broken and don’t see what the Lord is doing with them yet. I want them to realize that there is hope for them. I want to be a light to others.”
Though he doesn’t know what his exact path after high school looks like, Logan does know one thing–he wants to help people who are broken and disheartened. He wants to encourage and walk with people through their struggles. He finds joy in the scripture Philippians 4:4-8, which states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
Nominated and written by Kristin Foxworth-O’Brien. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Ella Chatman — Mansfield Senior High School
Early in Ella’s life, at 3 years old, she entered the foster care system as a result of parental substance abuse. For numerous years she experienced instability, a few transitions and uncertainty about her future. After being returned briefly to her biological home, Ella was again uprooted and place into foster care again, this time finding placement in a foster home in Mansfield.
Despite experiencing these challenges again, Ella has shown determination and resilience. Waking up every day with the only consistency in her life being inconsistency, Ella still maintained a positive outlook, personal growth and an unwavering focus on education. During her sophomore year, Ella was adopted by a caring and supportive family. Since that time, she has continued a commitment to her education (3.2 GPA, 35th in her class) and being a positive influence with her peers and staff.
Currently, Ella is an active student in the Health Technologies program, working towards earning her CNA and will test soon for her Phlebotomy certification. She is currently working in the healthcare field at Ohio Health and will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall.
Whitney Glorioso, a Dean of Students at Mansfield Senior High School during her sophomore year, reflected on her own encounters with Ella over the years, and had this to say: “Miss Chatman has been a wonderful student and helper during my time in the High School who is always smiling, always respectful and will do anything you ask of her. She has worked very hard to be successful in her school career, and I am very excited to see what she accomplishes after graduation. There is no better candidate for this award than Ella; she will use this accomplishment to further expand the opportunities for herself.”
Within Mansfield Senior, Ella is known for her strength, perseverance and selflessness. The challenges that arise are met with maturity and determination. This serves as an example to others of how to overcome adversity with optimism and integrity. Her story reflects not only courage, but also providing inspiration to others around her.
Her story is a powerful reminder of what resilience and support can have on a young person’s life. Maya Angelou noted, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Nominated and written by Stan L. Gilbert. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Jessica Smith — Crestview Local Schools
For Jessica Smith the courage that she is recognized for today is the courage to overcome difficulty. It is an internal courage, one that is hidden from the view of most people that she knows and hidden from her friends and family. Jessica’s courage is not the kind of courage that is written on social media or in the news, but the kind of courage that often can make or break the mentally strongest.
On Oct 5th 2024 Jessica was involved in a car accident which caused a Traumatic Brain Injury. I am recognizing Jessica Smith for the courage that she has had over the past year overcoming an event that fundamentally changed how she was able to function each day. Jessica has done a tremendous amount of work to overcome this challenge and she has mentally grown through the struggle of accepting who she is now, knowing that she is different mentally then she used to be. Today she feels like her brain is permanently slowed down and that the way she used to be able to process information has changed and is much harder.
Jessica is honored today for having the courage to persevere, for being brave enough to ask for help, for the ability to share her struggles and for always keeping a positive attitude and working hard for small improvements. She knows that she has changed, and that the way that she used to be able to think has changed. She has overcome these challenges and struggles to excel and thrive over the past year.
Jessica Smith just retired as the Crestview FFAs 2025-2026 President. During this time she lead our FFA Chapter of over 150 members, she has been fundamental in a year of change bringing together a brand new middle school program with our high school FFA Chapter and she has lead her FFA Officer peers in planning our FFAs program of activities. All while recovering from an extremely difficult chapter in her high school career.
Jessica, thank you for your courage in embracing a new normal and continuing the journey. Thank you for not allowing the shadows of the mountains to block your sunshine.
Nominated and written by Danielle Haydocy. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Lincoln Rice — Lexington Local Schools
While this may be unprecedented as a mom, from a teacher perspective, it is with honor that I speak in regards to Lincoln Rice. On April 22, 2025 my world came to a halt when I watched my son, Lincoln, stepping out of his totaled vehicle that had just crashed into a telephone pole, splitting it in half. Nothing made sense. The scene said he should be seriously injured, but there he was shaking off shards of glass. He had fallen asleep at the wheel, which probably saved him from serious injury because he was not conscious to brace for impact. This was the second car accident where he had fallen asleep in the span of just a couple of months. Finally, we had the attention of the medical world. After a series of tests, Lincoln was diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypersomnia, a rare disorder which leaves his body in a state of exhaustion and brain fog no matter how much sleep he gets. There is no cure for this, only medicine that helps him stay awake for a few hours at a time. Lincoln had gone undiagnosed for more than two years. Considering this, what he has been able to accomplish during his high school years leaves me impressed, honored to call him my son, and someone who has changed my outlook on life.
I would describe Lincoln as determined, creative, intelligent, but his best quality is his kindness. He has a 4.4 GPA, a long list of AP classes and CCP courses he has taken, and if there is a club to be involved in, you can bet Lincoln has joined. Within our school community, Lincoln has been a member of the Key Club, Student Council, Leadership Council, Bio Club, Chess Club, and Drama Club. Furthermore, he is a two year member of National Honor Society, participated in Youth and Government his senior year where he was able to coauthor a bill and present that before a mock government, and is an officer for Spanish Club.
Athletically, he is a four year varsity letter recipient in cross country and track, and was captain of the 2025 state championship cross country team. He became an all-Ohioan at that meet. At every meet, he steps onto the course and says, “I will give my best effort today and be a good teammate.”
Outside of school, he has worked at Dairy Land for 3 years, and volunteers at his church, Crossroads, to help teach the Special Friends class. This list of activities and accomplishments are impressive, but to think he has done most of this while being undiagnosed with a serious disorder that keeps him from having a clear mind and energy is inspiring.
Lincoln has never complained, never stated life is unfair, and has never used his disability as a crutch. He has challenged me to see this life as a blessing, has shown me grace, and has taught me to look at the world in a different way. Lincoln is always up for a challenge, lives life to the fullest, and whatever he does, he does to the best of his abilities.
In conclusion, Lincoln is an inspiration to me and many others. He is a leader for his teammates, a friend to those in need, and respected by his peers and teachers. His love for learning, his heart for others and life, and his ability to overcome obstacles makes Lincoln a stand out student who will be a positive influence in this world and I look forward to having a front row seat to that.
Nominated and written by Holly Rice. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
Xander Frederick — Clearfork High School
Xander’s care for others is evident in everything he does. He is eager to help and often puts the needs of others before his own. Whether supporting a peer or brightening a teacher’s day, he goes out of his way to make a positive impact. Despite these qualities, he rarely gives himself the credit he deserves. Behind his kindness, however, is a student who has worked tirelessly to overcome the challenges of a specific learning disability. Rather than allowing it to define him, Xander has set ambitious goals for his future, including pursuing a career in the medical field.
With these goals in mind, I invited Xander to participate in an intensive, structured reading and literacy intervention program. Without hesitation, he committed. Over the course of a year and a half, Xander demonstrated an extraordinary level of perseverance. He attended sessions before school, after school, and even during the summer. Some of my tasks for him during this process were not something that just any student would keep pushing on or stick with me for. His motivation extended beyond personal growth—he genuinely wanted to succeed not only for himself, but for those supporting him.
The results of his dedication have been remarkable. Xander improved his basic reading level by more than four grade levels, increased his word identification skills by over three levels, and elevated his word attack skills from a fifth-grade level to a thirteenth-grade equivalent—surpassing expectations for a graduating senior. This is a student who has spent much of his academic career in a resource setting and is now preparing to take his first College Credit Plus (CCP) course. His growth is nothing short of inspiring.
Xander is also deeply involved in his school community as a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, wrestling, and track. Unfortunately, just before his senior year, he suffered a severe knee injury that required major surgery, ultimately sidelining him for the entirety of his final athletic seasons. Despite this significant setback, Xander never lost his positive outlook. He remained present and supportive, seen on crutches at football game sidelines supporting his peers, and later stepping into a coaching role for the track team.
His selflessness continued to shine even in these moments. One day after practice, I witnessed Xander give the tennis shoes off his own feet to a teammate in need of them—without hesitation. This simple yet powerful act speaks volumes about his character. It is who he is at his core.
Xander’s journey is marked by resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to others. Despite the challenges he has faced—academically and physically—he continues to move forward with courage and purpose. Inspired by his own experiences, he plans to pursue a career in physical therapy, where he can help others overcome obstacles just as he has.
Xander Frederick is a role model to both his peers and his teachers. He demonstrates that character, perseverance, and compassion truly make a difference. I am confident that he will continue to positively impact those around him long after his time at Clear Fork High School. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of his journey and to have witnessed the remarkable person he has become.
Nominated and written by Stephanie Phillips. The above text is edited for clarity and length by Richland Source.
