Clark County residents to be honored for community efforts

Four Clark County residents and a posthumous honoree have been designated as Luminaries for their community efforts by the Board of Clark County Commissioners.

The Luminaries were to be honored, 9 a.m. today, at the Commission meeting in the NTPRD Chiller conference room, 301 W. Main Street in Springfield.

“It doesn’t take money or power to enhance the lives of others,” Clark County Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt said. “We want to celebrate those bright lights in our community – of all ages and walks of life – whose ideas, passion and spirit serve to inspire others and make Clark County a better place.”

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Here are the honorees:

Cecilia Luther and Carly Delong

Springfield resident, Carly Delong, wanted to start a non-profit organization that provided makeup days with photo shoots to child cancer patients - allowing them to feel brave and beautiful.

Delong and Cecilia Luther, one of her closest friends and classmates, were working to make this program a reality when Delong was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on New Year’s Eve of 2016. She lost her battle with cancer in September of 2017.

Her legacy lives on through the nonprofit Carly Faye Foundation.

“Carly lived her life to the fullest and did so with a mission to help others facing similar situations,” said Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt. “Watching her friend and mother continue her dream of lifting up young women with cancer is heartwarming and truly meaningful.”

The foundation’s mission is to empower young girls as they battle for excellence. A program that will be called GLO – Girls Lifting Others! is currently in development by the foundation.

Bob Welker

After 23 years as a professor at Wittenberg University, Bob Welker, Ph.D, worked with community leaders to create the Springfield Promise Neighborhood.

This is a place-based and asset-based poverty alleviation project in the 110 block of the Lincoln Elementary attendance zone.

The organization works to increase learning opportunities for children and advocate for practices and resources that will aid the well-being of families.

In 2017, the project expanded to include three other elementary schools, Perrin Woods, Fulton and Kenwood Elementary schools.

“Bob Welker’s dedication to the children of Springfield and Clark County is second to none,” said Commissioner Rick Lohnes. “He’s made a major impact on the lives of our children and created a model that will be implemented in other communities for years to come.”

Welker recently retired after nearly a decade as Springfield Promise Neighborhood Executive Director and now works part-time on resources for the organization.

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Mark and Cathy Spencer

Mark and Cathy Spencer were nominated for their efforts in the New Carlisle communities.

The Spencer’s are long-time members of the Heritage of Flight Festival Committee and have operated the annual Cruise-in for 15 years.

“They’re great people,” said Commissioner Lowell McGlothin. “The cruise-in has become a marquee event each year in New Carlisle and Clark County. It wouldn’t be possible without Mark and Cathy Spencer’s leadership.”

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