GAMBIER — The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrated the achievements of local advocates and employers during its annual DD Awareness and Provider Appreciation event Wednesday at Kenyon College.
The highlight of the luncheon was the Lasting Legacy Award presentation, which honors someone dedicated to making the world a better place for people with developmental disabilities.
Nicole Hardesty, service and support administrator, recognized 2026 winner Cathy Mitchell for decades of resilience and independence.
Mitchell worked for more than three decades in the community, owns her home and paid off her mortgage this past year.
“After transitioning from 20 years in the Mount Vernon Developmental Center, Cathy built a life defined not by her past, but her determination to move forward. Today she is surrounded by the life she has worked so hard to create,” Hardesty said.
“Cathy’s story is not just one of success, it is a legacy of strength, independence, and joy.”
Nicole Hardesty, service and support administrator
“But what truly makes Cathy remarkable is her spirit. Through everything she has experienced, she’s never lost her joy.”
Individual Spotlight Award
Hope Beshears and Anthony Hawk received the Individual Spotlight Award.
The award recognizes an individual with a developmental disability who demonstrates determination and a commitment to achieving personal goals.
Jill Lahna, Knox DD human resources director, noted Beshears’ determination, independence, and advocacy as she pursues the childhood education program at Central Ohio Technical College.
“Hope is known for her positive attitude, her strong work ethic, and the kindness she shows to everyone around. She leads by example, proving that with perseverance and motivation, great things are possible,” Lahna said.
Beshears gave a shout-out to those who see her, not her condition.
“Because that’s what’s really important, actually. With disabilities, everyone knows that unfortunately, your condition is often spotted first, so ableism is a reality,” she said.
However, Beshears said she has realized lately that “there are people who see you, not your condition.”
“Let that be something you try to do,” she told the group. “It’s hard, but you know what? Go for it.”
Knox DD Superintendent Steve Oster noted Hawk’s positive attitude, willingness to learn, and community encouragement through Special Olympics.
“Tony has demonstrated incredible growth, determination, and a commitment to becoming more independent in all areas of his life,” he said.
“Anthony truly embodies the spirit of this award through his dedication, growth, and impact on others.”
Hawk said his parents always pushed him to be a winner, not a quitter, which is his catalyst to encourage others to “do the best you can.”
Community awards
Other award winners include:
•Knox Community Hospital: Inclusive Employer Award. DD Employment Manager Bobbi Kirch honored Parker Reynolds, KCH director of food and nutrition, for his “patience, understanding, understanding, genuine care for employees.”
•Monica Swank, Aspire coordinator at Knox Technical Center: Community Partner Award.
•Jessica Mortine of Gannt Homes: Heart of Support Award.
“When I think about helpers today, I can’t think of any better group of helpers than our providers. … All of them are vital to people with disabilities living the lives that they want to live.”
Sherri Simmons, provider relations manager, Knox DD
Building inclusive neighborhoods
Addie Cunningham, board member and parent advocate; Zach Depew, self-advocate; Peter Smith, parent provider and advocate; and Swank participated in a panel discussion.
Depew spoke about his involvement with AKTION Club, a subsidiary of Kiwanis International, and Special Olympics, where he serves as a mentor for others.
He said that communication is a significant opportunity he received through Aktion Club.
“I used be so intimated. I could hardly sit in front of a large group like this, let alone speak,” he said. “But that’s what the community, in my opinion, is about: support.”
Cunningham shared her family’s experience with DD’s early childhood program. Smith shared insights on how Knox DD helped the family after his son, Will, sustained a traumatic brain injury following an accident.
Swank spoke about Knox Technical Center’s Aspire program, which helps individuals gain skills for the workforce.
Being a good neighbor
“Today is all about the power of being a good neighbor,” Oster told the attendees, noting that the board now serves 710 individuals, more than double the number served when he joined the agency in 2008.
For Oster, that increase is not a bad thing.
“It means we’re serving more people, getting services where we need to get to,” he said. “We keep adapting our services to meet the needs.”
Oster said partnerships are part of being a good neighbor. He cited community partnerships for the Happy Spokes program, Project Lifesaver, and inclusive story time, among others.
Financial partnerships include Knox Community Foundation, Ariel Foundation, and the Energy Co-op, which provided grants for building upgrades.
Service partnerships include public transportation, accessible picnic tables, I Can Bike, a communication board, and accessible playgrounds.
