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(SHARONVILLE, Oh.) – Four residents of Southeast Indiana were honored for their character and actions on Thursday night.
The Heroes of Character awards dinner was hosted by The Character Council of Greater Cincinnati.
Several Tri-State residents were recognized for going above and beyond when it comes to helping others.
The honorees were nominated by people in their communities.
Abby Fox, Brylee Haring, Logan Lawrence, and Rachel Reynolds were among 30 people who were honored.
Abby Fox (Rising Sun)
(Watch Abby's presentation below)
Like many parents, Abby was horrified by the school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, last year. The Rising Sun mother could have complained about outdated camera technology at Rising Sun Schools, but she made it her mission to do it herself - and the small community stepped up in a big way.
Brylee Haring (Lawrenceburg)
(Watch Brylee's presentation below)
Central Elementary fifth grader Brylee Haring found out her teacher was diagnosed with cancer back in August. The young student knew she had to do something to help. She created a fundraiser all by herself for Mrs. Cole.
Logan Lawrence (Lawrenceburg)
When ALS took Logan's grandfather, he decided to create a fundraiser in his honor, with the proceeds going to the ALS Association. On May 5, Logan will host the 8th annual Cruisin' to A Cure for ALS Car Show in Lawrenceburg with a goal to raise $50K.
In 2023, the fundraiser raised $41K. The car show brings together car enthusiasts who show their prized vehicles in one of the categories: classic, modern, customs, motorcycles, and racecars.
Logan was recognized as someone who overcame adversity during the award ceremony. He overcame a difficult circumstance with his grandfather to create a massive car show with a good purpose.
We asked him what his advice to others who face adversity would be.
"My biggest advice is to just find a way to give back to others and overcome that thing that affects you. Most likely, other people are being affected by the same thing," Lawrence said. "If you put your mind to it anything is possible. You just have to surround yourself with the right people too. Because once you surround yourself with the right people, things become much easier."
Rachel Reynolds (Greendale)
Rachel has made a significant impact on the lives of many people in Dearborn County. An advocate for people who are in need, whether they need food, clothing, a ride to a medical appointment, or financial assistance, Rachel jumps right in and finds a way to get it done.
During the pandemic, Rachel, along with a few others, started raising funds to purchase PPE supplies to hand out in the community. After the restrictions were lifted, they converted the non-profit to the Community Project, Inc. which now oversees projects such as Feeding Those in Need, Christmas with Friends, No Child is Left Behind, and Community Blessing Boxes.
Rachel is currently working to set up a quarterly meeting for all local non-profits to create a community of resource sharing that would allow The Community Project to create a network that would easily connect those in need with available resources.
Other organizations that Rachel has been involved with include Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dearborn County Young Professionals, and Clearinghouse Food Pantry in Aurora.
Rachel told The 812 that she hopes this recognition encourages more locals to get involved.
"I've found that people in our community want to volunteer, they just need an outlet to do it. It is good to be recognized and I hope it brings more attention to what we're trying to do," she said.
