Foundation event honors John and Annie Glenn as Children of Appalachia
Nelsonville, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio will hold its annual celebration and recognize Senator John Glenn and Mrs. Annie Glenn as the 2007 I’m a Child of Appalachia® honorees. The event, for ICAN! members, friends and supporters of the FAO, will be held at the Zanesville Country Club on Saturday, October 27.
The purpose of the Foundation’s award-winning I’m a Child of Appalachia campaign is to share stories of the region’s success and honor outstanding individuals who are making a difference in their communities and the world. The Foundation’s honorees are people who are proud of their Appalachian roots and authenticate the importance of educational opportunities to life, business and community achievement, said Cara Dingus Brook, Foundation President/CEO.
John and Annie Glenn grew up in New Concord, Ohio, in Muskingum County. High school sweethearts and Muskingum College graduates, the couple would become American heroes. Annie is renowned for providing an inspiring model for people with communicative disorders as she overcame her own.
“We have just as capable and talented young people in southeast Ohio as there are in any part of Ohio, or our nation for that matter,” Annie said. “But they must have the same or better educational opportunities if they are to compete and succeed.”
John was a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean conflict, and in 1962, became the first astronaut to orbit the earth. Later, he would serve Ohio as a U.S. Senator for four terms. At the age of 77, John reprised the astronaut role he become famous for when he became the oldest human ever to venture into space.
“Referring to my growing up in Southeast Ohio – I remarked only half jokingly, you can start from here and go anywhere, do anything and compete with anyone in any field. That was at a New Concord celebration following my orbital space flight in 1962. But it’s more than just ‘going’ somewhere,” the Senator said.
The Glenns join an ever-growing family of I’m a Child of Appalachia honorees, including the 2006 recipients: David Wilhelm, Athens native, entrepreneur and manager of President Bill Clinton’s campaign in 1992; Leona Hughes of Jackson County, who has endowed college scholarships for Ohio University students from Oak Hill; and Wayne F. White, Lawrence County native and former executive director of the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education (OACHE).
In 2005, the Foundation honored Mike Brooks of Nelsonville, CEO of Rocky Brands, Inc.; Nancy Zimpher of Gallipolis, president of the University of Cincinnati; and Bob Evans of Gallia County, founder of Bob Evans Restaurants.
The October 27th event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m. to be followed by a banquet and program at 6 p.m. See additional information here or call 740-753-1111.
Learn more about the Glenns and see our list of 2007 event sponsors.
