Neil Ewing Award

The Neil Ewing award is given annually to a graduating high school senior, a member of Central Christian Church, who is a person of high ideals and moral character, has demonstrated a high degree of integrity, and has shown commitment to the church in his/her leadership and service to the church. The nominee also should have demonstrated good citizenship in school, home and community, and good relationships with his/her peers and others. There is no scholarship or monetary gift with this award. Selection Process Selection Committee Neil Ewing Neil Ewing Award Recipients 1974 Thomas Neil Ewing 1975 Anni Lee Rohrscheib 1976 Thomas Jones Dezarn 1977 Daniel Harold March 1978 Ellen Ann March 1979 Deborah Koucky Mindy Simcox Katrina Vanderlaan 1980 Kevin Otis 1981 Brian Vanderlaan 1982 Sid Rohrscheib 1983 Laura Lee Chapman 1984 Paula Keller Robin Keller Sonja Songer 1985 Keith William Lehnhardt 1986 Tara Lynne Huth 1987 Stacy Lynn Oliver 1988 Leslie Graham M. Sperry Kathy Taylor 1989 Laurie Erin Huth 1990 John Graham April Hawks 1991 Rebecca C. Withrow Andrea J. England 1992 Terri Pepper Jason Rennart 1994 Julie Featherstun Joseph Graham Rhiannon Williams 1995 Gareth Williams Kyle Wilmot 1996 Angela Kay Mesnard 1997 Mary Baird Alan Brooks Erin Prater 1998 Rob Miller 2000 Arik Brooks Kimberly Downey Selection Process About 6 to 8 weeks prior to the Senior Breakfast, a nominating form is placed in the bulletin. On that form is a brief explanation of the award and a list of the graduating high school seniors. The congregation is asked to nominate one or more. The forms are turned in on the Sunday they are in the bulletin. A form asking for information about their service to church, school and community, as well as other achievements, interests and future plans is mailed to all those who were nominated. The young person completes the form--if he/she is interested--and returns it to the church office by a determined date. The selection committee then selects one or more persons to receive the award. If the committee selects only one recipient, then they receive a plaque. If more than one is selected, they each receive a framed certificate. The name(s) are then placed on the plaque in the Friendship Center--but not hung until after the Senior Breakfast. Announcing the Award: The Neil Ewing Award is announced and presented at the Senior Breakfast. It is kept secret until that time. The plaque in the Friendship Center can be hung after the breakfast. back to top Selection Committee Those who are to serve on the committee to select the Neil Award recipient are: High School Sunday School teachers Adults working with Jr. Deacons (usually 2) CYF Sponsors Chair of the Christian Education Department A member-at-large from the Christian Education Department Minister working with youth program back to top

Neil Ewing Neil Ewing's life career was spent in education. He came to Central Christian Church in April of 1952. Mr. Ewing was coordinator of safety, physical education and athletics for Decatur School District 61. Prior to that he was the head of the Eisenhower High School physical education and athletics department. Thus, he had an abiding interest in the physical and spiritual well-being of young people. Mr. Ewing was author of the book, "Games, Excercises and Stunts for Elementary Schools," and wrote for an elementary teachers magazine. His philosophy of education was that "the program should be such that each child be brought to the limits of his potential." Upon joining Central, Neil immediately aspired to get involved in a church leadership role. A humble man of strong character, he was active in all phases of the Christian Men's Fellowship, church athletic programs, and served several terms as an Elder. Upon his death in March 1973, an annual award, known as the Neil Ewing Award, was given to a graduating senior who was a member of the church and who had distinguished themselves in Christian character, leadership and services to the church, schools, and the community. back to top

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