The arrival of October usually means one thing - it’s time for the annual Fall Fest celebration! The Champion Local School District was pleased to open our doors again to host the Senior Citizens Advisory Council and Champion Board of Education’s event on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in the Champion Elementary School gymnasium. This is the 15th year the council has held the event for senior residents of Champion.
Those who attended enjoyed a delicious turkey-gravy, mashed potato, and green bean lunch cooked by Champion Schools' food services staff and served and cleared by the sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade members of the Champion Middle School Student Council. On the tables were student-created placemats featuring fall scenes. The 8th grade band performed several pieces including the Champion Alma Mater and fight song while guests ate an apple crisp dessert.
Following the meal and musical performance, the Rotary Club of Champion President, and Champion Local Schools Superintendent, John Grabowski presented the Senior Citizen of the Year award to Mrs. Diane Brown. Rotary accepts nominations for the award each year, which is given to a Champion senior resident 60 years or older. Nominees should have outstanding character and demonstrate selfless giving to others.
This year’s winner and her husband are long-time residents of Champion whose children and grandchildren have all attended the schools.
Brown is active in volunteer church work, devoting a lot of her time to Champion Christian Church’s food ministry and assisting at each of their food giveaway events. She has also been active in the Ladies Aide and Ruth Circle groups at the church, helping to organize and complete charity and outreach projects throughout the year.
In addition to her time volunteering at the church, Brown has worked for many years in a caregiving capacity for elderly church members, friends, and others.
“Diane’s outstanding character and selfless giving of her time and talents to others in need make her the perfect person to honor with this award,” Grabowski said as he called Brown to the podium to accept her award.
“I like doing what I do and I certainly don’t do it to be recognized,” Brown said after being named Champion Rotary’s 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year. “I’m so shocked and very honored to receive this award. Thank you!”
The Champion Local School District’s Senior Citizens Advisory Council was formed to celebrate the contributions our senior citizens make to the Champion community. Members enjoy partnering with students on various school-based projects. Council hosts three annual events including the Fall Fest Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, Veterans’ Day assembly, and Swing into Spring dinner. For additional information on the Council contact the Champion Board of Education Office at 330-847-2330.
Pictured above (from left): Rex Fee, Cheryl Knowlton, Diane Brown, and John Grabowski.