Kier Scott, left, and Jordan Henderson receive youth awards at the annual Black Heritage Council awards banquet.
The Black Heritage Council of Marion County recently celebrated history and the achievements of the youth and area residents when it held its 36th Annual Awards Banquet on March 1, 2014.
Deryck Toles, founder of the Warren-based organization Inspiring Minds, served as keynote speaker of the event. The organization is strongly committed to helping at-risk youth become contributing members of society. Its efforts include giving students opportunities to tour college campuses and helping them with academics and community service.
Toles spoke about overcoming his own obstacles as he worked to improve his grades and focus on his dream of playing for the NFL. He accomplished that after he graduated from Penn State University and started his NFL career as an outside linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. He finished his career playing for the Indianapolis Colts.
He said that, looking back at his own history, he realized that God let him face obstacles so that he could overcome them and become the man he is now.
“I remember he allowed me to go through those things because he was writing my story,” he said.
Deryck Toles speaks at the annual Black Heritage Council awards banquet.
Toles, who attended Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, spoke highly of the influence his high school football coach had on his life. Toles’ coach was Gary Barber, who is currently superintendent of Marion City Schools.
Barber attended the banquet as well as Mayor Scott Schertzer, Marion County Auditor Joan Kosotis and other guests.
Recipients of this year’s awards included Marion Harding High School students Kier Scott and Jordan Henderson, who won the council’s youth awards. Other winners included Brad and Learo Richardson, who won the family award; Arnita Pittman, winner of the business award; LaKien Campbell, winner of the community award; and L.J. Scott, winner of the education award.
The council thanks its guests and sponsors of prizes distributed at the event, which serves as a fundraiser for scholarships given to area youth.
If you would like any additional information about the Black Heritage Council of Marion County you may contact the following, Martin Harris (419) 563-4914, Tara Dyer (740) 751-8050 and Willie King (740) 341- 4981.
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