RECOGNITION — Amanda Deluca of Pathways for Inclusion, left, presents Edison High School sophomore Amelia Ault with a Community Chime Award for her efforts to make activities more inclusive with the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. -- Contributed

RICHMOND — Edison High School sophomore Amelia Ault’s work in making 4-H activities more inclusive has gained her distinction with the Community Chime Award from Pathways for Inclusion.

The Cadiz-based organization surprised Ault with the honor during the Feb. 12 unified sports basketball game between Edison and Indian Creek high schools in Richmond. Pathways for Inclusion board member Amanda Deluca read a nomination letter from Ault’s 4-H adviser, Ashley Thompson, explaining how the teen implemented the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show two years ago with activities held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Ault, the daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield, created SOULS in honor of her sister Olivia, who has cognitive and developmental disabilities. Now, exhibitors with developmental or intellectual disabilities are paired with 4-H and FFA mentors to display animals during a special event in the Gary W. Cain Livestock Arena in Smithfield each August. Banners and ribbons are awarded while this year it included a SOULS King and Queen crowning, plus events ended with a square dance for all. Since it began, SOULS has gained participation from students at Edison, Indian Creek, Buckeye Local, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, McKinley STEM Academy, Harrison Central, Weir and Brooke high schools.

“She realized the lack of inclusion for livestock showing in the 4-H setting and wanted to make it more inclusive for everyone,” Deluca read, adding that Ault collaborated with the Jefferson County 4-H, county Board of Developmental Disabilities, county fair board, local school districts and the Special Olympics of Ohio Unified Sports program to make it all possible.

Deluca said providing opportunities such as these exemplified Pathways for Inclusion’s mission to reflect compassion, advocacy and a deep commitment to inclusion.

“The Community Chime Award is presented by Pathways for Inclusion to recognize individuals and organizations who actively support and advance inclusive practices within our community. This award celebrates those whose dedication helps create pathways to connections, accessibility, and belonging for individuals of all abilities–amplifying the mission of Pathways for Inclusion through meaningful action.”

She added that the award represented character shown through integrity and service; heart, demonstrated by genuine care for others; inclusion, practiced through guidance, advocacy, and example; and empowerment, inspired by creating opportunities for others to grow and thrive. And like a chime, the impact may not be loud or visible, but it is meaningful and far-reaching.

“It is my honor to present this Community Chime Award today to someone we feel truly embodies the heart of Pathways for Inclusion and helps move our mission forward in the community, and whose actions continue to empower and inspire those around them. We at the Pathways for Inclusion board thank you for creating lasting pathways and meaningful change for our community.”

Ault, who was on hand promoting her SOULS initiative, said the award was unexpected.

“I was so surprised,” she said, adding that she was humbled. “I thought [Pathways for Inclusion] could be another organization we could pair with to grow the event.”

She said signups for this summer’s show should begin in March and she hoped to spread the word at the unified sports game since students from both schools had participated in SOULS.

Meanwhile, Thompson praised Ault for taking the initiative.

“She just impresses me by trying to find more opportunities for individuals in the community,” she said.