ASHLAND — Each year over the past decade a crowd of nearly 200 gathers to celebrate individuals in thee Ashland community who give generously of their time, talent, treasure, and service to help others.
The event began with a special recognition of Jack Vanosdall for his more than 25 years of serving on the Samaritan Hospital Foundation (SHF) Board.
Over the past 12 years, SHF has granted ~$734,000 in scholastic awards to the next generation of nursing and allied medical students.
This year, the Foundation, through the Paul R. Myers Medical Scholastic Award and the Dr. Philip E. Myers Medical Scholastic Award, approved two of the highest scholastic awards granted to date.
Tyler Radziszewski and Cody Luke each received a $7,000 scholastic award toward their education, in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and community involvement.
Power of Youth
The Power of Youth Award, introduced in 2023, recognizes a young person in our community who shares his or her time and talents to help others.
This year, Logan Frazer received the award, which included a $4,000 check to go toward his education. Notably, these funds were donated by a previous Scholarship Award recipient and current hospital employee.
“At the time I received the award, it helped me so much I decided that when I had the
opportunity, I would pay it forward to some deserving individual.”
Logan, a 2025 graduate of Ashland High School, was a member of the marching band, jazz band, and symphonic band and earned a National Merit Scholarship as the top 1% of PSAT test takers in the nation.
Logan started giving back to the Ashland community in middle school as a student at Ashland Christian School. Christina Teevan, Director of the Ashland Special Needs Ministry, was looking for students to buddy with special needs individuals for the ministry’s respite program.
Since then, Logan has become very involved in serving the special needs community in Ashland. He helps with programs throughout the school year and volunteers a week over the summer at the Joni & Friends Family Retreat.
The event also featured a video highlighting how SHF grants have positively impacted the health and wellness of individuals in Ashland County and the hospital over the years.
The Foundation has supported a wide range of initiatives through grants to non-profit charities in our community, the hospital, scholastic awards for nursing and allied medical degrees, our local schools, law enforcement, fire/EMTs, and local churches, making an indelible mark through life-saving equipment and programs.
During the Heart of Giving Awards portion of the evening, SHF recognized four individuals in our community for their faithful service to make a difference in the lives of others:
Warren Jones
Warren Jones was honored for decades of giving back to our community with his time and
using his talents to put Ashland on the map hosting national fast pitch and softball events.
Beyond bringing large softball events to Ashland, Warren has played a significant role in giving back to our community as a volunteer for Camp Focus, an organization founded by Mike Gottfried, that helps boys ages 9 to 16 without a father figure in their home.
In 2022, during the Wendy’s Golf Classic fundraiser that he helps organize every year, Warren was the recipient of a proclamation by Mayor Matt Miller honoring him for his lifetime of work, which included raising more than $1 million for various charities. In Warren’s honor, SHF donated $5,000 to Camp Focus.
Kim Mager
Kim Mager, retired detective from the Ashland Police Department, was recognized for a lifetime of serving the Ashland community with her time and talents in law enforcement protecting our children.
Early in her career, she helped created the Shop with a Cop program and served as program director for several years, investing a lot of her time to raise money to provide Christmas gifts for children.
She also had a hand in establishing the Reach Out Cops and Kids program to foster community connections between cops and the youth in our community.
Throughout her career, Kim has been recognized with many awards for her service. When she retired, one of the many victims that she helped over the years spoke.
“I’m here to say that I’m here today because she’s good at her job,” she said.
In Kim’s honor, SHF donated $5,000 to the Shop with a Cop program.
Dwight McElfresh
Dwight McElfresh, retired Dean of Ashland University Founders School of Continuing Education, was recognized for his lifetime commitment to education and ensuring a legacy of continuing educational support in our community and beyond.
Dwight serves on the Ashland City Schools Foundation and Ashland County Community Foundation, helping the two entities better meet the needs of the city schools and increase reach in the community.
Dwight is the immediate past chair of the North Central State College Board of Trustees and continues to serve on the board.
Dwight also started the Fastbreak Club to provide and maximize opportunities for Ashland University women’s basketball team members, while creating a community of support. In Dwight’s honor, SHF donated $5,000 to the Ashland City Schools Foundation.
Angela Woodward
Angela Woodward was recognized for her many years of service to the Ashland community letting her light shine to help those battling cancer.
Now the Director of the Ashland County Cancer Association, Angela discovered the organization when she was undergoing cancer treatment and relied on their services.
As Director, she has initiated vital programs, including a transportation service that allows the organization to transport clients to and from their treatments and appointments.
Through her awareness efforts, the Cancer Association now serves more than 700 individuals, including caregivers.
In addition to her advocacy work, Angela serves on City Council for the 4th Ward, working on initiatives aimed at improving public safety, increasing community engagement, and supporting local businesses.
In Angela’s honor, SHF donated $5,000 to the Ashland County Cancer Association.