Shelby Area Democratic Club announces annual award winners

SHELBY — The Shelby Area Democratic Club presented to awards to local residents Saturday during its Truman-Kennedy Breakfast.

Deena Hamilton, founder and executive director of Love on a Mission, won the Profiles in Courage award. It refers to President John F. Kennedy’s book written when he was a U.S. senator that relayed stories of past senators who had the courage to choose country over party, knowing full well it might cost them politically and personally.

When Hamilton’s twin sons came out to her as gay, she had to choose between accepting her sons for who they are or the beliefs of her evangelical community. She showed incredible courage to not only accept her sons but to also create a space where LGBTQIA+ youth in North Central Ohio would feel welcome and loved.

Lawyer Eric Miller won the Give ‘Em Hell award for his leadership in passing an income tax initiative to pay for much-needed water main repairs in Mansfield. The award refers to President Harry Truman’s campaign slogan in 1948 when all the polls and pundits said he was going to lose. He embarked on a whirlwind train tour of the country that convinced voters he was their man. Similarly, Miller never gave up and, despite losing last fall, he fought to get it back on the primary ballot and won. Makley also recognized Miller’s work in passing the Pothole Hater’s Tax in the 1980s and in protecting and enhancing his beloved Mohican State Park.

“Never have we two winners who so thoroughly embodied the spirit of the awards," club President John Makley said.