Life briefs: NC State Alumnus of the Year, Buckeye Bash, Shelby FFA, AU play, fundraiser

USA TODAY NETWORK
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North Central State College honors local pastor as 2023 Alumnus of the Year

The North Central State College Foundation awarded its 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award to Dr. Ricky Branham during the annual Scholarship Luncheon at the Kehoe Center in Shelby on Oct. 5. Each year, a North Central State College alumnus is chosen who demonstrates growth and excellence in their business or profession.Branham, a Willard native, graduated from North Central in 2004 with an associate degree in registered nursing. He furthered his education at Malone University in Canton by earning his Minister’s Ordination from the School of Ministry, his bachelor’s degree in organizational management, and his master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

Branham worked for several years as a registered nurse for Willard City Schools and Mercy Health in Willard.

From left: Crystal Escalara, chair of the NC State Alumni Association, Ricky Branham, 2023 NC State Alumnus of the Year, and Dorey Diab, president of North Central State College.
From left: Crystal Escalara, chair of the NC State Alumni Association, Ricky Branham, 2023 NC State Alumnus of the Year, and Dorey Diab, president of North Central State College.

Since graduating from North Central, Branham received his doctoral degree and serves as a television minister, interdenominational evangelist, senior pastor and author. Ricky Branham Ministries (RBM) has recently expanded to many networks across the United States and continues to grow nationally and internationally. He is also the senior pastor of a nondenominational church, Ripley Chapel in Willard.

Branham resides in Willard with his wife, Victoria, and their three children.

Buckeye Bash set for Nov. 13

The 42nd annual Ohio State University Alumni Club of Richland County’s Beat Michigan-Buckeye Bash will be held at the Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 N. Home Road (Youth Hall) on Nov. 13. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. A meal will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The featured speaker will be former head football coach Jim Tressel and The Ohio State University marching band returns.

The cost per ticket is $30, including meal. For tickets, contact Judy Villard Overocker at the OSU Extension office, 1495 W. Longview Ave., Suite 206, Mansfield, or call 419-747-8755.

Shelby FFA busy with activities

SHELBY — Nine freshman members of Shelby FFA traveled to Camp Conger in North Fairfield, Ohio, to participate in a FFA Greenhand Camp. The group consisted of Lucas Adkins, Sam Fairchild, Gavin Lamb, Kayne Cooke, Kelsey Young, Payton Stover, Kendallyn Stidam, Kyleigh Biglin and Bry Francis.

These students participated in various leadership activities and shared learning experiences with members from South Central, Monroeville and Willard FFA. The purpose of Greenhand Camp is to introduce new FFA members to opportunities offered by the National FFA.

Shelby FFA took a team of six FFA members ranging from freshman to seniors to the Richland County Agricultural soils judging contest. The team, composed of Sam Fairchild, Cadence Fairchild, Salem Keller, Kyleigh Biglin, Sarah Smith and Jacob Taylor, placed first and got the opportunity to go to districts. Cadence Fairchild led the team and received top individual at county soils.

At districts, the group received eighth overall in the contest. Students spent time in multiple different 5-foot-deep soils pits, finding characteristics in the layers of the soil and suggesting best management practices for the location. This contest helps FFA members develop a deeper knowledge of soil capabilities and agricultural production.

AU Theatre Department to present 'Proof'

ASHLAND — The Ashland University Department of Theatre is presenting the Pulitzer-prize winning play “Proof” Oct. 19-22. All performances will take place at the Studio Theatre in the Center for the Arts. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee is at 2 p.m.

“Proof” is part of the College of Arts and Science’s Symposium Against Indifference: Perspectives on the Mental Health Crisis series this year. There will be a panel discussion with local mental health professionals following the Oct. 22 show.

In addition, there will be an open house and reception for AU theatre alumni and friends at 4 p.m. on Oct. 21 as part of AU’s Homecoming festivities. The reception will be held on the stage of the Hugo Young Theatre and the theatre spaces, scene and costume shops will be open.

Tickets can be purchase at the AU Campus Store during normal business hours or online at ashland.edu/performing-arts-tickets. Tickets are $2 for AU students, $5 for non-AU students and $10 for adults, faculty/staff and senior citizens. A service fee will be added to any credit card purchases. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Flying Horse Farms event raises over $1M to serve kids with serious illnesses

MT. GILEAD — Flying Horse Farms, a medical specialty camp that provides medically, physically and emotionally-safe camp experiences for kids with serious illnesses and their families, raised more than $1 million for the first time ever during its annual Campfire event on Oct. 6.

This record-breaking total happened with the support of a $250,000 match made by the Belford Family Fund. Funds raised at Campfire will go directly towards current and future programming, including the launch of mental health as a primary diagnosis.

The Campfire event, which was attended by more than 500 guests, campers and their families, also celebrated major milestones achieved this year like serving 10,000 camper experiences and 150 camp sessions since the camp opened in Mount Gilead in 2010.

Mansfield News Journal

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: NC State top alumnus, Buckeye Bash, Shelby FFA, Ashland U. play