Skylar Markley and Seth Mullen are making a difference in their lives and the community

Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune
·3 min read

COSHOCTON − Skylar Markley and Seth Mullen have two things in common: They have developmental disabilities and want to be productive members of the community.

The two men recently won the Individual Spotlight Award at the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Luncheon at the Coshocton County Commissioners Community Meeting Room.

The event featured presentation of awards, a panel of speakers on the journey through life with developmental disabilities and readings of essay contest winners from local schools. There were about 180 people in attendance.

Kaylee Andrews of Coshocton Regional Medical Center accepts the Employer Award from Superintendent Steve Oster at the recent Board of Developmental Disabilities annual luncheon.
Kaylee Andrews of Coshocton Regional Medical Center accepts the Employer Award from Superintendent Steve Oster at the recent Board of Developmental Disabilities annual luncheon.

Superintendent Steve Oster said the Individual Spotlight Award recognizes people with a developmental disability who have overcome adversity to achieve a goal and go beyond it.

"The person who receives this award demonstrates a drive to be better, a desire to be more independent and wants to make a difference in their life and the lives of others," he said.

Markley went through some personal hardships, but during a tough time in his life wanted to live more independently. He got an apartment and a job as a security guard at Cleveland Cliffs. Health issues forced him quit, but he's healthy and looking for employment again.

"(Markley) has a big heart and wants the best for his friends," Oster said.

Seth Mullen recently won the Individual Spotlight Award at the annual luncheon held by the Coshocton County Board of Disabilities. Mullen has worked for Peach Tree Poultry in Fresno for nine years and has packaged more than a million dozen eggs in that time.
Seth Mullen recently won the Individual Spotlight Award at the annual luncheon held by the Coshocton County Board of Disabilities. Mullen has worked for Peach Tree Poultry in Fresno for nine years and has packaged more than a million dozen eggs in that time.

Mullen has worked at Peach Tree Poultry in Fresno for nine years and has packaged more than a million dozen eggs in that time. Management reports Mullen is the pickiest of pickers and has a respectable attendance record, work ethic and rapport with his supervisor.

"He advocates for himself and for others that have disabilities. He is confident, determined and dependable," Oster said.

Award winners of the recent annual luncheon by the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognizing individuals, care providers and community partners.
Award winners of the recent annual luncheon by the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognizing individuals, care providers and community partners.

Other awards:

● Coshocton Regional Medical Center received the Employer Award. The medical facility has a few employees with developmental disabilities. It works with job coaches, creates an inclusive work environment and provides opportunities for such employees to grow and be promoted.

Malyia William of River View High School accepts the Local Hero Award from Superintendent Steve Oster at the recent Board of Developmental Disabilities annual luncheon. Williams staged a homecoming dance for those with developmental disabilities.
Malyia William of River View High School accepts the Local Hero Award from Superintendent Steve Oster at the recent Board of Developmental Disabilities annual luncheon. Williams staged a homecoming dance for those with developmental disabilities.

● Maliya Williams, a senior at River View High School, earned the Local Hero Award. As part of her senior project, Williams held a homecoming dance for those with developmental disabilities and worked with the community on obtaining donations to make the dance happen. She devoted more than 200 hours to the project.

● There were two Dedication Award winners. Registered Nurse Karen Casey was recognized for her work through Horizons HealthCare Services on giving the best possible medical care to those with disabilities and providing medication administration training for other agencies and independent providers. RHDD was honored as a group for providing services in the home, employment support for those working in the community and at an alternative adult day program. Through its efforts, more than 50 DD individuals are employed in the county.

Superintendent Mike Masloski of Ridgewood Local Schools accepts the Community Partner Award with teacher Wendy Croy at the recent Board of Developmental Disabilities annual luncheon. Among connections to the DD community, the school districts made accommodations for Wendy's son, Cody Croy, to compete in the seated shot put event.
Superintendent Mike Masloski of Ridgewood Local Schools accepts the Community Partner Award with teacher Wendy Croy at the recent Board of Developmental Disabilities annual luncheon. Among connections to the DD community, the school districts made accommodations for Wendy's son, Cody Croy, to compete in the seated shot put event.

● Ridgewood Local Schools received the Community Partner Award. The district has been supportive of the Board of DD. This has included allowing the Special Olympics softball team to use school fields for practice free of charge for the past three years, use of the school gymnasium for pep rallies and charity basketball game, and making accommodations for student Cody Croy to participate in the seated shot-put track event. Croy went to state competition for the event last year and hopes to do the same this year.

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton County developmental disabilities board has annual luncheon