AWARD PRESENTATION … Shown during the halftime ceremony are: Allyn Luce, Tina Parrish, Jo Ann Luce, and Jennifer Luce Maier. (PHOTO BY BETH CLARK, STAFF)
By: Beth Clark
The Edon Bombers played the Fayette Eagles on Friday night, February 10th, 2023, and during halftime of the varsity basketball game was the Jerry Luce Award presentation.
The ceremony started with Superintendent of Edon Schools, Anthony Stevens announcing the award in the “Name and Honor of Jerry Luce.”
“Jerry Luce was taken from us too early but is forever remembered in our hearts and community of Edon” were the sentiments of the family and all who knew him.
This award was created because Jerry was such a strong advocate in the entire district of Edon and surrounding communities, that an acknowledgement of an “adult” to be recognized for similar qualities and dedication.
In Jerry’s 42 years of life, he was a successful chief of the volunteer fire department, a Boy Scoutmaster, and a village council, as well as a successful New York Life Insurance Agent.
He started his own location selling life insurance and annuities; Jerry was successful, and Mrs. Jerry Luce said, “all loved him, and all lost him.” Edon lost a generous soul and yet the award in his memory lives on.
The Jerry Luce family, Jo Ann Luce, Allyn Luce, and Jennifer Maier, together supporting their mom as she explained the recipient is one with the same commitment as Jerry, with community service and as an advocate in Edon.
Jo Ann Luce described the 2023 recipient is an “asset to the community, involved in the athletic department, coached volleyball, softball, concession volunteer wherever necessary and always including involvement with children at any level.”
With joy and strength from her kids, Jo Ann announced “the winner of the 2023 Jerry Luce Award id Tina Parrish!”
Tina came down from the bleachers in total surprise! The applause was genuine as was the Jerry Luce Award.
After photos and congratulations were over, Tina was of few words. She felt “very surprised…very honored…and very humbled,” and thanked everyone.
The Jerry Luce Award was first given to Bill Brigle in 1993 and the award is given annually, with the exception of the first official year of COVID in 2020.
Tina is the 29th recipient and her Parrish Family surprised her by attending the game; she had no idea what was happening. A well-deserved honor for Tina Parrish!
Beth can be reached at beth@thevillagereporter.com