The annual Statehood Day Prayer Breakfast was Saturday morning in Chillicothe.
Joyce Atwood received the Statehood Day Achievement Award.
The long-time educator and volunteer gave a short prepared speech - which she said she had to do, to make herself stop and pray about what she needed to say.
That message was that we all contribute to the betterment of our community, and we give grace to everyone.
The clerical speaker was retired pastor John Karlson of the Voice of Hope Church of God, who explained the change of attitude in his denomination, and gave an interpretation of the song "America the Beautiful."
Ohio Senator Bob Peterson was the political speaker, who said his topic was grace.
He described when he was asked to run for Fayette County Commissioner in the '90s, and was worried that campaigning for the May primary would conflict with planting his crops. But he said he was power-washing manure out of a hog barn when he heard a voice that said "you fool...it's a MARCH primary."
His message was that God touches everyone wherever they are in life, whether a school, state legislature...or hog barn.
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils and local culture