Awards program celebrates those who go above and beyond in service to others
NELSONVILLE, Ohio – Four Appalachian Ohioans have been selected as this year’s Jenco Award recipients, honoring their selfless commitment to serving others and their communities.
Presented by the Jenco Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO), the Jenco Awards celebrate individuals across the 32-county region who have performed noteworthy community service outside their paid positions. Jenco Award recipients exemplify the difference everyday people can make when they give their time, talent and passion to serve their neighbors and communities.
“Each of these individuals embodies the spirit of servant leadership,” said Sharon Hatfield, Jenco Foundation committee member. “Their unwavering dedication to the well-being of others is strengthening our communities and calling others to lives of kindness and purpose.”
Nominated by fellow community members, this year’s Jenco Award recipients are:
Amanda Cleary of Lawrence County continuously seeks and creates avenues to improve the lives of area residents. She co-founded Third and Center, an arts-based nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing and maintaining the beauty of Ironton while building community and creating opportunities accessible to all. As its volunteer executive director, Cleary is the driving force behind the organization’s operations as well as its many community beautification projects, art experiences and classes, and events. Most recently, she spearheaded the revitalization of the Ironton Senior Center, bringing programming and meal service back to the local senior community. In 2024, Ohio University Southern, Cleary’s alma mater, awarded her its Alumni Humanitarian Award in recognition of her spirit of volunteerism and community service.
Amy Hursey of Muskingum County is a steadfast volunteer whose impact spans two Appalachian Ohio counties and beyond. In Muskingum County, she contributes to Bethel Mission, supporting youth and families and serving as treasurer; Soroptimist International of Zanesville, empowering women and girls through economic and educational opportunities and serving as District 4 secretary of the Midwestern Region; and 100 Women Who Care, investing in local nonprofits. In Noble County, Hursey uplifts others through Faith Baptist Church’s sewing ministry, back-to-school blessings and countless prepared meals. She also leads the Celebrate Recovery ministry, expanding it to a second location in partnership with Noble County CARES. She has supported disaster relief efforts in other Appalachian states and is a citizen archivist for the National Archives.
Stephanie Rife of Meigs County is the champion behind many efforts to make the area a more vibrant place to live, work and visit. As the founder, former manager and current secretary of the nationally recognized Meigs County Farmers’ Market, she has strengthened the local economy, improved access to healthy food and fostered community connection. As president of the Pomeroy Merchants Association, she supports local businesses by organizing events, mentoring new entrepreneurs and more. At the Mulberry Community Center, Rife volunteers her time writing grants, serving meals and supporting those in need. Recently, she guided the Racine United Methodist Church youth group in providing hygiene items and detergent to individuals who use the center’s showering and laundry facility.
Shannon Stewart of Athens County is a steady source of hope, care and support. Through their role with Rural Action, Stewart has guided hundreds of AmeriCorps volunteers in serving communities across the region while also supporting them personally, from creating a free food cabinet to being by their sides in times of need. Stewart can often be found serving the underserved, the vulnerable and those who feel out of place, offering food, transportation, financial help, social service referrals and genuine companionship. At United Campus Ministry in Athens, Stewart not only contributes to the nonprofit’s free community meals but also builds relationships and offers support to regular attendees.
The Jenco Foundation and the Jenco Awards uphold the legacy of Father Lawrence Martin Jenco, a Roman Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving others. In 1985, Father Jenco was kidnapped while serving as director of Catholic Relief Services in Lebanon and spent 19 months in captivity. Even in confinement, Father Jenco continued to serve, providing a listening ear for other detainees, including journalist Terry Anderson.
Anderson, who passed away in 2024, founded the Jenco Foundation in 2001 to honor the legacy of his friend, who died in 1996. The Jenco Foundation joined FAO as an endowment in 2011, ensuring that Father Jenco’s legacy would live on in perpetuity. Since 2002, Jenco Awards have been presented to more than 90 individuals who, like Father Jenco, give of themselves and inspire others to serve their communities.