William N. Mann
Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) is pleased to announce that William (Bill) Mann of Hebron is the 2017 recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.  The annual award recognizes individuals for contributions that reflect LMHS’ mission to improve the health of the community.

A lifelong resident of Central Ohio, Bill graduated from Lancaster High School and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Ohio University and completed post master’s study at The Ohio State University.  Bill is retired after working 38 years in Licking County’s schools – first as the Director of Guidance at Lakewood, then Guidance Supervisor at Licking County Joint Vocational School (JVS), and Director of Pupil Personnel at JVS.  His career at JVS continued with positions as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent and concluded with his retirement from JVS in 2001.  He remained, however, in the field of education for an additional four years, as principal of Newark High School.

Bill served on several boards during his sixteen years of service to LMHS, chairing the Health Systems, Hospital, Foundation and Health Professional boards.  His extensive community involvement has included the Newark Kiwanis Club, the Food Pantry Network Board of Directors, Private Industry Council and Central Ohio Regional Center (CORC) Joint Policy Board.  He also served as the Education Chair of the Operation Feed Food Pantry.  Over the years, he has been involved with numerous professional member organizations such as The American Vocational Association, The Ohio Vocational Association and The Buckeye Association of School Administrators, while also contributing his time on the Management Council of the Ohio Education Computer Network Board of Trustees, and as chairperson of the Governing Board of the Licking Area Computer Association. 

“Bill’s calm and supportive demeanor is a steadying influence,” noted Rob Montagnese, LMHS President & CEO.  “He has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership capabilities, and worked tirelessly to advance education in Licking County.  His efforts positively impact thousands of students and teachers.  A valuable asset to every organization he has represented, Bill has been a significant presence at LMHS and we embrace the opportunity to pay tribute to his devotion of service to the Health Systems and community.” 

Bill and Barbara, his wife of 54 years, have two children and three grandchildren.  In his free time, Bill enjoys golf, The Ohio State University athletics and the Cleveland Indians and Browns teams.  He also enjoys physical fitness and the theatre.

Building a Healthier Community Award
The 13th annual Building a Healthier Community Award (BAHC) was presented to the Ben Franklin Walking Club in recognition of their work to help children realize the importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.  The Licking Memorial Hospital Development Council created the BAHC award in 2005 to honor an individual, group or organization in Licking County with an ongoing work or project that reflects LMHS’ mission to improve the health of the community.  

The Ben Franklin Walking Club is coached by teachers Allyson Ray, Lindsey McClellan and Principal Dena Cable-Miller, who volunteer their time to organize and implement the Walking Club’s activities.  Ben Franklin Elementary is located in South Newark and is part of the Newark City School district.  Each week, students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to stay after school for 45 minutes to walk around the track located on the school’s property.  Students learn a variety of healthy habits that they can incorporate into their daily activities, focusing on physical exercise, healthy eating, sleeping habits and mental health.  Parents as well as siblings join, which often results in over 100 students (nearly a third of the school) and their families engaging in physical activity together.  Students earn a reward for each mile accumulated throughout the Walking Club season and may attend a celebration at the conclusion of the school year. 

“The Ben Franklin Walking Club has changed many lives for the better,” Rob said.  By setting a positive example and encouraging physical fitness and camaraderie with family and friends, the program helps area youth form healthy habits, which supports LMHS’ mission to improve the health of the community.”

Student involvement is a key initiative for Newark City Schools and the Club allows for families to get involved and be active with their students.  Family involvement is a goal for the building as well, so the Club also provides families the opportunity to visit the school and engage in healthy behaviors with their students.

The 2017 Lifetime Achievement Reception was held on Friday, November 3.  Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the John Gilbert Reese Center in Newark to celebrate the award winners and express gratitude for their work to improve the health of the Licking County community.  The Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 1989 and is the highest award that LMHS confers each year.