Edison sophomore honored for promoting inclusion through 4-H

Edison High School sophomore Amelia Ault has been recognized with the Community Chime Award from Pathways for Inclusion for her work making 4-H activities more inclusive.

The Cadiz-based organization surprised Ault with the honor during the Feb. 12 unified sports basketball game between Edison and Indian Creek high schools at Edison in Richmond. Pathways for Inclusion board member Amanda Deluca read a nomination letter from Ault’s 4-H adviser, Ashley Thompson, describing how Ault launched the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show, known as SOULS, two years ago at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Ault, the daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield, created SOULS in honor of her sister, Olivia, who has cognitive and developmental disabilities. The program pairs exhibitors with developmental and intellectual disabilities with 4-H and FFA mentors to show animals during a special event each August at the Gary W. Cain Livestock Arena in Smithfield.

Participants receive banners and ribbons, and this year’s event included the crowning of a SOULS king and queen. Festivities concluded with a square dance open to all. Since its inception, SOULS has drawn students from Edison, Indian Creek, Buckeye Local, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, McKinley STEM Academy, Harrison Central, Weir and Brooke high schools.

“She realized the lack of inclusion for livestock showing in the 4-H setting and wanted to make it more inclusive for everyone,” Deluca read, noting that Ault worked with Jefferson County 4-H, the county Board of Developmental Disabilities, the county fair board, local school districts and the Special Olympics of Ohio Unified Sports program to bring the event to life.

Deluca said initiatives such as SOULS reflect Pathways for Inclusion’s mission of compassion, advocacy and a deep commitment to inclusion.

“The Community Chime Award is presented by Pathways for Inclusion to recognize individuals and organizations who actively support and advance inclusive practices within our community,” Deluca said. “This award celebrates those whose dedication helps create pathways to connections, accessibility and belonging for individuals of all abilities — amplifying the mission of Pathways for Inclusion through meaningful action.”

She added the award represents character demonstrated through integrity and service; heart shown through genuine care for others; inclusion practiced through guidance, advocacy and example; and empowerment inspired by creating opportunities for others to grow and thrive. Like a chime, she said, the impact may not be loud or visible, but it is meaningful and far-reaching.

“It is my honor to present this Community Chime Award today to someone we feel truly embodies the heart of Pathways for Inclusion and helps move our mission forward in the community, and whose actions continue to empower and inspire those around them,” Deluca said. “We at the Pathways for Inclusion board thank you for creating lasting pathways and meaningful change for our community.”

Ault, who was at the game promoting SOULS, said the award came as a surprise.

“I was so surprised,” she said, adding she felt humbled. “I thought [Pathways for Inclusion] could be another organization we could pair with to grow the event.”

She said signups for this summer’s show are expected to begin in March, and she hoped to spread the word at the unified sports game since students from both schools have participated in SOULS.

Thompson praised Ault’s initiative.

“She just impresses me by trying to find more opportunities for individuals in the community,” Thompson said.