Welcome everyone to the 2nd Annual Dr. Nathan Tucker Award luncheon. I am pleased to be representing the Village of Mt. Gilead as we recognize our 2009 recipients, Thelma Wigton and Mike Graham.
The intent of this award is to recognize individuals who like Dr. Tucker, care for others and have demonstrated this through actions and behaviors that go above and beyond the call of duty. They make Mt. Gilead a great place to live.
Some history on Dr. Tucker: He was born in New York in 1838 and came to Mt. Gilead in 1889. He was a well known physician who gained national prominence for his work with asthma. He created "asthma specific", an elixir that helped patients deal with the adversity of the disease. According to the American Medical Association, "asthma specific" was sold worldwide and was very popular. In 1911, a 2 ounce bottle costs $12.50, quite a sum in those days. Dr. Tucker's success lead to many other ventures including real estate. Many of the buildings in Mt. Gilead were built by Dr. Tucker and most still stand today. His care for his patients and his philanthropy for the community were well documented and it is for these actions this award is named.
When asked when she first got involved with local sports programs in Mt. Gilead, Thelma Wigton couldn't remember for sure. It had to be more than 40 years ago with softball since it was about the time her son Terry (MG grad 1965) was playing American Legion baseball. When asked why she felt compelled to get this program started, Thelma modestly said, "I guess because I was the one with the equipment". Truth be told, Thelma Wigton admits she loves to win and she loves to share her passion for winning and playing sports with others. As a member of the local Rec. Board more than 40 years ago, Thelma didn't see enough summer sports opportunities for girls in the community. In those days, the school system didn't have organized sports for girls either. Luckily for the residents of Mt. Gilead, we had Thelma Wigton! Year after year for decades, Thelma unselfishly organized and coached summer softball. I wonder how many miles she put on her vehicles over the years? Who can count the number of young lives she helped shape during that time? If you think she kicked this program off with a lot of outside support, think again. Thelma said it took a couple of years for the Village to get behind her. That first year, the Mayor donated 4 bats for the girls to use. That she remembered!
In addition to summer softball, Thelma had long been a mainstay in the junior bowling leagues at Whetstone Lanes in Edison. She taught kids the proper techniques and how to do their best. She also taught them how to act and conduct themselves on the lanes.
As you can see, Thelma Wigton is the essence of what this award is all about. She has offered the residents of our community a lifetime of unselfish service. Thelma will be 92 years young this weekend. Thank you Thelma for sharing your winning attitude with the Village of Mt. Gilead for more than 40 years. A 2009 Dr. Nathan Tucker Award recipient…… Thelma Wigton.

Mike Graham was a lifelong Morrow County resident, a businessman, a family man, a good man. Some of us knew Mike Graham the lifelong resident. A graduate of Cardington High School's class of 1964, Mike proudly chose to serve his country by joining the United States Army during the Viet Nam War. Many of us knew Mike Graham as a businessman. More than 25 years after purchasing his insurance agency from Max Smith, Mike did more than sell insurance. He became a part of the lives of many local families. He prided himself on his prompt customer service to his customers. Mike also enjoyed sharing with others. He relished opportunities to talk with new drivers about their new responsibilities. Kiwanis, The Chamber of Commerce and the Morrow County Antique Tractor Club were a few of his affiliations that reflected his community involvement.
Just the lucky few knew Mike Graham the family man. He was a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Those of you who knew him in this capacity got to know a real "superman", someone who placed the highest priority on his family and walked his talk.
Mike Graham was a good man. Pulling a float in a school parade, playing the Easter Bunny or any number of other less visual community activities likely involved Mike. Caring for others and lending a helping hand when needed is the way he was raised and the way he lived his life. Many will remember Mike for his quick smile, his firm handshake and his willingness to help others. Others may think of a man who helped raise more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society in 2008. As Mike often chose others to help and assist, the residents of Mt. Gilead have chosen to recognize Mike Graham as someone who has exemplified the tenants of this community award…. Caring about others, going above and beyond what most would do and making a difference in people's lives.
A 2009 Dr. Nathan Tucker award recipient…… Mike Graham