BETHANY, W.Va. – The Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Commission recently recognized a Bethany College junior and Cleveland native for exemplifying leadership, nonviolence, commitment to excellence and interracial cooperation.
Tyric Drane, 20, a physical education pre-sports medicine major, received the Capturing the Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Youth Award during the 37th annual Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration in Columbus.
Drane is recognized as a bridge-builder and role model to the young residents in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood where almost 70 percent of residents live below the poverty line.
Drane spent his summer with the Sisters of Charity Foundation in Cleveland, engaging in grassroots advocacy. He worked on the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund’s government affairs task force supporting nonprofit organizations dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. He and another intern compiled research, conducted informative interviews and assisted in communications between organizations and fund members.
“He recognizes the need to uplift the fact that Cleveland’s Central neighborhood is a community full of resources and that he is an example that you are bigger than your circumstances,” his nomination states.
He serves the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland by mentoring students in after-school athletics programs and speaking to high school seniors about the importance of building community relationships. He also helped gather input from often-excluded community members to help inform the design of the new St. Vincent Charity Medical Center Health Campus in his neighborhood.
“His discipline as an athlete, student, mentor, and leader serve as a light to all around him,” said Dawn Glasco, manager of engagement and social innovation for Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood. “Tyric is destined for a life of greatness and joy because his generosity will continue to reap him many rewards.”
The 12-member Commission advocates King’s principles of nonviolent change and the pursuit of racial, social and economic justice, and annually hosts the award ceremony in January leading up to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The Rev. Joel L. King, Jr., a cousin to the Civil Rights leader, is part of the commission.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined in the presentation.
ABOUT BETHANY COLLEGE
Bethany College, founded in 1840, is the oldest private college in West Virginia. The Bethany experience focuses on academic excellence in the area of liberal arts and prepares students for a lifetime of work and a life of significance.
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