On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Athens County Foundation welcomed friends and partners to Stuart’s Opera House for our annual Celebration of Community—a heartfelt evening recognizing the people and values that guide our collective efforts in Athens County.

This year’s event was filled with warmth, connection, and inspiration. We gathered not only to reflect on shared accomplishments but also to honor individuals whose contributions embody the Foundation’s core values of Trust, Hope, Collaboration, Inclusion, and Courage.

We proudly recognized:

• Woman of the Year: Ginger Schmalenberg
• Senior of the Year: Lee Gregg
• Foster B. Cornwell Awardee: Tee Ford

Each honoree has made a lasting impact through service and leadership. Their work strengthens our county’s fabric and reflects the possibilities that emerge when we lead together.

The night’s energy echoed ACF’s mission: to build on the strengths of our community, advancing participation and collaboration to address longstanding challenges and pursue extraordinary opportunities. When our neighbors come together in shared purpose, progress becomes not only possible but inevitable.

Photos from the evening, captured by Rich-Joseph Facun, will be featured throughout the gallery below.