Chaplain Ben Keckler
Stanley Givens, M.D.
Plainfield Girls Soccer Team
Brett Clark
Kelsa Reynolds
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2008 Winners
Chaplain Ben Keckler
Employee Category Winner
As the head of chaplaincy at Hendricks Regional Health, Ben Keckler has helped countless individuals through situations of loss and personal crisis. His understanding spirit, support and dedication to the staff, patients and visitors at Hendricks Regional Health in times of grief or personal torment has not gone unnoticed. This summer Ben was chosen to serve as an ambassador of peace and hope on a ten-day trip to Rwanda to explore the country and meet people who have experienced unimaginable loss through genocide. This life-changing experience provided Ben with a new perspective on the world and his ability to help others find strength from within to overcome desolation and find inner peace.
Stanley Givens, M.D.
Physician Category Winner
A cancer diagnosis is always a frightening prospect for a patient. Stanley Givens, MD, radiation oncologist and medical director of the Hendricks Regional Health Cancer Center, understands the fear and uses his down-to-earth, compassionate approach to console and empower his patients to take an active role in their care. That attitude extends to his staff at the Cancer Center as well, who know that their knowledge and ideas are appreciated. A man of integrity, Dr. Givens believes in his work, develops a special relationship with his patients during their cancer journey, and shares his enthusiasm with all when one of his patients beats this dreaded disease. As one patient who nominated Dr. Givens for this award writes, “There is nothing good about being diagnosed with cancer unless it is being fortunate enough to come under Dr. Givens’ care…but since cancer chose me, it has been a wonderful opportunity. Dr. Givens always gives freely of his time and is very concerned that all questions are addressed. He maintains a cheerful and upbeat persona at all times. No matter the situation, a visit with Dr. Givens always lifts the spirit.”
Plainfield High School Girls Soccer Team
Group Category Winner
The Plainfield Girls Soccer Team is so much more than a talkative bunch of teenage girls. This group works together on and off the field to achieve goals and treat people better every day. Their top priority is not soccer but achieving good grades and setting an example of excellent behavior in their school. The girls rallied together when tragedy struck – they lost a schoolmate who was also the sister of a player on the boys’ soccer team. The girls’ soccer team held an auction to raise money for the family and the foundation established in the girl’s memory. Another show of solidarity came when the mother of one of the boys’ team members was diagnosed with breast cancer. The girls’ soccer team dyed their hair pink in a show of support for the family. These girls strive to always represent their school with the highest standards. They volunteer time during their summer to help with the “Lunch Bunch” and even provide a snack for their opposing team at the close of each game. The girls all understand that there is much more to life than the game they play and that character and integrity will carry them far in the future.
Brett Clark
Adult Category Winner
As a sworn police officer, it is the duty of Sgt. Brett Clark to protect and serve those who cannot protect themselves. Taking this oath to heart for the past 19 years at the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Clark has gone beyond the call of duty and worked tirelessly to raise awareness and protect Hendricks County’s citizens from the scourge of domestic violence. It has been his mission to let victims know that they are not alone and there is help available. Sgt. Clark has developed a close working relationship with Sheltering Wings Center for Women and Children, helping with their activities and fundraising events on his own time. An outstanding role model in the community, Sgt. Clark is involved in his church and his children’s school activities. He also works with county high school students on the Youth as Resources partnership board and gives his time to the county schools through various drug prevention and safety awareness programs. As one of his many nominators wrote about Clark, “Brett’s commitment and philosophy of life, family, community and lifelong learning is personified in Margaret Mead’s quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Kelsa Reynolds
Youth Category Winner
Danville High School selected one of its top students, Kelsa Reynolds, to participate in the Youth Leadership Hendricks County program. From there Kelsa joined another leadership group for up-and-coming community leaders called Youth Encouraging Philanthropy. Kelsa rallied a group of high school students to “buddy-up” with Junior High students for community outreach work at Ellis Park in Danville. Through their teamwork and collaboration with the Pacers Foundation, the groups were able to put on a community day at the park. Kelsa works as a leader in her school through her involvement in student council and soccer, and she has sparked an interest in community involvement in her peers. She has served as a tremendous role model to the youth in Hendricks County, and as her nominator says, “Whatever Kelsa sets her mind to, she achieves.”
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