2022 Dan Otten Courage Award winners

Scholarship program in honor of former educator and coach Dan Otten

Dan Otten was a long-time educator and coach at Celina Schools who had a passion for coaching and a love for his students, athletes, and the Lord. Dan passed away from cancer in January 2021 and had exhibited tremendous courage during his 4-year battle.

The District 8 FCA was seeking nominations of high school seniors from Mercer or Auglaize counties who also have exhibited courage overcoming hardships and adversity whether on the playing field, school environment or at home. Minimum GPA or level of athletic success were not a requirement, but the student should possess a good work ethic in athletics and in the classroom. The nominee should be respected by teachers, coaches, administrators, classmates and teammates. This student does not give up, has integrity, courage, an upbeat and positive attitude, humble heart, a professed belief in Jesus Christ and values others above themselves. Philippians 2:3

Two recipients were chosen to each receive a $500 award and recognition plaque: Carlene Goodwin of Coldwater High School and Mason Pohl of Marion Local High School.

Carlene was nominated by Coldwater Athletic Director Eric Goodwin.

“Being a former student/athlete under Dan Otten, Carlee learned so much about life and how she should live it. Carlee basically became a daughter to Coach Otten that he never had himself. She would come home everyday from swimming talking about what Coach Otten had taught her today whether it was a new saying or just some words of advice. He has been truly the most inspirational person in her life outside of her family.

Carlee had to overcome so much to become an 11 time varsity letter winner (out of 12 seasons) at Coldwater High School. The fact that she overcame not one, but 2 major surgeries to come out stronger each time shows her true character of hard work and spiritual belief. Her sophomore season just prior to State Swim, she had a complete tear of her Labrum while at swim practice. She came back stronger than ever from this. Then this past fall entering her Senior year, she was told she needed Heart Surgery. The surgery was performed at the end of Cross Country cutting her season short but prior to Swimming. She then suffered a “Mini-Stroke” from the Heart Surgery and was hospitalized for 6 days. After weeks of therapy, she came back to finish her swimming career with another trip to the State Swimming Tournament in Canton.

Another thing I am extremely proud of Carlee for is her involvement with “Project Everybody Beautiful” as an ambassador for the program. This organization was established for helping women to overcome tragic situations in their life. Carlee saw the importance of this and has been working with this program for 2 years now.

To go along with be a 3-sport star at Coldwater High School and overcoming some tragic health situations, she is also and excellent student (3.70 gpa) and is involved in several school organizations. She is a volunteer at the Mercer Health Community Hospital and this has led her to the next chapter in her life. She is planning on attending Ball State University to become a nurse to help others.”

Pohl was nominated by Jenny Dippold, Marion Local High School guidance counselor.

“Ben has met challenges in high school that few students encounter, a cancer diagnosis. As a young sophomore, Ben battled this ugly disease while continuing his studies and remaining in the top 10% of his class. He had many setbacks in his health through his treatment, but Ben

insisted on keeping his full schedule of classes and completed assignments while even hospitalized. Ben did not want people to feel sorry for him nor did he want any “advantages” due to his health situation. He continued to challenge himself at school and immerse himself with his peers as much as he could.

Ben is now a senior and has been cancer free for a year. He continues to be in the top 10% of his class and has applied to colleges with the goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree mechanical engineering. Observing Ben continue a positive attitude and strong work ethic through such a difficult time has shown his true character. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a scholarship to help him achieve his goals and dreams for the future.