The Good Life Award

Washington-Centerville Public Library

OPPORTUNITY: In 2007, the Washington-Centerville Public Library approached Fran Kick to speak at their annual Good Life Award Celebration Ceremony and consult in the creation of a full-page newspaper kidsINK activity page which appeared in the Dayton Daily News. In addition, Fran was asked to create a series of classroom activities for teachers to use in conjunction with this writing contest.

RESULTS: Prior to 2007, there were 366 entries from 26 participating schools. In 2019, there were 1,107 essays submitted from 28 different schools. This premier teen writing contest continues to thrive under the current leadership of Debe Dockins with over 10,000 total entries to date and more than $80,000 awarded. Fran Kick remains a consultant to the contest and has been the featured keynote presenter at the annual celebration every year from 2007 to 2024.

“You are such a highlight for us, fabulous, inspiring, and funny! You always bring a thoughtful message in an entertaining manner to the program and have from the very beginning. I also appreciated your willingness to film for our promotional DVD!”

Debe Dockins, Good Life Awards Coordinator

Washington-Centerville Public Library

“Your professionalism throughout the planning and implementation of the program contributed greatly to its overall success. All of your communications with us were prompt and clear, you arrived early, your professionalism was flawless, you stayed late to answer questions, all with infectious enthusiasm. In short, you delivered everything you promised and much, much more.”

Kristi Hale, Library Manager

Washington-Centerville Public Library

“The Good Life Award ceremony wouldn’t be the same without Fran Kick. He brings excitement with an inspiring message that clearly gets through to both students and parents. In my mind, Fran has a permanent invitation to inspire the students at the annual Good Life Awards.”

Bob Yeck, President

Yeck Brothers Company

“You had the audience of all ages active, attentive, engaged, laughing and listening; that is pretty impressive with an audience largely comprised of teenagers! But most importantly, everyone left the program with a deeper understanding of how their efforts and choices have tremendous impact on their life and community.”

Cynthia Klinck, Library Director

Washington-Centerville Public Library

The contest and awards are made possible by an endowment from the family of Dorothy Yeck. A champion of children, Dottie Yeck believed that you’re never too young to have a positive impact on the world. The writing contest encourages teens to share their plans on how to lead a life that is fun, purposeful, and happy. Each year the writing prompts focus on Dottie Yeck’s philosophy of:

“Being Good + Doing Good = Having Fun + Being Happy”
—Dottie Yeck

PRESENTED BY:

The Good Life Award honors the life of Dottie Yeck, a champion of children, who believed that one is never too young to have an impact on the world. “Being Good + Doing Good = Having Fun + Being Happy” was Dottie Yeck’s Life Philosophy and serves as the basis for this annual writing contest for teens in grades 7 to 9.

“The Good Life Award ceremony wouldn’t be the same without Fran Kick.”

Bob Yeck, President
Yeck Brothers Company

The Good Life Award

Washington-Centerville Public Library

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