WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Jerry Scott has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Food For The Hungry Stroud Award for Community Service, recognizing nearly six decades of dedication to public safety, conservation and civic leadership in Knox County.
Scott began his career of service in 1965 with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. In 1982, he became the first administrator of Ohio’s Turn In a Poacher program, which helps combat wildlife-related violations. He retired from the Division of Wildlife in 1995 but continues to share his expertise through its board.
His community involvement also includes 47 years of service with the Sheriff’s Auxiliary, more than 40 years on the board of The Salvation Army, and membership at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene for 25 years. In 2018, Scott joined the Mount Vernon Association of Police Chaplains, providing prayer, emotional support and comfort to first responders and grieving families.
Scott has also played a significant role in local charitable fundraising. He has supported Food For The Hungry of Knox County since its founding in 1982, contributing to events that evolved into the Snowflake Gala’s Fund-a-Cause auction. He also served as master of ceremonies for the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival for 26 years and worked as a licensed auctioneer and real estate professional before retiring from auctioneering in 2024.
His previous recognitions include the Zelkowitz Memorial Award in 1999, the Snowflake Gala Founders Award in 2023 and the City of Mount Vernon Community Service Recognition Award in 2026.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr praised Scott’s commitment to service, saying his leadership and presence have provided hope and comfort to many people in the community.
The Stroud Award honors the memory of Bill Stroud, a longtime Knox County community leader who served on numerous local boards and was a retired president and chairman of First-Knox National Bank.
Scott will receive the award at the 2026 Snowflake Gala on Friday, December 11, at 6 p.m. at Kenyon College’s Lowry Athletic Center in Gambier. The event will include a reception, dinner prepared by AVI Dining Services, a live auction supporting families in Knox County, and music and dancing with the Knox Community Jazztet.
Tickets cost $125 per person, or $1,000 for a table of eight. More information and tickets are available through the 2026 Snowflake Gala website.
The gala supports Food For The Hungry of Knox County’s annual fundraising drive to help local residents in need.
