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Akron Council honors Melvin Blake with state service award
Summary
Akron City Council unanimously adopted a resolution congratulating recreation employee Melvin Blake on receiving the 2026 NFHS Ohio Service Award and praised his work at Firestone Stadium and in youth sports programs.
Akron City Council on Monday adopted a resolution congratulating city employee Melvin Blake for receiving the 2026 NFHS Ohio Service Award, praising his work advancing interscholastic athletics and youth programs at Firestone Stadium.
Councilwoman Sharon Connor, citing committee backing, called Blake “a long-time city employee” who helped bring the softball tournament to Akron and asked the council to suspend rules to adopt the resolution. Several council members offered brief tributes: Councilman Garrett said Blake “epitomizes what we look for in a civil servant,” and Councilman Fusco praised Blake’s responsiveness in getting community ideas implemented.
Blake, accepting the award, thanked staff at Firestone Stadium and named colleagues who helped keep tournaments running. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, 13–0.
Council members said the recognition underscores the city’s investment in recreation programming and the role of longtime staff in supporting youth sports. The council moved on to public comment after the presentation.
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