North Montgomery High School alumni Mark Eutsler and Mike Melvin were recognized by the Points of Light Foundation and are included in its 2021 Inspiration Honor Roll.
The Points of Light Foundation was founded by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. The honor roll celebrates acts of service, kindness and civic engagement by individuals who create change in communities around the world. It recognizes the people who take action, in both large and small ways, to improve the lives of others.
A 1976 graduate, Eutsler was recognized for his 25 years of serving as co-chair of the nationally televised AES 500 Festival Parade. Commenting last year in the Congressional Record about the accomplishment, US Representative Jim Baird said, “Using his experience as the former director of bands at McCutcheon High School, he has helped over 45,000 students from 425 Indiana schools participate in the nationally acclaimed AES 500 Festival Parade.”
Baird noted that his consecutive years of service stand out among the more than 3,000 volunteers.
Eutsler was nominated by Jack Haelfing, president of Marion County Farm Bureau. The two have served together on the boards of Metro Ministries, Operation Classroom and Brightwood Community Center, as well as serve together as co-chairs of the 500 Festival Parade. Eutsler is also past chair of the Indiana Occupational Safety Standards Commission and Serve Indiana Commission and a co-founder of the Indiana Racing Memorial Association and American Racing Memorial Association.
He is an adjunct professor of education in the Olivet Nazarene University School of Graduate and Continuing Studies in which he also serves as subject matter expert and dissertation coach in the Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership program.
Graduating in 2010, Melvin was recognized for realizing the difficulty the COVID-19 pandemic would have for the performing arts as venues could not keep their doors open to perform safely for live audiences. He quickly adapted to the change to virtual
theatre by using his editing and streaming knowledge. Students were thereby able to safely perform on stage for concerts and shows in schools and community theatre. His advocacy continues as he reminds everyone to continue to support their local performing arts, especially during these difficult times.
Melvin is North Montgomery Middle School Mathematics Department Chair, National Junior Honor Society Sponsor, North Montgomery High School Theatre Troupe Sponsor and North Montgomery Community School Corporation auditorium supervisor. He’s an active volunteer with Sugar Creek Players and delivers food at a local food pantry. Eutsler, whose daughter Abigail is a 2021 North graduate and former member of the school’s theatre troupe, nominated Melvin.
“Mr. Melvin is an inspirational and effective educational leader. He is adept at finding solutions and, if none exists, he invents them. Most of all, he is a servant leader. While holding multiple positions in the school district he balances faith, family, and community involvement in ways that enhance each.”
Eutsler and Melvin each also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Joseph R. Biden earlier this year.
