Community is stronger than tragedy
St. Marys has a history of stepping up for its neighbors in tough times
It may be known as Southern Hospitality but people in Auglaize County also know a thing or two about taking care of their neighbors.
When the Wapakoneta community was devastated by a tragic car accident that took the life of 17-yearold Layla Yoakam and left 16-yearold Katelyn Rose in critical condition, their neighbors to the west in St. Marys — despite a strong athletic rivalry — stepped up to the plate to send condolences and offer financial help to the families.
“The prayers, sympathy and support shown by our families and communities in this area when we are faced with any kind of tragic situation is incredible and really is key to the healing process and getting through the tough times together,” said St. Marys City Schools Superintendent Bill Ruane.
St. Marys High School offered its support through its Gatekeepers club, which sent over a card that was signed by students who offered their condolences. The varsity cheerleaders
have also offered a visual show of support with ribbons in their hair, adorned with “Wapak Strong” on one side and “Yoakam, Rose” on the other.
“One of the great things about living in a small town in northwest Ohio is how well the local communities come together to support one another,” St. Marys High School Principal Jon Burke said. “There is a wonderful network of churches, philanthropic organizations, counselors and support groups who are ready to help in any given moment. We have been blessed with great people who have supported us through tragedies and we’re always ready to help a neighbor as well.”
“It is one of those things that truly makes you appreciate living and growing up in Northwest Ohio,” added Ruane.
Businesses have also been coming in strong for the families.
My•la’s Frozen Yogurt held a benefit for the families of the teens. The chance to support the community is part of the central mission of My•la’s.
“When we opened My•la’s in May 2020, we had a vision to create a family, friendly atmosphere where people could gather and enjoy the moments in life,” said Co-owner Jarret Webb. “When we hear of these tragic events, we want to bring optimism and hope to the families and communities mourning. Mindy and I instantly wanted to help these two families that have been forever impacted. Our hearts ache as we try to empathize for everyone involved.
“As a small town in Northwest Ohio we want to bring hope and joy to not only the city of St. Marys, but all of our neighboring communities and towns, so we can all be together and enjoy the moments in life.”
Coming together for a neighbor is nothing new for the St. Marys area.
In the days after an EF-3 tornado tore part of Celina to shreds on Memorial Day in 2019, St. Marys gathered what it had and offered it to those in need.
Fowler’s TV got the ball rolling that Tuesday morning when it announced on its Facebook page that the company was collecting anything to fill its vehicles to send to Celina.
Becky Fowler said she was talking to her son the morning after the tornado and he gave her the idea of collecting donations.
“I said, ‘I want to do something,’” she said as she fought back tears. “I thought about picking a family and he said, ‘why don’t you accept donations?’ Well, that’s a good idea.”
That’s when an overwhelming avalanche of donations poured into the store.
Agape Ministries, St. Marys Chrysler, Kroger and Wayne Street United Methodist Church also offered donations of supplies, money and even offered a hand in the cleanup efforts.
Once tragedy struck the area that Monday night in 2019 and now again after Saturday afternoon’s crash, one community came together to help another — despite any differences or sports rivalries — unequivocally, without question or doubt.
“It’s just what we do in this area,” said Burke. “There is a wonderful network of churches, philanthropic organizations, counselors and support groups who are ready to help in any given moment.”