Scott Kelly was nominated as Citizen of the Month for July 2022 by Council Member Don Ramsey.
Council Member Ramsey stated that Mr. Kelly wasn’t a typical citizen of the month because of his background. He said that Mr. Kelly had a history of incarceration due to substance use.
Council Member Ramsey stated that Mr. Kelly had overcome substance use, though, and turned his life around as a result of his faith in God.
Mr. Ramsey stated that Mr. Kelly used his past struggles and addiction in a positive way to provide hope and encouragement to others in the community who were facing similar struggles.
He stated that it was easy for people to look down on individuals like Mr. Kelly, but that Mr. Kelly had proven that it was possible for anyone to change their lives.
Council Member Ramsey stated that Mr. Kelly was part of Freedom Life Ministry and the Heart Cry Music Ministry. He stated that Mr. Kelly had been visiting jails and the prison system since 2016 to speak to those incarcerated about changing their lives for the good.
Council Member Ramsey stated that Mr. Kelly was generous, almost to a fault, since he worked hard to raise funds that in return could buy men and women who are locked up food and other supplies they needed.
Mr. Ramsey stated that there were people no longer living in defeat and crime, because of Mr. Kelly’s faith and commitment to helping others.
Mayor Little presented Mr. Kelly with a Citizen of the Month Certificate and City of Marion mug. He thanked him for his dedication to help others.
Following the presentation, Council Members and the City Manager praised Mr. Kelly for his service to the community. They stated that his works did not go unnoticed and that he was a shining example of how anyone can turn their life around.
Several members of the audience, including Mr. Kelly’s mother and Freedom Life Ministries Executive Director Danny Hampton, recognized the efforts of Mr. Kelly and the impact he had on others.