Servant leadership was on full display Tuesday morning at Milligan College.

Seven community leaders and a handful of Milligan students were honored during the 18th annual Leaders in Christian Service Convocation inside Seeger Memorial Chapel.

An annual tradition at the college, school officials awarded different leaders within the community with a basin and towel — which symbolizes “the lives of Christian service to which the college and its members are dedicated,” according to the school.

Recipients of the awards are nominated by community members for their active service in the region while showcasing examples of Christian leadership.

“They put the needs of others above their own,” Milligan President Dr. Bill Greer said about the recipients.

Elizabethton native Dr. David Mills was recognized by the school for his service in the community. While being an optometrist in the city, Mills stayed active in various projects, including initiatives to help support the local veteran populations.

Others that received awards during the event include:

• Bill Alton – vice president of facilities with Ballard Health

• Guynn Edwards – executive director for the The Crumley House

• Judy Ingala – retired RN and healthcare executive

• Marta Wayt – physician with Providence Medical Center

• Darrell Fowler – owner/operator of Chik-fil-A in Johnson City

• Herb Greenlee – director of Carver Park in Johnson City

Trish Patterson, community outreach director with Holston Habitat for Humanity, served as the keynote speaker and added that attendees could take an example from the seven honored.

“We share foundations of our faith,” Patterson said. “… We must grow and learn. We can learn from the examples of others.”

Patterson, a 2006 LCS honoree, spent the morning talking about her trip with her family and how “It’s a Small World” ties in with the growth of servant leadership in the region.

Prior to the induction of the 2018 LCS Class, Greer spent time honoring three Milligan students who have went above and beyond the call of leadership in the region.

Matthew Albritton, Emily Mark and Jonathan Russell were each honored for their work with different organizations. Albritton, of Johnson City, was honored for his work by serving with the Ministry for Widows at First Christian Church in Johnson City. Russell, of Kingsport, was recognized for his work with an at-risk youth ministry — LXI — in Washington County. Mark, of Maryland, was also highlighted during the event for her with Families Free — a faith-based nonprofit community organization helping with intervention services for women and families affected by substance abuse and other events within Northeast Tennessee.