Libby Jones to be honored, Ouita Michel to deliver keynote at Midway College Spotlight Awards May 28

Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones

Two of Midway's most famous women will share the spotlight at the second annual Spotlight Awards at Midway College on May 28. Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones will receive the Legacy Award for service to the college, and chef Ouita Michel will deliver the keynote address.

The Legacy Award was created to honor people who have helped the college over many years by giving time, service, support and/or resources. Jones is a second-generation trustee of the college, following her father, Gen. Arthur Y. Lloyd. She chairs the board's Academic Committee and is active in several other organizations throughout Kentucky and the nation.

Jones is a director of American Farmland Trust, vice chair of The Bluegrass Conservancy, founding director of Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom, and a director of the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation. She is co-owner of Airdrie Stud Inc. with her husband, former Gov. Brereton Jones. They have two adult children, Lucy and Bret, and two grandsons.

"Libby has been an invaluable asset to Midway College during her many years as a trustee and has touched so many lives on this campus and in the community," Dr. John P. Marsden, president of the college, said in a news release.

The Spotlight Awards will also include presentation of the Pinkerton Vision Award, which honors a person or group that has had a direct impact on improving women's lives; a woman who has been an outstanding role model; or a woman who has displayed great leadership, innovative thinking and influence in her career. The winner has not been announced.

Ouita Papka Michel

Michel is the owner and executive chef at Holly Hill Inn, Wallace Station, Windy Corner Market and Restaurant, Smithtown Seafood, and the Midway School Bakery. She is chef-in-residence at Woodford Reserve Distillery and operates Glenn's Creek Café and Glenn's Creek Catering. She is devoted to using local foods to help sustain Bluegrass family farms and provide the freshest, best-tasting cuisine. Her restaurants have used more than $2 million worth of Kentucky-grown meats, dairy products, fruits and vegetables over the last 13 years.

Michel's reputation for food and her commitment to sustainability have earned her national attention. She has often been a nominee for James Beard Foundation Award as best chef in the Southeast. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, a member of Slow Food USA, congregational coordinator of the Kids in the Kitchen at Midway Christian Church and manager of the church's free, monthly community supper. She is a member of FoodChain, a non-profit food incubator in Lexington, and is a member of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, formerly headed by her late stepfather, Robert Sexton. Her father, Ray Papka, is a mixed-media artist in the Midway area. She lives in a 200-year-old cabin next to the Holly Hill Inn with her husband, Chris, and daughter, Willav.

"Not only does Ouita excel in her professional endeavors, she, like our Spotlight Award winners, is a tireless advocate for the causes she champions," Marsden said. "It is a pleasure for us to call such a renowned chef and speaker our friend and neighbor, and to welcome her to Midway College."

The Spotlight Awards highlight women and men who have been leaders in representing women's issues, have made an impact that benefits women in the state of Kentucky and beyond, and innovative women in their chosen field. For more information on the event, go to www.midway.edu/Spotlight or call 859-846-5300.