Dedication to the redevelopment of the Little Cities region via understanding and promotion of the region’s historical, cultural and environmental assets was enveloped in this year’s trio of recipients for the Little Cities Spirit Award given at Little Cities Day in October. Awardees Dr. Frans Doppen, Don McGathey and Susan Mingus clearly prove that actions speak louder than words as they have made significant contributions to the region’s well-being. Dr. Frans Doppen, a professor in Social Studies Teacher Preparation at Ohio University’s College of Education , became intrigued with the story of the Little Cities after participating in a tour of the microregion in the summer of 2005. Since then he has engaged his students in hands-on learning in the region, touring with his social studies methods class several times each year, and engaging them in learning projects ranging from lesson plan development to community service projects. For the past two summers Doppen has led a week-long summer course here featuring the history, culture, education and environment of the region. Doppen embraces the Little Cities As A Classroom concept, which calls for visitors to tread lightly, and contribute to the well being of the place while learning here. His students most recently raised over $1,500 for a historic marker in Rendville. This effort was complimented by their clearing the 110 steps to the former Rendville School site of brush, cleaning up an abandoned house and placing a small exhibit in the Rendville Town Hall. Among project students in his summer Appalachian Studies courses have completed, are painting playground equipment and buildings, developing exhibits, clearing hiking trail and building learning aides for the Sunday Creek Watershed Group. Doppen, a native of The Netherlands, has focused on ethnic issues including Rendville and the life of African American Union Organizer Richard L. Davis. His interest in Rendville has given new life to keeping alive the nationally significant story of this community. His involvement with the Little Cities region has been a role model for others at Ohio University who have followed his lead by engaging in learning projects that benefit the region.