THE FACES OF MILAN
In 2017, the City of Milan and Milan Main Street launched a banner program called “The Faces of Milan.” The banners hung along the Dexter, County, Main, and Wabash Street and featured photos of nearly thirty individuals who live, work, or attend school in Milan. These individuals were nominated by members of a selection committee made up of Milan Main Street board members, Milan Area Schools, community volunteers and more.
Mary Kerkes, who serves on Milan’s City Council, is a professional photographer. Mary volunteered her time and talents to take photos of all of the nominees.
Inspiration for this project resulted from a conversation with Milan resident Don Harkness. He recalled with a local soda fountain business would hang pictures of the basketball and football team members so that community members could get to know the players. The images created a connection to the teams that was undeniable. Milan community members came out in large numbers to support their team.
The Faces of Milan project was designed to celebrate more than just our high school athletes. And while high school athletes are featured on the banners, so are individuals, young and old and in between, who represent a small portion of the amazing people who live, work and attend school in our community. There are no shortage of people who deserve to be on the banners. Our town is filled with incredible people and the 30 some individuals featured on the banners, I hope, will provide reason to celebrate ALL of the amazing people in our community as well as inspire conversations about who we should feature on future banners.
