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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis same gratitude spurs his desire to contribute as a parent, a community member, and a community leader. He currently serves as the president of the United Way in Franklin County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of Hand\u2019s guiding principles is the value of showing up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the era of Facebook and Instagram, everybody has the solutions, but not everybody shows up at the meetings,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his opinion, actions speak louder than words, a lesson he hopes his daughters and the young people in the community take to heart. He leads by example \u2014 showing up at ball games, dances, and community events, always ready to support and serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hand is well aware of the challenges that come with growing up in a small town, especially the feeling of being limited by one\u2019s ZIP code. But he\u2019s quick to remind his daughters and others in the community that their location does not confine their potential. Hand encourages young people to dream big and push beyond perceived limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere are people like Jauan Jennings who went to Cowan schools when he was younger, and he just threw a touchdown\u00a0pass in the Super Bowl. So, I tell [my kids] all the time, \u2018You\u2019re not limited by your location.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Music is a hobby that began in Hand\u2019s childhood and has been a constant companion in his life. Even though he grew up in government-assisted housing, his mother ingrained in him the belief that he was destined for greatness. She even envisioned him as the next Elvis Presley. While that dream may have taken a different form, Hand\u2019s love for music never dwindled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He began singing at the age of 5, influenced by his grandmother\u2019s twin brothers, who were part of a gospel group.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, music remains his \u201csafe place,\u201d a gift he passed down to his daughters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hand has served as a music minister for over 15 years and continues to DJ events. A high school teacher described his voice as perfect for DJing, and it has become a familiar voice at local events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the past 18 seasons, Hand has been the voice that young athletes hear from the time they enter middle school until they graduate. As an announcer for the Franklin County High School Rebels football team, he enjoys the game of football and the opportunity to be a constant presence in these young people\u2019s lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n His voice is one they hear from the stands, but his influence reaches far and wide and surpasses the football field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome of those guys are getting married now,\u201d he shared, \u201cI\u2019m DJing their weddings. It\u2019s such a joy to see them develop, not just on the field but off the field too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hand\u2019s wife\u2019s work as a teacher and cheer coach and his own volunteer efforts allow him to remain a significant part of these young people\u2019s lives long after they\u2019ve left the classroom or the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Hand continues to serve, he remains humble, grateful, and ever-committed to making Franklin County a better place for his daughters and future generations. GN<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FROM THE first time he laid eyes on Cowan\u2019s gorgeous city landscapes, Johnny Hand felt an undeniable pull. It was as if the hills, valleys, and warm-hearted people welcomed him with open arms, assuring him of a well-spent life of meaning, love, and purpose. Marrying his \u201cCowan girl\u201d was the start of a journey that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":23342,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/franklin-county\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/11\/4-4-1024x683.png\")
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