Leadership Marion Class XXVI Graduates

Seventeen area residents graduated on Wednesday, May 14, as part of Leadership Marion Class XXVI.

Leadership Marion is a program for people who are motivated by commitment, involvement, understanding and enthusiasm in an effort to foster leadership in the community. The program is supported by Fairmont State University and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

"Each year, Leadership Marion continues its tradition of graduating citizens who enhance the quality of life in and around Marion County," said Dr. G.H. 'Budd' Sapp, Director of Leadership Marion.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Fairmont State Falcon Center on Wednesday May 14, in the Falcon Center third floor conference rooms. The event included dinner followed by a brief program. Graduation plaques were presented to all class members.

Members of the 2007-2008 Class XXVI are Gary Fazalare, Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc.; Lyla Grandstaff, Fairmont State University/Pierpont Community & Technical College; Kevin Haugh, Marion County Board of Education; Brandi Haught, First Exchange Bank; Maggy Helwig, Fairmont State University/ Pierpont Community & Technical College; Leah King, Associated Businesses of East Fairmont, Reeves Carpet Cleaning; Kathy D. Malnick, WV High Technology Consortium Foundation; Steve Malnick, Marion County Board of Education; Patricia Mike, City of Fairmont; Mike Powers, NASA IV&V Facility; Krissy Shaffer, Fairmont Federal Credit Union; David E. Snider, The Omni Associates-Architects; Janet Stone, Allegheny Power; Pam Wean, Blackwood Associates, Inc.; Chad E. Williams, Fairmont General Hospital; Deborah Woods, Fairmont State University/ Pierpont Community & Technical College; and Jennifer Yanero, Huntington Bank.

Each Leadership Marion class completes a community service project. The current class had a Christmas fund raiser to assist the Salvation Army, rang bells for the Salvation Army, hosted an Online Salvation Army Kettle and made a food and monetary donation to Scott Place Homeless Shelter. In collaboration with the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission (MCPARC), the class also helped with the clean-up, facility improvements and the Opening Day Celebration of the Guyses Run Fishing Park in April.

The program is open to all Marion County citizens or employees. Participants are selected by the Leadership Marion Board of Directors following a review of the applications. The board members are looking for a group of prospective leaders who are interested, motivated and concerned individuals who want to offer their time and talents to improve their community.

If you would like to nominate and sponsor a Leadership Marion class member or provide a Leadership Marion Scholarship, contact Dr. G.H. 'Budd' Sapp at (304) 367-4663 or e-mail him at gsapp@fairmontstate.edu. Applications for Leadership Marion Class XXVII will be available in June 2008, and the class will begin meeting in August 2008.