FSU Students Win Academic Awards

Fairmont State University honored students for their academic achievement at the 31st Annual Academic Awards Celebration in April.

Many of the awards presented at the event were made possible through gifts to the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc.

Timothy L. McDaniel, a 1974 graduate of Philip Barbour High School, received the Harry J. Hadley Award for Teaching Excellence (Secondary), which is presented to a current public school teacher. He graduated from Alderson Broaddus College in 1979 with an associate degree in Mining Management, from Fairmont State in 1986 with a B.A. in General Science and Gifted Education and from Salem Teikyo University in 1995 with a Masters in Education. He currently teaches General Science and Environmental Science at Philip Barbour High School. McDaniel, who just completed his 21st year of teaching, is the son of Charles and Jo Ellen McDaniel of Philippi. He and his wife, Judy, who is a 1978 graduate of Fairmont State in Elementary Education, reside in Philippi. They have two sons, Adam and Ryan, daughter-in-law Amanda and one granddaughter Avery Nicole. McDaniel was elected to the Barbour County Commission in 2002 and is a member of the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church in Philippi, where he teaches the Middle School Sunday School Class.

Donna Swann, a 1970 graduate of Rivesville High School, received the Harry J. Hadley Award for Teaching Excellence (Elementary), which is presented to a current public school teacher. Swann is a kindergarten teacher at Rivesville Elementary Middle School and has taught in Marion County Schools for 31 years. She received her master's degree from West Virginia University in 1979. She and her husband Scott reside in Rivesville and have one daughter, Sarah Sago.

Matthew D. Barberio, a 2004 graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School, received the Outstanding Student in Health and Human Performance Award. An Exercise Science senior, he is the son of Mark and Kay Barberio of Clarksburg. He is treasurer of Phi Epsilon Kappa honors fraternity.

Ashley Bjorndahl, a 2004 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the William and Doretha Clayton Barnes Prize in History. A Social Studies Education senior, she is the daughter of Gary and Lori Bjorndahl of Grafton. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta history honor society and Phi Gamma Mu social sciences honor society.

Stephanie Boblett, a 2003 graduate of Grafton High School, received the William C. Ruoff Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award and the Coleman-Cobb-Postawa Award. A Chemistry and Medical Laboratory Technician senior, she is the daughter of Thomas and Deborah Boblett of Fairmont. She is vice president of ACS, president of the Forensic Science Club, president of the MLT Student Association and a recipient of the Dade Behbring Scholarship, ASCP Scholarship and the Outstanding MLT Student Award.

Leigh Anne Bolyard, a 2002 graduate of East Fairmont High School, received the Sigma Alpha Iota Scholastic Award (Music). A Music Education senior, she is the daughter of Gary and Cathy Bolyard of Fairmont. She is vice president of membership for Sigma Alpha Iota, president of the American Choral Directors Association and a member of MENC.

Amber Boor, a 2004 graduate of Frankfort High School, received the Wendell G. Hardway Distinguished Scholarship for Teacher Education. An Elementary Education senior, she is the daughter of Alvin and Debbie Boor of Ridgeley. She is the granddaughter of Mary Jane Weimer. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, a mentor for America Reads and is a PROMISE Scholarship recipient.

Joseph Boyd, a 2003 graduate of Lewis County High School, received the Outstanding Senior in Information Systems Award. An Information Systems senior, he is the son of Glenn and Terry Boyd of Weston. He is a member of the men's golf team, Delta Mu Delta, Phi Theta Kappa and president of the Information Systems Student Organization.

Deona E. Champ of Ft. Seybert, a 2001 graduate of Pendleton County High School, received the Stark A. Wilmoth Outstanding Student Teacher Award. An Elementary Education graduate, she is the daughter of Coy A. and Vicky D. Champ of Franklin. She has been on the Deans List and the President's List and has been involved with America Reads, the Science After School Program, Women's Panhellenic Council and Delta Xi Omicron.

Tricia Clelland of Fairview, a 1991 graduate of North Marion High School, received the Women of Fairmont State Scholarship. An Elementary Education sophomore, she is the daughter of Dwight Price and the step-daughter of Sara Price of Metz. She is engaged to Duane Parker and has two children, Holly Clelland and Justin Clelland.

Dena A. Dayton of Fairmont, a 1993 graduate of North Marion High School, received the Outstanding Sociology Student Award. A Sociology senior with a minor in Psychology, she is the daughter of William L. Dayton of Grafton and Yvonne G. Keller of Fairmont. She is a member of Pi Gamma Mu, international honor society in social sciences, a member of Psi Chi and a student aide for the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center.

Amber Degroff, a 2003 graduate of Upshur County Christian Academy, received the Eleanor M. Ford Outstanding Senior Award (Mathematics). A Mathematics senior, she is the daughter of Patrick and Rebecca Ball of Buckhannon. She and her husband Joseph reside in Fairmont. She is a past recipient of the Robert L. Carroll Scholarship.

Michael Donato, a 2002 graduate of North Marion High School, received the Farley-Branham Award for Outstanding Student Teacher. An Education Health/Physical Education senior, he is the son of Paul and Cecelia Donato of Mannington. He is vice president of Phi Epsilon Kappa.

Greg Donohoe, a 2003 graduate of South Harrison High School, received the Coleman/Swiger Endowed Chemistry Scholarship. A Chemistry junior, he is the son of John W. Donohoe of Rancho Cucumonga, Calif., and Connie Swanger of Bridgeport. He is vice president of ACS.

Jason T. Duckworth, a 1997 graduate of Philip Barbour High School, received the Outstanding English Major Award. A senior English major, he is the son of Joey Duckworth of Philippi and Janna Duckworth of Belington. He presented at the first and second annual FSU Celebration of Student Scholarship and at the 16th annual Literature Symposium at WVU. He is published in FSU's Tracts publication and has been on the Dean's List and the President's List.

Kostas Fintrilis, a 1997 graduate of Bel Air High School, received the Consol, Inc. Scholarship (Civil Engineering Technology). A Civil Engineering Technology senior with a minor in Occupational Safety, he is the son of Konstantinos Fintrilis of Greece and Mary Fintrilis of Bel Air, Md. He is president of the ASCE Student Chapter and chair of the ASCE Steel Bridge Team.

Gerod N. Green, a 2005 graduate of South Charleston High School, received the Bachelor of Science Academic Achievement Award in Aviation Technology. An Aviation Administration with Professional Flight junior, he is the son of Tony and Renee Green of South Charleston. He is captain of the FSU cross country team, vice president of Alpha Eta Rho fraternity and is a past recipient of the Bachelor of Science Academic Achievement Award in Aviation Technology, the Robert Mollohan Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Scholarship and the PROMISE Scholarship.

Kimberly D. Higginbotham, a 2004 graduate of South Harrison High School, received the Meritorious Student in Communication and Theatre Arts Award. A Theatre senior, she is the daughter of James L. and Carla K. Higginbotham of Jane Lew. She is vice president of Masquers, a member of Alpha Psi Omega, a recipient of the Blanche Kenney Scholarship and a 2007 and 2008 Irene Ryan Candidate for the American College Theatre Festival.

Miles Holbert, a 1997 graduate of East Fairmont High School, received the Excellence in Studio Art Award. A Studio Art senior, he is the son of Ed and Rose Holbert of Fairmont. He and his wife, Jessie Holbert, reside in Fairmont. He is a past treasurer of Kappa Pi, a recipient of the Marion County Arts and Humanities Commission Award and winner of Best in Show in 2007 and 2008 at the Kappa Pi Juried Arts Show.

Chad Holbrook, a 2004 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the Ernest Frye Outstanding Student in Computer Science Award. A Computer Security senior, he is the son of Bill Holbrook of Borden, Ind., and Pamela Harrison of Rivesville. He has been on the Dean's List and President's List, was a senior senator and member of the Election Committee for Student Government.

Shaun C. Johnston, a 2004 graduate of Braxton County High School, received the Outstanding Senior in Accounting Award. An Accounting senior, he is the son of Curtis and Anita Johnston of Gassaway. He is a member of SAS and Delta Mu Delta.

Jhaye Jones of Fairview, an Electronics Engineering Technology senior, received the Academic Achievement Award for Electronics Engineering Technology.

Tiffany M. Jones of Fairmont, a 1996 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the Horace and Geraldine Belmear Outstanding Student Award. A Family and Consumer Sciences junior, she is the daughter of Timothy M. and Linda L. Jones of Norcross, Ga. She is president of the Black Student Union, a Diversity Scholar Outreach Camp counselor, a Freshman Counselor and has been on the Dean's List.

Amie Kirk, a 2005 graduate of East Fairmont High School, received the Mildred Mason Newcome Endowed Scholarship (English). An English/French senior, she is the daughter of Nancy Kirk of Fairmont. She is vice president of Sigma Tau Delta, a member of the Honors Program, Kappa Delta Pi, Baptist Campus Ministries and has been on the President's List and was a 2008 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention presenter.

Bruce D. Lane of Fairmont, a National Security and Intelligence and Political Science senior, received the National Security and Intelligence Award. He is the son of Ronald D. and Cheryl A. Lane of Morgantown. He is a member of the FSU Rugby Club and has been on the Dean's List or President's List every semester.

Renee LaRue, a 2006 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the Eleanor M. Ford Outstanding Junior Scholarship (Mathematics and Science, Secondary Education). A Mathematics Education junior, she is the daughter of Ted and A. Dennine LaRue of Fairmont. She has been on the President's List.

Jessica L. McElroy, a 2004 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the Outstanding Spanish Student Award. A Spanish/French Education senior, she is the daughter of George E. and Jacqueline L. McElroy of Fairmont. She is a member of the Spanish Club, French Club and is a peer tutor.

Tamma L. Melton, a 1977 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the Outstanding BSN Student of the Year Award. A Nursing senior, she is the daughter of the late Richard Drummond and Patty Drummond of Fairmont. She and her husband Charlie reside in Fairmont. She has two sons, Charlie Lowdermilk, who is a 2007 FSU graduate, and Kevin Lowdermilk, who is presently serving in the U.S. Navy. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Outdoor Club, Sigma Theta Tau and the Student Nurses Association. She is a past recipient of the Martha Miller Award (ADN Program), the Andee Pollastrini Scholarship and the Rural Medicine Scholarship.

Jordan Moran, a 2003 graduate of Grafton High School, received the William C. Ruoff Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award. A Chemistry senior, he is the son of Charles and Karol Moran of Grafton. He is president of the FSU Chapter of the American Chemical Society and was named Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Major.

Ryan A. Morris, a 2004 graduate of North Marion High School, received the Criminal Justice Achievement Award. A Criminal Justice Law Enforcement/Sociology senior, he is the son of Michael L. Morris of Fairmont and Lisa D. Morris of Fairmont. He is a member of Pi Gamma Mu, a member and officer of Alpha Phi Sigma and has been on the President's List and the Dean's List.

Amy Napierkowski, a 2004 graduate of Braxton County High School, received the Outstanding Student in Communication and Theatre Arts Award and the Academic Achievement Award for Graphics Technology. A Graphics Technology senior, she is the daughter of Rosemary Potts of Gassaway. She is an active member of the Speech Team.

Celi M. Oliveto, a 2006 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the Peluso Scholarship (English). An Oral Communications, English and French major, she is the daughter of James and Ellen Oliveto of Fairmont. She is vice president of Alpha Psi Omega, an Undergraduate Research Scholar, a member of the Interpretation Team and the Debate Team and a recipient of the PROMISE Scholarship and the Savenno and Peluso Scholarship.

Brittany N. Parks, a 2002 graduate of Lewis County High School, received the Sigma Alpha Iota Collegiate Honor Award (Music). A Music Education senior, she is the daughter of Russell Parks of Stonewood and Brenda M. Lydon of Weston. She is a four-year member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Sax Quartet and Wind Ensemble and a three-year member of the Piano, Percussion and African Ensemble. She has been vice president of membership, vice president of ritual and president of Sigma Alpha Iota and has been vice president and president of Kappa Kappa Psi.

Albert W. Pilkington IV, a 2006 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received the Outstanding Freshman in Chemistry award. A Chemistry sophomore, he is the son of Albert and Michelle Pilkington of Fairmont.

Michelle Plymale, a 1993 graduate of Grafton High School, received the Coleman/Swiger Endowed Chemistry Scholarship. A Chemistry junior, she is the daughter of Richard and Debra Plymale of Grafton. She has one son, Samuel Whetsell. She is secretary of the Forensic Science Club and a member of ACS.

Megan Prince, a 1996 graduate of Morgantown High School, received the William and Doretha Clayton Barnes Prize in History. A Social Studies Education senior, she is the daughter of Terry and Jane Sergi of Morgantown. She and her husband Coulee reside in Morgantown. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Pi Gamma Mu and Kappa Delta Pi.

Kristen Rausch, a 2005 graduate of William Mason High School, received the Robert L. Carroll Scholarship for Mathematics, the A. Joyce H. Coleman Memorial Scholarship (Mathematics) and the Women of Fairmont State Scholarship. A Mathematics, Mathematics Education and Computer Science junior, she is the daughter of Fred and Sharon Rausch of Mason, Ohio. She is a member of the women's softball team.

Kimberly Rose of Fairmont, who attended Morgantown High School and Los Altos High School in California and graduated in 1988, received the Outstanding Graduating Senior Psychology Student Award. A Psychology senior, she is the daughter of James Rose of Massillon, Ohio, and Karen Kessler of Fairmont. She has two children, Andrew Bierer, 14, and Nicholas Bierer, 11. She is a member of the Student Psychological Association and Psi Chi. She is a recipient of the Women of Fairmont State Scholarship and has been on the President's List.

Scott Scharnhorst, a 2001 graduate of Bridgeport High School, received the Outstanding Journalism Student Award. An English senior with a minor in Journalism, he is the son of Bob and Tammi Scharnhorst of Rainelle. He and his wife Kristin reside in Fairmont. He has been on the staff of Whetstone, the student art and literary journal.

Andrew Schiefelbein, a 2003 graduate of Philip Barbour High School, received the Outstanding English Education Major Award. An English Education senior, he is the son of Doug and Jill Schiefelbein of Philippi. He is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, has been on the Dean's List, has had works published in the Whetstone student art and literary journal and presented at the Davis and Elkins College Undergraduate Research Conference in 2005 and 2006.

Megan Smith, a 2003 graduate of Lewis County High School, received the Vincent and Catherine Sansalone Scholarship (Forensic Science). A Chemistry and Forensic Science senior, she is the daughter of Donald Smith of Jane Lew and Charlene Smith of Camden. She is vice president of the American Chemical Society and a member of the Forensic Science Club.

Michelle K. Sole, a senior Fashion Merchandising/Family and Consumer Sciences Teaching Certificate major, received the Bachelor of Science Academic Achievement Award in Family and Consumer Sciences. She is the daughter of Don L. and Alice H. Pope of Taswell, Ind. She and her husband David Lee Sole Sr. reside in Fairmont. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the FSU FACS Honorary, WVFACS West Virginia student historian and president of the AAFCS West Virginia Student Chapter.

Timothy Summerfield, a 1986 graduate of Rowlesburg High School, received the Academic Achievement Award for Civil Engineering Technology. A Civil Engineering Technology senior, he is the son of Junior and Betty Summerfield of Rowlesburg.

Jessica Titus, a 2003 graduate of Valley High School, received the Academic Achievement Award for Mechanical Engineering Technology. A Mechanical Engineering Technology senior, she is the daughter of Shelby Titus of Pine Grove. She is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and participated with the design and drafting of the Mini-Baja Project in 2006-2007.

Brittany Tobin, a 2004 graduate of North Marion High School, received the James A. LaRue Mathematics Award. A Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education senior, she is the daughter of Jim Tobin and Marcia Painter of Barrackville. She is a math tutor and a recipient of the Falcon Scholarship and the PROMISE Scholarship.

Elizabeth E. Walkos, a 2003 graduate of Mapletown Junior Senior High School, received the Political Science Achievement Award. A National Security and Intelligence and Political Science senior, she is the daughter of Alex J. and Laurie B. Mikalik of Dilliner, Pa. She is engaged to Glen Robert Skinner II. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, Pi Gamma Mu and president of the Political Science Association.

Christopher A. Warnick, a 2006 graduate of North Marion High School, received the Walter F. Phillips Jr. Scholarship (Occupational Safety). An Occupational Safety sophomore, he is the son of Robert L. and Diana L. Warnick. He has been on the Dean's List and the President's List, is an Undergraduate Research Grant recipient, secretary of Students Taking Action in Nature's Defense, a member of the Honors Program, a member of Increasing Our Faith, a mentor in the SciTech Mentor Link Program and a member of the Student Speakers Bureau.

Natasha D. Yeste, a 2005 graduate of Bridgeport High School, received the Dr. Martha L. Miller Award for Outstanding ADN Student of the Year. An associate degree Nursing senior, she is the daughter of Raul Yeste of Bridgeport and Carol Yeste of Nutter Fort. She is engaged to Harry Delaney. She has been on the President's List.

Heather Yoder, a 2005 graduate of Hiland High School, received the Ruth Marie Skaggs Award (Family and Consumer Sciences). A Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist junior with a minor in Nutrition, she is the daughter of William Jr. and Mary Yoder of Millersburg, Ohio. She is a member of Chi Alpha, the Outdoor Adventure Club and Student Government and is a Resident Assistant for the Office of Residence Life.