College Summit West Virginia Rolls Out the Red Carpet

On May 3, more than 370 students, educators, volunteers, alumni, donors, and other community supporters got the red carpet treatment at an awards event to honor those individuals, schools, and organizations who have helped build the college-going culture in schools and communities.

The event, held at the Charleston Civic Center, was sponsored by Darden Restaurants Foundation, Inc. and Deloitte. Other funders that were recognized during the event include The Allstate Foundation, Energy Corporation of America and the ECA Foundation, and AEP Appalachian Power.

For the second year in a row, Shady Spring High School won the Deloitte Award designated for schools that have significantly increased college enrollment for all students through innovative approaches to building a college-going culture. “Shady Spring High School has truly embraced the idea of a college-going culture.  Their very active peer leaders, led by Debby Gallaher, promote college by sharing their college knowledge in classrooms throughout the school, updating their college acceptance wall, and recruiting juniors to attend the workshop,” says Keri Ferro,  College Summit West Virginia Program Manager.

Peer Leader of the Year, Tyler Gunnells, of Westside High School in Wyoming County plans to attend West Virginia University as a math major this fall.  After completing his undergraduate degree he plans to attend the WVU School of Dentistry, and eventually return to his hometown to start an oral healthcare educational initiative. “I feel it is necessary to give back to my community because of the tremendous help that was given to me in my time of need.”

Another Peer Leader of the year, Gabrielle “Grace” Sorah, president of the Shady Spring High School Peer Leader Club, plans to attend Concord University in the fall.  As part of the Launchpad Campaign Pilot, Grace participated in the peer coach/mentor program. In an article published in the Beckley Register Herald, Grace said, “Being involved with peer coaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences in the program.  We talk with at-risk freshmen who are having problems with their grades or are missing school and motivate them,” she explained. “Being a good peer coach is about being open-minded and friendly, and it betters you in the long run,” Sorah added.  She believes that College Summit is beneficial for people like her, who already plan to attend college, as well as others; Sorah explained, “It is most important for people that might have a lower GPA because you learn about all the options available, and learn about all the help and scholarships that are available.”

John Mork, CEO of Energy Corporation of America was presented with the 2011 Connect to Your Future Award by Founder and CEO of College Summit,  J.B. Schramm.  The Connect to Your Future Award is presented to individuals who exhibit outstanding commitment to students, education,  and building the college-going culture. Mork’s commitment to education in West Virginia and continued support of College Summit’s values and mission is immense. To read more about the Mork Family and their continued commitment to College Summit, click here. 

For pictures from the event, check out the photo album on our Facebook page.

Here is a complete list of the awards presented during the event:
College Summit Values Award - Terri O’Fiesh, St. Albans High School
Peer Leader Values Award -  Jonathan Rhudy, Shady Spring High School
Outstanding Peer Leader Club – Shady Spring High School
Outstanding Peer Leaders of the Year – Tyler Gunnels of Westside High School and Grace Sorah of Shady Spring High School
The Deloitte Award – Shady Spring High School
The Connect to Your Future Award – John Mork
Beyond the Classroom Awards were presented to Marie McCoy of Tug Valley High School, Nancy Johnson of Winfield High School, John Henry of Shady Spring High School, and Tanya Fatony of Woodrow Wilson High School.