The Tucker County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the recipients for the 44th Annual Chamber Awards. The banquet will be on Thursday evening, May 19, 2022 at 5:30pm at Canaan Valley Resort. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Information Center in Davis or by calling 304-259-5315 by May 13th. The Chamber has solicited nominations for six different categories, the secret committee has met and the results are in for the 2022 winners!
- Educator of the Year: Christina Dotson
Tucker County High School, Science Teacher
Mountain Hospice is the proud sponsor of this award.
Christina Dotson is a native Tucker Countain who has taught both at Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School and the Tucker County High School. One nomination said, “I would put her classroom instruction and positive relationships she builds with students up against any teacher in the nation.” She is known to go above and beyond for her students, staying over at times to tutor or just an ensuring them they are as prepared academically for whatever next challenge they may face.
- Student of the Year: Neveah Nichols and Kristen Hicks
Sirianni’s Café is the proud sponsor of this award.
The Secret Committee expressed that this year’s decision was too hard to pick just one. They decided to award Student of the Year to both, Neveah Nichols and Kristen Hicks.
A nomination for Ms. Nichols said, “Neveah is exceptional student and leader. Her academic achievements are unparalleled, as she scored well above national benchmarking standards on her SAT, and was accepted to Ivy League schools, and some of the other most prestigious and competitive universities.”
A nomination for Ms. Hicks said, “Kristen is remarkable in the classroom. She has achieved at an extremely high level on her SAT, and in the classroom, I consider her the leader of our student body, and will attend the college of her choice in the fall.”
Another mention, “Kristen balances many activities so very well, I have doubt that she is prepared for a busy collegiate tour. She maintains amazing grades while being active in student council, class activities, led prom and homecoming for her class, plays softball and is always willing to help in every aspect with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.”
- Employee of the Year: Jeff Henderson
Blackwater Falls State Park is the proud sponsor of this award
Jeff Henderson is employed as the National Youth Science Center’s Facility Operations Manager. As a longtime Tucker County resident, Jeff also believes in the mission of National Youth Science Foundation (NYSF) “to inspire lifelong engagement and ethical leadership in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related professions’ to create lifelong learners, and he is especially passionate about providing those opportunities to the students of the Potomac Highlands and Canaan Valley regions.
A nomination said, “Jeff has been instrumental in helping the National Youth Science Foundation realize the full potential of its amazing facility in Davis, Tucker County, WV.”
Another mentioned, “Thanks to Jeff’s careful planning, prioritizing, and organization, NYSF has been able to make continued progress and solve many of the issues that were facing the Center and preventing programming activities that are now occurring more regularly, with many more plans on the horizon.”
- Business Person of the Year: Melissa Sexton
Best of Canaan is the proud sponsor of this award
For over 14 years Melissa Sexton has been the owner of the Hair Haven and Sexton Properties in Parsons, WV.
One nomination wrote, “When I think of a person who is great as a business owner, I think of someone who can take their product or service and expand it to meet the needs of the consumer. A person who is invested in their community and uses their gains to help others around them. A person who sees opportunity and knows how to seize that and make it their won. Melissa Sexton has shown all of these aspects of growing a business in our county.”
Another nomination wrote, “She was born and raised in Tucker County and chose after traveling with her military spouse to return here to raise her boys and start her business and she has been very successful and continues to having a thriving business.”
One nomination expressed, “She has worked tirelessly to grow her businesses and has mentored many other individuals who have chosen this field of employment.”
One wrote, “Melissa is a vital part of the community and has always supported fundraisers when asked to donate.”
- Community Service Award: Chopper Evans
A nomination said, “Most teens in Tucker County know the name Chopper. He has a great love for our youth and especially teens.” “Chopper heads up the group known as Young Life. He invests so much time into this as well as many other events in the community.” “He provides a positive outlet for our teens and is a great influence for our future generations to follow.”
Another nomination said, “I loved my time in Young Life club. He has been a great influence on my life and many others.”
Tuckineer: TO BE ANNOUNCED AT THE BANQUET
Citizens Bank of West Virginia is the sponsor of this prestigious award.
For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact the Chamber office at 304-259-5315 prior to the end of business on May 13th!
