The Tucker County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the recipients for the 43rd Annual Chamber Awards. The banquet will be on Thursday evening, June 24, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at Canaan Valley Resort. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Information Center in Davis or by calling 304-259-5315 by June 18th. The banquet will recognize 2020 and the 20201 winners. The Chamber has solicited nominations for six different categories, the secret committee has met and the results are in for the 2021 winners!
Educator of the Year:
Kelly Underwood
Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School, 6th grade teacher
Mountain Hospice is the proud sponsor of this award.
Kelly Underwood has been an educator for 33 years in the Tucker County School System and is Nationally Board Certified. One colleague wrote, “Kelly uses top of the line teaching strategies and immerses her students in topics of interest that motivates them to love the subject they are exploring.” Another said, “Ms. Underwood exemplifies what makes an excellent teacher-she works tirelessly every day and every year to help all her students.” One Student expressed, “She came into my life when I was going through a rough time at home, and her class was one of the few things I came to look forward to. She gave me an environment where I felt like I was important…” One nomination wrote, “Tucker County has been lucky to have her on staff for years and it is time she knows what an impact she has made.” Another nomination mentioned, “I don’t need to tell you what she means to the Mountain Lions basketball community. She was a shining light and true role model of the perfect teammate who coached her players to success both on the court and off the court.”
Student of the Year:
Eliseo Wotring
Sirianni’s Café is the proud sponsor of this award.
A nomination said, “He has always had such a kind heart and has always donate his talents and his time to help others.” “Despite his busy schedule, Eliseo always strives for excellence and is a dedicated and accomplished student.”
Another wrote, “He is very caring toward others, which was shown toward his elderly grandparents, especially when they were having severe health issues.”
One nomination added, “Eliseo is a driving force at school excelling in academics with a GPA of 3.8 throughout his tenure as a student. He is respected and admired by fellow student and teachers. He was inducted into the National Honor Society this past year and will attend D&E College in the fall majoring in Psychology.”
Employee of the Year:
DeeDee Summerfield
Blackwater Falls State Park is the proud sponsor of this award
A nomination said, “Still, after 33 years, day after day, you can literally hear DeeDee smiling as she answers the telephone. She has worked hard to develop new skills, conquer new computer software, and yes, take on a battle with a pandemic.”
Another wrote, “DeeDee dedication to the Health Department is pretty much, unprecedented. In the height of the pandemic not only was DeeDee taking care of the day-to-day receptionist and billing duties of the Tucker County Health Department, she was also making and taking phone call after phone call to ensure our community’s safety as she assisted with identifying and notifying individuals who needed to be quarantined because of a possible COVID-19 exposure.” “She worked on and realized the importance of her position.”
Business Person of the Year:
Jordan Fenner
Best of Canaan is the proud sponsor of this award
A nomination wrote, “Jordan Fenner is a fine young man with perhaps the biggest heart a human being can have. A 2012 graduate of Tucker County High School, Jordan realized his life’s mission at a young age. He studied Mortuary Science at the Pittsburg Institute of Mortuary Science. He continued expanding his knowledge and perfecting his skills at the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming and Reconstructive Surgery.” “He has made a commitment to Tucker County by taking the reins of the long-established Hinkle Funeral Home, now the Hinkle Fenner Funeral Home.”
One mentioned, “It is sad, but true that during some of the most challenging months of the COVID pandemic many of our friends, neighbors and family members died. Most of them not victims of the COVID-19, yet families, and Jordan were faced with the challenge of honoring and respecting the life and legacy of every single one, even with so many precautions in place.” “Somehow Jordan made it all work. His professional demeanor could not hide his caring and compassionate nature. “
Community Service Award:
Sam & Amy Goughnour
Mon. General Heath Systems is the proud sponsor of this award
A nomination said, “Since retiring from years as Tucker County teachers, this dynamic duo has been filling their days with public service.” “Even before retirement their dedication to community service was apparent throughout the county. Sporting event helpers, dance and field trip chaperones, contest judges and more, you could depend on them to be there.”
“Year after year you can count on seeing Sam and Amy working at Tucker community Foundation events like Run 4 It and Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party. Mr. Goughnour served as a foundation board member for many years.” “Currently Mr. Goughnour serves on the Cortland Acres Board of Directors.”
One nomination says, “Amy and Sam both are dedicated to service for St. John’s Lutheran Church. Active members of the church, they raise their voices in song with the choir and assist with many church events and activities. “Together they are dependable volunteers for the Blackwater Ministerial Food Pantry. When they see need for help in the community, Sam and Amy step in to assist.”
Special Award:
COVID-19 Pandemic
Response Team
Roxanne Tuesing is the proud sponsor of this award
After much discussion, the Chamber of Commerce Board agreed to add a Special Award to the 2021 Awards Banquet. It was decided by the Secret Committee to recognize the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team for their efforts. The team was steered by James Snyder with Tucker County Health Department. The community outpour and support of James Snyder was limitless. This award was established to recognize ALL of the community volunteers, clinics, emergency services, and medical workforce that have put in endless hours during these trying times. The COVID-19 pandemic was unlike anything our country, let alone our county, has seen. The effort by this team ensured our county continued to have the best care and safety during the pandemic. Our county was able to have free COVID-19 test centers in multiple locations and has one of the highest vaccinated rates in the state. Thank you to everyone!
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 June 18.