It’s not too late to get your tickets for the Tucker County Chamber of Commerce’s 37th Annual Chamber Awards. Executive Director Jessica Scowcroft said the banquet is slated for 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Canaan Valley Resort.
“Tickets are only $35 and can be purchased at the Information Center in Davis or by calling 304-259-5315,” Scowcroft said. “The Chamber has solicited nominations for six award categories, the secret committee has met and the results are in! Of course, the coveted Tuckineer Award will not be announced until the night of the dinner. This prestigious award is sponsored by Citizens Bank of West Virginia.
Awards will be given to the Educator of the Year, Student of the Year, Employee of the Year, Business of the Year, Community Service Award and Humanitarian/Friend.
Anita Helmick, Tucker County High School English Teacher, will be honored as Educator of the Year. This award is sponsored by Mountain Hospice.
In Helmick’s nomination, one colleague wrote,” Anita is a problem-solver, an innovator and a dynamic member of our English Language Arts Department at Tucker County High School. Her enthusiasm, love and passion for teaching inspire and impact all those she comes in contact with each day.”
One student wrote, “My day is not complete without being able to see and speak with her. Her classes are a joy to attend and just the extra kick I need to get through the day,” while another wrote, “Attitude is a crucial part of setting up a well working environment and Mrs. Helmick does so in a way that brings you the sense of refreshing comfort as warm energy flows from her classroom. Not once has Mrs. Helmick denied her assistance to a student on homework or projects in subjects she doesn’t even teach, nor has she knocked down the idea of a teen because of the complications or workload that may be added to her agenda. Anyone watching for a minute can see the commitment each child receives from her, knowing they can return and get the same innovative treatment as shown before.”
Helen Melnick will be honored as the Student of the Year. This award is sponsored by Performance Chevrolet.
One nomination from her High school teacher said, “Helen often helps other students with homework. This year she is one of our student tutors that assist our “at risk” students. When placed in a group, she often takes the lead and ensures that her group not only meets expectations but exceeds them. Helen is highly motivated and often seeks out opportunities to enhance and enrich her learning.”
Another nomination said, “Helen’s career goal includes pursuing a career in health services as a Physician’s Assistant. As preparation for her career, Helen is an active member of WVHSTA (West Virginia Health Sciences and Technology Academy) where she attended Health Science camps and twice received perfect scores on her research project presentations. Helen serves her community by volunteering and organizing Red Cross Blood Drives. She spends time volunteering at West Virginia University’s Children’s Hospital. Helen is active in her church youth group as well.”
Selected to receive the Employee of the Year is Patty Roy. This award is sponsored by Blackwater Falls State Park.
Roy has been an employee at Performance Motors for 17 years. One nomination said, “Patty is the epitome of what an employee should be – dedicated, trust worthy, strong moral character, honest and most of all she truly cares about her job.” Another nomination said, “Patty has been a long time employee of Performance Motors in Parsons. Her friendly face and helpful attitude are what keeps people coming back time after time. Patty is the type of employee every business wants representing them on the front line.”
This year, the Business of the Year Award will go to Best of Canaan – Amy Barb, Donna Patrick and Kelly Roberts. This award is sponsored by Davis High Valley Realty.
Best of Canaan was formed in July, 2010 and serves Canaan Valley and surrounding areas as a real estate and property management company. With more than 66 years of combined experience in property management, real estate sales, building construction and maintenance, the Best of Canaan team is committed to helping homeowners in the area manage and maintain their second homes.
One nomination said, “They place an emphasis on prompt and courteous communications, innovative and creative thinking, exceptional customer service and a strong work ethic. All (Amy, Donna, Kelly) are community service oriented, active in civic organizations and contribute greatly to enhancing life in Tucker County. They work very hard to promote all the other businesses in Tucker County.”
Diane Beall will be honored with the Community Service Award, sponsored by Mon General Hospital.
One nomination said, “Diane is active as a volunteer with Company 30 (Canaan Valley Volunteer Fire Department), serves on the ladies auxiliary with the fire department and is one of the first female firefighters to be certified in Tucker County. She works with the residents of the Rubenstein Center, is a substitute teacher at the Tucker County High School, and is active in other community endeavors.” Another says, “Diane has been hyper-active in several organizations in the county for as long as I’ve known her. She has managed to keep up a dizzying pace for the past 25 years and raised four children along the way. All the while she has remained cheerful and upbeat.”
Judy Pitzer will receive the Humanitarian/Friend Award. This award is sponsored by Best of Canaan.
One of the nominations said, “I invite anyone who hasn’t yet seen the newly renovated girl’s locker room at Tucker County High School to try to take the opportunity to see the renovations made by Judy. The girls have a beautiful space complete with an area to gather view game film, they have new lockers and cubbies, and a large make-up counter and mirror. It’s a locker room they can be proud of.” Another said, “This lady has changed the lives of many young ladies, my daughter included. She has volunteered her time to help out not only with teaching these ladies how to play basketball, but to be a better person. I, for one, want to thank you Judy Pitzer. Thank you for changing my daughter’s life and for being there when she needs you. I know that I don’t stand alone in my gratitude to Judy, many other parent and kids feel the same way we do.”
Additional information or ticket reservation is available by contacting the Chamber office at 259-5315 prior to the end of business Friday, May 15.
