Jun 28, 2013 5 min read

…Recently, I was searching through the Messenger’s archives for a particular “This Just In” column that I had written over the past couple of years, and it gave me the chance to re-read many of them. And the more I glanced through my years of previous columns, the more I realized that I had somehow gotten away from using this valuable editorial space to make more of an effort in publicizing the “good news” that happens here in the county, especially when it comes to our youths.

So, I have decided that I will start making more of an effort to shine spotlights on the Greene County folks who deserve applause and accolades for academic, scholastic, or community achievements, or for simply committing random acts of kindness.

I am also going to use more of this space to announce upcoming special events that are happening here in Greene, especially when we receive timely information that unfortunately was submitted to us past our deadline. And we will most certainly be highlighting those events that are geared to helping out our friends and neighbors.

So, enjoy this column of “good news,” and expect to see more of it in the coming weeks. And, please continue to send your “good news” to us. Our contact info can be found at the bottom of the page…

…It has been brought to my attention that several area students have recently received a number of scholarships. For example, the William and Shirley Hanley Memorial Scholarship was awarded in May to senior students at Mapletown High School and Carmichaels Area High School by the Community Foundation of Greene County.

Sarah Ferrier and Charlyne Adams each received a $1,000 scholarship award to be used for the college or university of their choice. Kathy Saesan, a board member of CFGC, presented the award along with Krystal Hanley and Nancy McIntire, niece and sister, respectively, of the scholarship’s donor Dorothy Hanley.

Sarah Ferrier, a 2013 graduate of Mapletown High School, is the daughter of David and Cassandra Ferrier of Greensboro. She will be attending Bethany College in West Virginia as a biology major.

Charlyne Adams, a 2013 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School, is the daughter of Kimberly Brewer and Scott Adams. She is planning to attend Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, majoring in English.

The scholarship, which will be used for books and supplies, is awarded to students graduating from Mapletown High School and Carmichaels Area High School. Recipients must be planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. The award is based on an interview with a scholarship committee comprised of CFGC scholarship committee members, with a preference for students with a financial need.

The William and Shirley Hanley Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 2011 by Dorothy Hanley in memory of her parents, William and Shirley. Hanley recalled how her father was an advocate of higher education and encouraged her and her brothers and sisters to go to college.

“I watched how my parents sacrificed to provide for their family and I knew that an education would give me the opportunity to succeed in the world,” she said. “Paying for my education was the struggle of course. I was able to cover the tuition each year, but I always struggled when it came to paying for my books and supplies. This is the reason why I want the scholarship to go towards books first and then student loans.”

The Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC), a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2000, is the central philanthropic vehicle in Greene County for donations of various types and sizes. CFGC currently manages $3.3 million in assets through more than 55 permanent endowed and restricted funds. For more information, contact the CFGC office by phone at 724-627-2010, or email cfgcpa@gmail.com…

…I was also informed that the Educational Scholarship Fund Committee of the Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce recently presented their 23rd annual scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to Jessica Black of West Greene High School.

Black, 18, plans to attend Waynesburg University to pursue a degree in nursing this fall. She is the daughter of William and Melissa Black of Holbrook and a 2013 graduate of West Greene High School where she maintained a 3.981 grade point average.

This scholarship, the 23rd for the Chamber, is presented each year to a Greene County senior who plans to attend a college or trade school. The 2013 scholarship was awarded based on grade point average and a 500-word essay. The students community involvement and school activities are reviewed in the case of a tie. Black and her family were special guests of the Chamber at the May General Membership Meeting of Chamber members, where she read her winning essay.

This year, 32 applications for the scholarship were received by the Chamber of Commerce. The committee had a difficult task of selecting one winner from the qualified field. The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who participated in the process…

…Finally, I was told that two Waynesburg residents were recently recognized at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy Scholarships and Awards Convocation.

Briana Vance was the recipient of the Exley Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to deserving students who demonstrate academic promise.

Katherine Yingling was the recipient of the Mary Ann Pavlick and Helen Pavlech Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to deserving female students pursuing a career in the profession of pharmacy. Yingling was also recognized for her academic achievement in making the West Virginia University President’s List for fall 2012. The President’s List recognizes those who achieve a GPA of 4.0…