May 24, 2017 - At the May 18, 2017, Tug Valley Mining Institute (TVMI) dinner meeting, six 2017 scholarship recipients were awarded.  The two top $8,000 scholarships were awarded to Megan Cooper, Belfry High and Aerianna McClanahan, Mingo Central.  Four $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Brandon Booth, Belfry High; McKenzie Bentley, Phelps High; Ashton Sparks, Logan High; and Camron Sweat, Logan High.

The guest speaker was Dr. Jerome Gilbert, President of Marshall University.  Dr. Gilbert discussed the many opportunities available at Marshall, including several initiatives in the southern West Virginia area with local schools and colleges.  He mentioned that Marshall continues to add and diversify its various program offerings and should be the College of choice in the Charleston/Huntington/Route 119 South Corridor.  He mentioned visiting West Virginia while in High School and how much he enjoyed his visit to the state and glad to be back.   JH Fletcher Mining Machinery sponsored the meeting and has been a long time supporter of the scholarship program.

Over the last nineteen years, TVMI has awarded 123 (one hundred twenty-three) students $288,250 in scholarship monies.  The TVMI scholarship is open to students from Mingo, Logan, Wayne, Pike, and Martin counties.  The applications are available in November of each year and may be obtained from Marsha Williams at the First National Bank of Williamson or from a TVMI board member.

Pictured from left to right:  Jerry Gilbert, Marshall President; Megan Cooper; Brandon Booth; McKenzier Bentley; Camron Sweat; Ashton Sparks; and Andy Ashurst, TVMI President.  (np Aerianna McClanahan)