The Moundsville High School Alumni Association is gearing up for its 11th Homecoming Celebration, scheduled for Labor Day weekend on Aug. 29-30. The association will hold a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church to finalize preparations for the much-anticipated event.

During the meeting, members will focus on updating alumni addresses and preparing to mail out 3,500 invitations to graduates spanning multiple classes. The Homecoming Celebration promises to be a grand reunion, bringing together former students to celebrate their shared history and memories.

Class representatives from all years are encouraged to attend the March 11 meeting to ensure their input is included in the planning process. The association is also calling on representatives to report any plans for individual class brunches or lunches. This information is critical, as it will be featured on the official invitations, ensuring all alumni are informed of the weekend’s full schedule of events.

With excitement building for the late-summer festivities, the Moundsville High School Alumni Association invites its dedicated members to come together and help make this year’s homecoming a memorable success. For more details, class reps are urged to mark their calendars and join the effort on March 11.

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The Building Strong Families Workshop Series is back, offering parents practical tools and insights to enhance their parenting skills and strengthen family bonds. The next event, “Five Love Languages of Children,” is set for March 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Central Elementary School. Hosted in collaboration with Cheryl Kaczor of the Marshall County WVU Extension Service, this workshop promises to deliver valuable strategies for understanding and connecting with children.

The session will explore the concept of love languages–unique ways children give and receive affection–and how these can influence their learning and behavior. Parents will walk away with actionable tips on incorporating love languages into discipline and correction, all while fostering an environment of unconditional love. Dinner and childcare will be provided, making it easier for families to attend and focus on the evening’s lessons.

Registration is required for this free event. Interested participants can RSVP by contacting the Marshall County Family Resource Network via phone at 304-845-3300 or online at marshallcountyfrn.com.

The Building Strong Families Workshop Series continues to be a cornerstone for local parents eager to deepen their understanding of child development and build positive, lasting relationships with their kids. Don’t miss this chance to learn from experts and connect with other families in the community.

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CASA for Children is set to host a comprehensive Child Abuse and Neglect 101 training session on March 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Virginia Northern Community College. This full-day event aims to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the civil child abuse and neglect court process and the challenges families face within the system.

The training is appropriate for professionals working with families involved in Child Protective Services court cases or those supporting at-risk families, the training offers valuable insights into the legal and emotional landscape of these cases. Attendees will gain practical knowledge to better serve their communities and advocate for vulnerable children and families.

Registration is open now, and interested individuals can find more details by visiting the registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/child-abuse-and-neglect-101-tickets-1253523294919.

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The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of its Second Annual Pitch Contest, a vibrant initiative designed to foster business innovation and growth in the local community. Following the success of last year’s event, the chamber is once again inviting entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts to participate in this exciting opportunity.

The Pitch Contest offers a platform for aspiring business owners to showcase their ideas, compete for support, and connect with the region’s entrepreneurial network. To ensure the event’s success, the chamber has outlined a variety of sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals eager to contribute. Sponsors will play a key role in empowering the next generation of Marshall County innovators.

Those interested in participating as a contestant or becoming a sponsor are encouraged to reach out to the chamber directly. Contact the office at 304-845-2773 or email Executive Director Scott Reager at sreager@marshallcountychamber.com for more details. Applications are available now.

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The Moundsville Middle School band program is celebrating a series of impressive achievements as its students earn recognition at regional and state levels for their musical talents.

Region 1 Honors Band

Two MMS eighth-graders, Logan Dalek and Kingsley Zheng, successfully auditioned for the Region 1 Honors Band. The selection process required students to submit demo recordings, which were evaluated by a panel of judges. Zheng secured a chair on the baritone saxophone, while Dalek earned a spot on the clarinet. With students from Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler counties, the Region 1 Honors Band concert was slated for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. However, inclement weather forced its cancellation.

W.Va. All-State Band

In its second year, the West Virginia Middle School All-State Band has become a competitive showcase for the state’s top young musicians. Out of more than 900 auditions, MMS eighth-grader Kingsley Zheng emerged as a standout, claiming first chair on the baritone saxophone. Zheng also submitted a demo on the alto saxophone but ranked higher on the baritone. He will travel to Charleston on March 6 and 7 to rehearse and perform at the 79th annual West Virginia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, where the public can enjoy the All-State Band’s performance.

WV Region 1 Solo and Ensemble Festival

On February 1, 2025, MMS band students showcased their skills at the WV Region 1 Solo and Ensemble Festival, held at John Marshall High School. Several students earned top marks for their performances:

· Superior Rating Plus: Reagan Hunter and Alexis Thompson for their flute duet.

· Superior Rating of 1: Desmond Bellen, Tidus Ewing, and Kingsley Zheng for their alto sax, tenor sax, and baritone sax trio; Tidus Ewing and Cohen Hemsley for their trumpet duet; Kingsley Zheng for his baritone sax solo; Clara Carpenter and Alexis Thompson for their clarinet duet; Liberty Cuffaro and Erika Gibson for their alto sax and baritone horn duet; and soloists Taylor Lowe and Cohen Hemsley on trumpet.

· Excellent Rating of 2: Kia Haught for her alto sax solo; Cassidy Blake, Clara Carpenter, and Logan Dalek for their clarinet trio; Logan Dalek for his clarinet solo; and Haydin Doty and Tristan Stone for their flute and clarinet duet.

The accomplishments of these MMS band members highlight the strength of the school’s music program and the dedication of its students. From regional honors to statewide recognition, these young musicians are striking all the right notes in 2025.