Marshall County schools continue to shine, starting with a proud moment for Sherrard Middle School’s History Bowl Team 2, coached by Dan Gatts and Jeff Stephens. They clinched the 2025 West Virginia History Bowl state title, defeating Team 1, 28-20, at the West Virginia Capitol Complex, earning their fourth consecutive championship. Team 2–Brady Barnhart, Drew Marling, Abby Allman, and Griffin Sturgill–and Team 1–Kabe Blake, Colsen McCutcheon, Izzie Dougherty, and Chloe Weekley–received trophies and electronic devices. Their journey began at our Grave Creek Mound’s 9th annual county bowl in November, followed by a Region VI sweep at Independence Hall in February. This victory celebrates our students’ brilliance.

Following the History Bowl triumph, another young scholar brings pride to Marshall County. Braxton Ferro, son of Chris and Keri Ferro of St. Albans and grandson of Mike and Roseann Ferro of McMechen, earned a 2025 Golden Horseshoe for excellence in West Virginia Studies. Following his father, Chris, and brother, Brett, Braxton aced a test on West Virginia history, economics, culture, and geography. He’ll be inducted into the Golden Horseshoe Society as a “Knight” on June 10, 2025, in Charleston. This honor celebrates our local family legacies.

Our schools’ excellence extends beyond the classroom, as our transportation team demonstrates. On April 22, the Marshall County Schools Transportation Department held its annual School Bus Safety Road-E-O in the John Marshall High School parking lot, sharpening skills to keep our students safe. Britta Hill led with 643 points, winning Small Bus, followed by Mark Miller and Terry Harding. Dan Gouldsberry topped Large Bus, with Chuck McClure and Dee Gamble in second and third. Wilson Barnes won Transit Bus, followed by George Stoneking. Doug Williams, Heather Loy, and Marybeth Flowers placed first, second, and third in Substitute Bus Driver, with Flowers also winning Novice. Winners advance to the state Road-E-O in Charles Town, June 11-12. Our drivers’ commitment strengthens our community.

Our community’s strength shines in its cultural heart, the Strand Theatre in Moundsville, which recently completed a $77,000 upgrade to its stage curtains. Pittsburgh Stage, Inc. installed new curtains meeting National Fire Protection Association flame-retardant standards, replacing outdated ones. Funded by the WV Department of Arts, Culture, and History and the Karl and Mildred Niekamp Charitable Foundation, this project enhances safety and vibrancy for local gatherings. The Strand extends heartfelt thanks to these supporters. Visit strandtheatrewv.com to explore upcoming shows and celebrate this milestone. Our revitalized theatre sets the stage for a special event next.

Fresh from its stage upgrade, the Strand Theatre hosts Strand’s Got Talent on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m., showcasing 10 local acts in a lively competition emceed by Tony Summers. Judges will pick three finalists for a second round to win first ($300, City of Moundsville Arts and Culture Commission), second ($200, GreenTab), or third ($100, JMHS 69-79 Alumni Association) prizes. The first-place act opens a 2025 Jefferson Friday event. Audience donations choose the people’s choice winner. Tickets are at Frame and Fortunes, strandtheatrewv.com/events, or the door. Join neighbors to cheer our talent. Our business community connects next.

Marshall County’s vibrant spirit continues with our business community at the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Perkins Restaurant in Moundsville. Guest speaker Tiffany Wees, MSN, RN, Regional Director of Neurosciences North at WVU Medicine’s Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, Wheeling Hospital, and Reynolds Memorial Hospital, will share insights. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards. RSVP to the Chamber at 304-845-2773 for an accurate head count. This gathering strengthens our business ties.

The Chamber’s commitment to our future leaders shines in another event. Building on the Chamber’s community spirit, the Second Annual Duck Dash supports the Marshall County Chamber Scholarship Fund on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Grand Vue Park. For $20, Marshall County families can name a duck to race for a Summer Fun Prize Package, including a grill/smoker, canopy, and cooler. This event funds scholarships for our future leaders. Early registration is open to secure your duck. Contact the Chamber at 304-845-2773 for details or to join. Gather with neighbors to back our students’ dreams, keeping our community strong. Share your news to continue this spirit.

Items for next week’s column can be emailed to bugs52@comcast.net. Thank you for keeping Marshall County connected.