We would like to congratulate them on their achievements and wish them well in their adventures in life. We hope that they keep in contact with our programs, and we are proud to have been apart of their High School experience. As a State Journal EQT Student of Excellence, each of these individuals received a $1,000 scholarship towards their higher education.

We join The State Journal and EQT in saluting these seniors.

Jill Druskis and Woody Williams

Jill Druskis is the director of The American Legion’s Americanism, Children and Youth Division, where she was initially hired as a deputy director in 2008.  Ms. Druskis serves as staff liaison to the National Americanism Commission and the National Commission on Children & Youth.  Her responsibilities include oversight of a wide range of programs for The American Legion including American Legion Boys Nation, American Legion Baseball, National Oratorical, Junior Shooting Sports, Termporary Financial Assistance, Child Welfare Foundation, Family Support Network, The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fun, Flag education and many others.

Ms Druskis began her military career in the U.S Navy serving as a Hospital Corpsman, and retired from the U.S Coast Guard Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Commander having 24-years combined active and reserve military service.  After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Ms. Druskis was recalled to 4-years active duty in the U.S Coast Guard, where at U.S Coast Guard Marine Safety Office St. Louis, she served as the department head supervising port security operations for over 2,000 miles of inland river waterways navigable throughout a 12-state area.  Ms. Druskis earned a B.S Ed. in Therapeutic Recreation and an M.A. in health Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Ms. Druskis remains a member of American Legion Post 331 in South Omaha, and today resides with her husband in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bill Stewart

With a father-like personality held by few and a work ethic held by even fewer, New Martinsville, W.Va., native Bill Stewart enters his third full season as West Virginia University’s head football coach.

Stewart hasn’t looked back since hitting the ground running when he was named interim head coach three weeks prior to the 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, preparing and rallying a team, a coaching staff, a school and a state.

After guiding the Mountaineers to a remarkable 48-28 victory against Oklahoma, and arguably the most memorable bowl win in school history, especially under the circumstances, Stewart was named West Virginia University’s 32nd head football coach on January 3, 2008, one day after the impressive victory.

Since then, Stewart has produced consecutive 9-4 seasons, a victory over North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in 2008, a berth in the 2010 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl and consecutive Top 25 finishes. Stewart’s nine victories in 2008 marked the most by a first-year Mountaineer coach in school history.

Stewart has coached 20 players to all-BIG EAST accolades in his two seasons and watched quarterback Pat White become the NCAA’s all-time leading rushing quarterback and the first in college football history to win four- straight bowl games as a starting quarterback in 2008.

“Our goals are to win the BIG EAST championship every year,” Stewart says. “We want to be the premier team in the league. We want to be a team of national stature, but we’re going to do it the right way with great student-athletes that buy into the plan. We want great husbands, great dads, great men of society and great men of faith. If all that ties into winning, that means we’ve had a great program.

“I’m going to be judged on the wins. I know that. What I do with these young men’s lives, I’m being judged by the master coach. And that’s where I lay down every night and sleep very well. If that ever changes than I need to get out of it. Winning is very important, it’s our life blood. Doing it the right way, all the time, and being an example for other programs is very important for me.”

Stewart is no stranger to Morgantown, the state of West Virginia or to the college football world as his coaching experiences have been vast and varied.

“I’m very honored, very proud and very humbled to be the 32nd head football coach at this great school,” Stewart says. “I work for the team, the state’s flagship university and for the people of the great state of West Virginia.”

Prior to being named head coach, he spent eight years on the West Virginia staff under WVU coaches Don Nehlen and Rich Rodriguez, working with the Mountaineer tight ends and serving as associate head coach in 2007 after spending the prior seven seasons coaching the quarterbacks. He also had the role of special teams coordinator under Rodriguez.

His lengthy coaching resume began at Fairmont State, where he was a student assistant coach for a season, before becoming an assistant coach at Sistersville (W.Va.) High School in 1975. In 1977, he moved to Salem College, where he was assistant football and head track coach for two seasons. In 1979, he moved to the University of North Carolina (1980); he was later an assistant at Marshall (1980), William & Mary (1981-83), Navy (1984), North Carolina (1985-87), Arizona State (1988-89) and Air Force (1990-93).

In 1994, Stewart became head football coach at VMI, where he was 8-25 over three seasons. His 1995 team was the highest scoring (24.5 ppg) squad in VMI history, and Keydet running back Thomas Haskins set a I-AA rushing record with 5,349 yards.

Stewart came to WVU in January 2000, from the Canadian Football League, where he served as offensive coordinator of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1999, tutoring two all-conference receivers and a 1,000-yard rusher. As offensive line coach for the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes in 1998, Stewart’s line blocked for Mike Pringle, the first 2,000-yard rusher in CFL history.

A 1975 education graduate from Fairmont State, where he was a three-year letterman and team captain for the WVIAC champions in 1974, Stewart earned his master’s degree in health and physical education from WVU in 1977.

Highly regarded as one of the “good guys” in the profession, Stewart has had several personal and professional life influences starting with his mother, father and older brother.

“I didn’t come from much, but we had a lot of love,” Stewart says of his upbringing. “We had discipline in our home, but we had much love. My big brother, Ted, was a role model for me as well. He is a great man. He was one of my heroes growing up. My coaches and teachers were also my heroes.

“Professionally, I’ve been so blessed. Don Nehlen, hall of fame coach and the 17th winningest coach; Dick Crum, at UNC, the greatest organizer I’ve ever been around; Gary Tranquill, at UNC, was probably the best football coach I ever worked with and Fisher DeBerry, at Air Force, his enthusiasm was second to none. They’re all great people that I emulated and that I was fortunate to work with. I sure hope all of them rubbed off on me.”

His coaching philosophies and goals are simple, yet in-depth.

“It’s real simple,” Stewart says. “You out-block them, out-tackle them, out-hit them and out-hustle them. If you do that – I’m not into slogans and rah-rah – but if you do that you’ve got a chance to be real successful.

“I’m into looking right through peoples’ eyes and into their hearts. I have limitations. But I’ve been blessed with a great administration that let me hire people that are experts in their field. That being said, they have to have someone who is a leader. From the time I was a little boy, I’ve always stepped to the front. I never stood in the background. I’m going to take that and go. Being a leader and getting things done has always been one of my strong suits.

“Everyone wants to win. Life is about winning and that’s the American way. The winning comes from hard work. In winning, you have to do things the right way. I will never sacrifice the West Virginia standards to win. I’m never going to cheat, never! We’re going to do things the old-fashioned, right way. And that means you out-work them. Just because I don’t jump in someone’s face or curse them, doesn’t mean I’m not intense. Our players and coaches will tell you I get after it when I have to. I don’t like to do that.”

Stewart and his wife, Karen, also a native of New Martinsville, have one son, Blaine.

Bank Roster 2011

President:

Tanner Sigman         Panhandle

Vice President:

Joshua Childs            Kanawha

Loan Officers:

Jacob Walker             Braxton

Lalan Shah                  Gilmer

Nick Pineda                Lewis

Alex Howden             Randolph

Staff/Teller:

Bradley Hudson        Panhandle

Gerald Franeman     Calhoun

Cole Demyon             Panhandle

Nicholas Crites          Gilmer

Part-time

Cabin Reps:

Dylan Tippins             Monongalia

Brennan Bish              Marion

Vijay Sampath           Kanawha

Vincenzo Pizzuti       Upshur

Carl Evans                   Lewis

Matthew Mayer        Calhoun

Colton Patterson      Gilmer

Dylan King                   Panhandle

Cameron Nelson       Braxton

Dustin Skinner           Barbour

Logan Childers          Randolph

Shane Underwood   Monroe

Stewart Lynch           Webster

My first request, as Governor, is that you work diligently to best represent your constituents. As public officials we have the great responsibility of being the voice of the people. We must never let our own selfish interests and desires interfere with our duties to the citizens we represent.

My second request is this: stop and look around you. Breathe in this moment (Pause) and realize what a miracle we are living right now. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Herschel “Woody” Williams told us how life has many miracles, but sometimes we don’t fully take advantage of the heavenly gifts we are truly presented with. With that in mind, I urge you to make the most of this moment in time… don’t let this become the car keys in the back of the bible.

Today we take a small step into the future, that step will lead to a better West Virginia. One that ensures an improved economy, an improved business sector, improved job security, and most importantly improved educational opportunity. Together we take that step.

Two key issues that must be addressed are texting while driving and mandatory drug tests for welfare recipients. These two key issues are very important to the citizens of Mountaineer Boys’ State. Many citizen’s expressed their concern for these issues in their proposed legislation. They have seen how texting while driving as impacted the lives of their loved ones. They have also seen the abuse of the welfare system in their communities and only wish to help those who truly need aid. It is the best interest of the citizens that these issues be resolved.

Education is the key to the future and should be the utmost importance to each and everyone of us. Your State Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Tanner Sigman, is working to the best of his abilities to make West Virginia’s School system a model for the rest of the nation. We seek a new promise with the students of the state. A promise that provides scholarships for students to attend vocational school, a state board to oversee Charter Schools, a new educational model that allows students to pursue their dreams more directly. A plan allows vocational students to complete their education earlier. A plan that allows college bound students to raise the bar and reach for higher and higher goals. We can only succeed if each and everyone of you commits to making education a priority. Special recognition must be given to the Sectary of State, Mr. Cam Viney, for his influence in passion in not only helping to initiate, but also develop this plan.

West Virginia has at a unique opportunity to capitalize on it’s natural resources. We must carefully consider all options. For the right choices, will create jobs, revenue for the state, and help West Virginia reach new heights. Google recently discovered an unprecedented amount of geothermal hot spots in our state. We must encourage the growth of the geothermal energy. To do so we must consider a 1% tax on all non-renewable natural resources and use the revenue to reinvest in subsidization of geothermal energy research. The Treasurer of State, Mr. Vijay Sampath, must be given credit for starting and supporting this plan.

In these uncertain times, our state can emerge as a beacon of light that will be an example to the country. The citizens have chose the best from amongst themselves to represent their interests. I believe in the abilities of each and everyone of you. I believe that together, God willing, we can succeed. This is our moment. This is our time. Don’t let it slip away.

Thank you, God bless you all.

Woody Williams

Hershel Woodrow Williams was born on 2 October 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia. He worked as a taxi and truck driver before enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve from that state in May 1943. During the summer and fall he received recruit training at San Diego, California, and advanced training in the use of flame throwers and combat demolitions. Williams served overseas on New Caledonia and Guadalcanal with the THIRD Marine Division and, as a member of the Twenty-first Marines, took part in combat action on Guam.

With the same unit, Corporal Williams was a Demolition Sergeant during the Battle for Iwo Jima. On 23 February 1945, when American tanks were held up by Japanese guns, minefields and rough island terrain, he advanced alone and, in a four hour effort while under terrific fire, utilized demolition charges and flame throwers to annihilate many enemy positions, thus enabling his company to reach its objective. For his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life,” he was awarded the Medal of Honor. As the desperate struggle continued, on 6 March he was wounded in action. On 5 October 1945, President Harry S. Truman presented Corporal Williams with the Medal of Honor during ceremonies at the White House.

Discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve in November 1945, Williams reenlisted in the inactive Marine Corps Reserve in March 1948, serving until August 1949. He again joined the Marine Corps Reserve in October 1954, serving with units based in West Virginia and attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 before retiring in 1969. During the 1960s he was also a civilian counselor to the armed forces, and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal by the Veterans’ Administration for this work.

Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin

Earl Ray Tomblin is West Virginia’s Acting . He was born March 15, 1952, in Logan County. He received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University, an M.B.A. from Marshall University and attended the University of Charleston.
A self-employed businessman and former school teacher, Governor Tomblin was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1974 at the age of 22 and held that position until he was elected to the West Virginia Senate in 1980. Governor Tomblin is the longest serving Senate President, a position he has held since his election in 1995. He was named the state’s first Lieutenant Governor in 2000. He has dedicated his professional career to public service for the betterment of West Virginia.

He started acting as Governor in November 2010, when Governor Manchin resigned the position to fill the unexpired term of U. S. Senator Robert C. Byrd.

Governor Tomblin enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including riding ATV trails and gardening. He is a committed family man and has been married for 31 years to the former Joanne Jaeger. They have one son, Brent.

Office of the Governor
State Capitol
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25305

Office Telephone:
(304) 558-2000 or 1-888-438-2731

Governor’s Mansion:
(304) 558-3588

http://www.governor.wv.gov

Sheriff

Federalist Candidate: Jesse Phillips

County Clerk

Nationalist Candidate: Karac “Carrot” Seech

Prosecuting Attorney

Federalist Candidate: Curtis Chiswell

Circuit Clerk

Nationalist Candidate: Karac Seech

Assessor

Nationalist Candidate: “Big A” Aaron Williams

County Commissioner (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Shayne Galloway

Nationalist Candidate: Andrew Hale

Nationalist Candidate: Mathew Somerville

Circuit Judge

Federalist Candidate: Nick Shaffer

Magistrate

Federalist Candidate: Brett Barnes

State Senate (Vote for two)

Federalist Candidate: Donald Pethel

Nationalist Candidate: Eric Kinney

House of Delegates (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Dylan King

Nationalist Candidate: Matthew Wilson

Nationalist Candidate: Tory Bennett

City Election

Mayor

Nationalist Candidate: Zach Stafford

City Council (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Isaac Kales

Nationalist Candidate: Patrick Karnes

Nationalist Candidate: Evan Gorman

Board of Education (Vote for three)

Elected: Nick Shaffer

Elected: Nicholas Oldaker

Elected: Josh Parrill

Sheriff

Nationalist Candidate: Adam Moran

County Clerk

Federalist Candidate: Zachary Horan

Prosecuting Attorney

Nationalist Candidate: Quinton Mays

Circuit Clerk

Nationalist Candidate: Rogan Park

Assessor

Federalist Candidate: David Hoeng

County Commissioner (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Jacob Mayles

Federalist Candidate: Justin White

Federalist Candidate: Logan Childers

Circuit Judge

Nationalist Candidate: Yoasaf (YOS) Shermani

Magistrate

Federalist Candidate: Todd Rundle

State Senate (Vote for two)

Federalist Candidate: Brady “The Brodeo” Efaw

Nationalist Candidate: Louis Yancich

House of Delegates (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Evan Hurst

Federalist Candidate: Nick Dixon

Nationalist Candidate: Philip Mickinac

City Election

Mayor

Federalist Candidate: Jared Ballard

City Council (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Sher Khan

Nationalist Candidate: Quinton Mays

Nationalist Candidate: Chris Smiths

Board of Education (Vote for three)

Elected: Tyler Clegg

Elected: Kyle Gibson

Elected: VACANT

Sheriff

Federalist Candidate: Chance Donahoe

County Clerk

Nationalist Candidate: Meshach Vincent

Prosecuting Attorney

Federalist Candidate: Grant Cokeley

Circuit Clerk

Nationalist Candidate: Zack Henderson

Assessor

Federalist Candidate: Cody Merritt

County Commissioner (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Matt Carter

Federalist Candidate: Damion Marristen

Federalist/Nationalist Candidate: VACANT

Circuit Judge

Federalist Candidate: Jonathan Harden

Magistrate

Nationalist Candidate: Chase Alonso

State Senate (Vote for two)

Nationalist Candidate: Hoff Lindberg

Nationalist Candidate: Lloyd Border

House of Delegates (Vote for three)

Federalist/Nationalist Candidate: Vacant

Nationalist Candidate: Shane Underwood

Nationalist Candidate: Andrew Scott

City Election

Mayor

Nationalist Candidate: Dane Franz

City Council (Vote for three)

Federalist Candidate: Zach Paitsel

Federalist/Nationalist Candidate: VACANT

Federalist/Nationalist Candidate: VACANT

Board of Education (Vote for three)

Elected: Robert Fulton

Elected: Dillon Johnston

Elected: VACANT