Dr. E. Gordon Gee is one of America’s most prominent higher education leaders, having helmed universities for more than three decades. In 2009, Time magazine named him one of the top 10 university presidents in the United States.

In 2014, Gee returned to West Virginia University, where his career as a university president began. His leadership goals include putting students first, advancing the university’s research agenda, partnering with West Virginia communities and making sure that 1.8 million West Virginians know in their hearts and minds that West Virginia University is their university.

Born in Vernal, Utah, Gee graduated from the University of Utah with an honors degree in history and earned his J.D. and Ed.D. degrees from Columbia University. He clerked under Chief Justice David T. Lewis of the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals before being named a judicial fellow and staff assistant to the

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is a week long program focused on government, leadership, and citizenship. The program is open to any male, junior who lives or attends high school in the State of West Virginia. Complete the Application form on http://wvboysstate.org and work with your High School Guidance Counselor or local American Legion Post to get registered. Limited slots are available, so ACT NOW!

Eligibility requirements:
**Male, junior who lives or attends High School in WV
**2.75 or higher GPA
**Involved in leadership and/or civic activities

When and Where:
June 7-13, 2015
WVU Jackson’s Mill

Endorsements:
“Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for students… You are the next generation of leaders, and we are counting on you to rebuild America into an even greater nation than we are today.” — Senator Joe Manchin III

Questions? Send us a message through the “contact us” form on our website and we will work to enroll you in this “Week that shapes a lifetime!”

Oce Worthington Smith Jr.

FAIRMONT — Oce Worthington Smith Jr., 76, of Fairmont, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at the Arbor’s at Fairmont Nursing Center.

He was born in Barrackville, on January 4, 1938, the son of the late Oce Worthington Smith Sr. and Norma “Polly” Margaret Lough Smith.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol Ann Bunner Smith.

Oce was raised on a farm in the community of Monumental on the outskirts of that town and was very proud of his heavy American Indian and English/Scots-Irish heritage. He graduated from the old Barrackville High School in a class of 24 students, graduated from Fairmont State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and went on to do his post-graduate work in political science at West Virginia University.

It is difficult to figure how he ever got

Mister Hershel Woody Williams was born on October 2, 1923 in Fairmont, West Virginia. In 1943, Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in Charleston. He was trained in the Marine Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and became part of the 32nd Replacement Battalion which was sent to the southwest Pacific. In January 1944, he joined the 3rd Marine Division and later in the year took action against the Japanese at Guam.

In 1945, Williams was shipped to Iwo Jima where he would be recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. He charged the enemy lines with only a flamethrower and four riflemen backing him up. He led the charge multiple times during the war and was distinguished as a great soldier. He later received a Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor. Currently he is the only living Congressional Medal of Honor in the state of

The American legion, formed in 1919, is an organization for honorably discharged veterans. In the American Legion, they focus on giving back to their communities. They have many programs that focus on helping children and families of veterans. These programs include, but do not exclude, Boys State, Junior Shooting Sports, and many more. Along with programs, the American legion rewards honorable citizen with awards like the Eagle Scout of the Year Award.  The American Legion also offers scholarships to honorable students.

Trey Westerfeld