The Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation (ALEF) has completed its selection process for the 2007 ALEF Beta Class. This is the second year that ALEF has put together a group of young men and women from West Virginia who have extraordinary leadership, academic, and social skills and who have great potential to be the leaders in our communities, in government, and in our businesses. Each new Fellow exhibited the core values ALEF espouses – integrity, excellence, and service.
2007 Beta Class
Dustin
Blankenship
Concord
University
Dustin
is a graduate of Gilbert High School in Mingo County.
While at Gilbert, Dustin was a member of the National
Honors Society, the Debate team, the Yearbook committee,
the National Society of High School Scholars, Young Democrats,
National Poetry Society, World Leadership Congress, and
Concert Band. Dustin has been a part of The Blankenships
(professional Southern Gospel Group) as a baritone and
a manager. In addition, he has served as a broadcaster
for Faith 89.3 Radio, worked for Energy Express, and the
Kiwanis Kids Connection. Dustin has received numerous
awards that include the “Who’s Who Award for Academic
Achievement, the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Dustin will attend Concord University in the fall and
major in Pre-Law.
Sarah
Crickenberger
Shepherd
University
Sarah
is a graduate of Philip Barber High School in Barber County.
Sarah participated in the Governor’s Honors Academy, Future
Teachers Academy, and her high school yearbook. She was
a member of SGA, and the National Honors Society during
her junior and senior years. She participated in Haven
Hope Worship Center Youth Group and Energy Express Reading
and Nutritional Program. Sarah was induced into Who’s
Who as a tenth grader, and inducted into National Honors
Society as a junior. She was on Principal’s Honor Roll
all four years. Sarah received All-State Honorable Mention
as a senior. Sarah will study Secondary English Education
and Spanish in the fall at Shepherd University.
Heather
Hall
Concord
University
Heather
is a graduate from Tug Valley High School in Mingo County.
At Tug Valley, Heather served as State President of the
Beta Club, a class representative for Student Government,
a HOBY Ambassador, and a Senior Girl Scout while playing
softball, basketball, and volleyball. She was a participant
in the Annual Blood Drive, the Food pantry at Parsley
Bottom Freewill Baptist Church, Read To Me Day, and as
a chaperone at Girl Scout events. She has received the
Outstanding Volunteerism award as a Girl Scout, honorable
mention in volleyball, and was on the 1st place
county team in Math Field. Heather will attend Concord
University in the fall and study Recreation and Tourism.
Darrell
Johnson
Shepherd
University
Darrell
is a graduate of Huntington High School in Cabell County.
Darrell has an extremely positive outlook on everything,
and this allows him to excel across many areas. His extensive
volunteering and activities include the National Thespian
Club, Upward Bound, Speech and Debate Team, and the Theatre
Club. Darrell was the FCCLA States Culinary Arts winner
in West Virginia, and he placed 15th nationally
as a sophomore in high school. In addition, Darrell received
the Ebony Essence Leadership Award as a junior, and he
helped lead Huntington High to the Speech and Debate Regional
Championship. Darrell will pursue a degree in Psychology
from Shepherd University
Lauren
Lambert
Concord
University
Lauren is a graduate of Wyoming County East High School. Lauren Paige Lambert was involved in several activities at Wyoming East. She was a member of the cheerleading, soccer, and tennis teams. She also was involved in theatre and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also participated and held offices in the Spanish Club, Science Club, and Student Government. Lauren participated in the Wyoming County Toy Fund, Church Pageants, Church Youth Choir, Vacation Bible School, and Energy Express. Lauren’s multiple interests and volunteer experiences will serve her well as she enters Concord University in the fall to study Pre-Med and Biology.
Dennis
Lester
Concord
University
Dennis
graduated from Iaeger High School in McDowell County.
Dennis was an active participant and member of Iaeger
High. He was a member of the football team, where he played
tight end. He also served as the vice president of the
Student Council from grades 9-11 before being elected
President his senior year. He also worked with Classic
Upward Bound and Gear-Up throughout high school. Dennis
was on the National Honor Roll for all 4 years at Iaeger
High. He also was a Who’s Who Among High School Students
for 4 years as well. Dennis was a member of the National
Honors Society as a junior and senior. Dennis will enroll
in the Pre-Med program at Concord University in the fall.
Kyle
Lusk
Concord
University
Kyle
is a graduate of Westside High School in Wyoming County.
Kyle was a dedicated athlete who participated in Football,
Basketball, and Baseball for four years each. He was named
captain of Westside’s basketball team. He was also a member
of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also served
on the Pep Club and the Prom Committee. As an 11th and 12th grader, Kyle was a member of the National
Honors Society. As a junior, Kyle earned the Concord University
Book Award and he attended the Concord University Summer
Academy. He also earned 2nd team Coalfield
Conference Basketball as a junior.
Jeffrey
Miller
Concord
University
Jeffrey
is a graduate of Huntington High in Cabell County. Jeffrey
has been an active member of the Huntington community
while playing for the West Virginia Premier Soccer Club.
Jeffrey was a recipient of the Sportsmanship Region I
Soccer Award for both the ninth and tenth grades. As a
senior, he earned the position of Captain for his Huntington
High soccer team. In addition to his athletic accomplishments,
Jeffrey also was a member of the National Honors Society
from his sophomore year to his senior year. Upon entering
Concord University in the fall, Jeffrey will pursue a
degree in Pre-Pharmacology and Biology.
Joshua
Stafford
Concord
University
Joshua
is a graduate of Westside High School in Wyoming County.
While at Westside, Josh participated in the Pep Club,
Science Club, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Honor Guard. He earned
letter in both baseball and football and was named captain
of the football team. Some of Josh’s many volunteering
activities included serving as a Church Camp Junior Leader,
A Camp Counselor at the Westside Camp, working on Flood
Recovery Assistance, and reading at the elementary school.
Josh also worked as a Peer Mediator. Josh will study Pre-Med
and Biology in the fall at Concord University.
Mitchell
Tuggle
Concord
University
Mitchell
graduated from James Monroe High School in Monroe County.
While at James Monroe, Mitch played on the schools football,
basketball, and baseball teams for all 4 years. In addition,
he also was a member of the National Honors Society from
grades 10 through 12. Mitch is an active community member
where he participates in Youth Group Drama, Fall Festival,
and many other activities at Peterstown United Methodist
Church. As a 10th grader, Mitch received the
Who’s Who Among High School Students Award. As a senior,
Mitch had a very successful football campaign where he
received many accolades, including All Coal Field Conference
Team in football. Mitch is currently majoring in General
Studies as he enters Concord University in the fall.
Hannah
Vass
Concord
University
Hannah
is a graduate of Greenbrier East High School in Greenbrier
County. As a ninth grader, Hannah was a National
Junior Honors Society member before becoming a member
of the National Honors Society for the next three years.
She also served on SGA for four years, and was a member
of the Mu Alpha Theta and the Debate Club. Hannah participated
in Relay for Life, Girl Scouts, and Scout Day Camp. Her
extensive participation and volunteering earned her the
Girl Scouts Silver and Gold Awards. She also received
the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and the
Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Hannah
will major in Pre-Dental and Biology at Concord in the
fall.
Jonelle
Westbrook
Shepherd
University
Jonelle
is a graduate of Jefferson High School in Jefferson County.
Jonelle has been a member of the Key Club, the Air Force
Junior ROTC, Honor Guard, and First In Your Family Educational
Sponsorship Program since entering Jefferson High. As
a senior, Jonelle became a member of the National Society
of High School Scholars. She was a member of Who’s Who
Among High School Students from the 9th through
the 11th grades. Jonelle has received numerous
ribbons ands awards from the AFJROTC, and won first place
at the Thespian Fair Countywide. Jonelle plans on majoring
in Nursing as she enters Shepherd University in fall.
Emily
Wilson
Concord
University
Emily
is a graduate from Hurricane High School in Putnam County.
Emily played volleyball all four years at Hurricane as
well as working on the technical crew for the Red Hot
Show Choir. Emily also was a member of the Teenage Republican
Club and Future Educators of America Club where she was
vice-president. Emily volunteered for the Reach Work Camps
and Putnam County Animal Relief as well as the Elementary
Carnival. Some of Emily’s awards include being a two-time
captain of the Varsity Volleyball team, a Who’s Who Among
High School Students from grades ten through twelve, and
an Academic Achievement Recipient at Hurricane High. In
the fall, Emily will major in Education at Concord University.
Dustin
is a graduate of Gilbert High School in Mingo County.
While at Gilbert, Dustin was a member of the National
Honors Society, the Debate team, the Yearbook committee,
the National Society of High School Scholars, Young Democrats,
National Poetry Society, World Leadership Congress, and
Concert Band. Dustin has been a part of The Blankenships
(professional Southern Gospel Group) as a baritone and
a manager. In addition, he has served as a broadcaster
for Faith 89.3 Radio, worked for Energy Express, and the
Kiwanis Kids Connection. Dustin has received numerous
awards that include the “Who’s Who Award for Academic
Achievement, the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Dustin will attend Concord University in the fall and
major in Pre-Law.
Sarah
is a graduate of Philip Barber High School in Barber County.
Sarah participated in the Governor’s Honors Academy, Future
Teachers Academy, and her high school yearbook. She was
a member of SGA, and the National Honors Society during
her junior and senior years. She participated in Haven
Hope Worship Center Youth Group and Energy Express Reading
and Nutritional Program. Sarah was induced into Who’s
Who as a tenth grader, and inducted into National Honors
Society as a junior. She was on Principal’s Honor Roll
all four years. Sarah received All-State Honorable Mention
as a senior. Sarah will study Secondary English Education
and Spanish in the fall at Shepherd University.
Heather
is a graduate from Tug Valley High School in Mingo County.
At Tug Valley, Heather served as State President of the
Beta Club, a class representative for Student Government,
a HOBY Ambassador, and a Senior Girl Scout while playing
softball, basketball, and volleyball. She was a participant
in the Annual Blood Drive, the Food pantry at Parsley
Bottom Freewill Baptist Church, Read To Me Day, and as
a chaperone at Girl Scout events. She has received the
Outstanding Volunteerism award as a Girl Scout, honorable
mention in volleyball, and was on the 1st place
county team in Math Field. Heather will attend Concord
University in the fall and study Recreation and Tourism.
Darrell
is a graduate of Huntington High School in Cabell County.
Darrell has an extremely positive outlook on everything,
and this allows him to excel across many areas. His extensive
volunteering and activities include the National Thespian
Club, Upward Bound, Speech and Debate Team, and the Theatre
Club. Darrell was the FCCLA States Culinary Arts winner
in West Virginia, and he placed 15th nationally
as a sophomore in high school. In addition, Darrell received
the Ebony Essence Leadership Award as a junior, and he
helped lead Huntington High to the Speech and Debate Regional
Championship. Darrell will pursue a degree in Psychology
from Shepherd University
Lauren is a graduate of Wyoming County East High School. Lauren Paige Lambert was involved in several activities at Wyoming East. She was a member of the cheerleading, soccer, and tennis teams. She also was involved in theatre and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also participated and held offices in the Spanish Club, Science Club, and Student Government. Lauren participated in the Wyoming County Toy Fund, Church Pageants, Church Youth Choir, Vacation Bible School, and Energy Express. Lauren’s multiple interests and volunteer experiences will serve her well as she enters Concord University in the fall to study Pre-Med and Biology.
Dennis
graduated from Iaeger High School in McDowell County.
Dennis was an active participant and member of Iaeger
High. He was a member of the football team, where he played
tight end. He also served as the vice president of the
Student Council from grades 9-11 before being elected
President his senior year. He also worked with Classic
Upward Bound and Gear-Up throughout high school. Dennis
was on the National Honor Roll for all 4 years at Iaeger
High. He also was a Who’s Who Among High School Students
for 4 years as well. Dennis was a member of the National
Honors Society as a junior and senior. Dennis will enroll
in the Pre-Med program at Concord University in the fall.
Kyle
is a graduate of Westside High School in Wyoming County.
Kyle was a dedicated athlete who participated in Football,
Basketball, and Baseball for four years each. He was named
captain of Westside’s basketball team. He was also a member
of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also served
on the Pep Club and the Prom Committee. As an 11th and 12th grader, Kyle was a member of the National
Honors Society. As a junior, Kyle earned the Concord University
Book Award and he attended the Concord University Summer
Academy. He also earned 2nd team Coalfield
Conference Basketball as a junior.
Jeffrey
is a graduate of Huntington High in Cabell County. Jeffrey
has been an active member of the Huntington community
while playing for the West Virginia Premier Soccer Club.
Jeffrey was a recipient of the Sportsmanship Region I
Soccer Award for both the ninth and tenth grades. As a
senior, he earned the position of Captain for his Huntington
High soccer team. In addition to his athletic accomplishments,
Jeffrey also was a member of the National Honors Society
from his sophomore year to his senior year. Upon entering
Concord University in the fall, Jeffrey will pursue a
degree in Pre-Pharmacology and Biology.
Joshua
is a graduate of Westside High School in Wyoming County.
While at Westside, Josh participated in the Pep Club,
Science Club, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Honor Guard. He earned
letter in both baseball and football and was named captain
of the football team. Some of Josh’s many volunteering
activities included serving as a Church Camp Junior Leader,
A Camp Counselor at the Westside Camp, working on Flood
Recovery Assistance, and reading at the elementary school.
Josh also worked as a Peer Mediator. Josh will study Pre-Med
and Biology in the fall at Concord University.
Mitchell
graduated from James Monroe High School in Monroe County.
While at James Monroe, Mitch played on the schools football,
basketball, and baseball teams for all 4 years. In addition,
he also was a member of the National Honors Society from
grades 10 through 12. Mitch is an active community member
where he participates in Youth Group Drama, Fall Festival,
and many other activities at Peterstown United Methodist
Church. As a 10th grader, Mitch received the
Who’s Who Among High School Students Award. As a senior,
Mitch had a very successful football campaign where he
received many accolades, including All Coal Field Conference
Team in football. Mitch is currently majoring in General
Studies as he enters Concord University in the fall.
Hannah
is a graduate of Greenbrier East High School in Greenbrier
County. As a ninth grader, Hannah was a National
Junior Honors Society member before becoming a member
of the National Honors Society for the next three years.
She also served on SGA for four years, and was a member
of the Mu Alpha Theta and the Debate Club. Hannah participated
in Relay for Life, Girl Scouts, and Scout Day Camp. Her
extensive participation and volunteering earned her the
Girl Scouts Silver and Gold Awards. She also received
the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and the
Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Hannah
will major in Pre-Dental and Biology at Concord in the
fall.
Jonelle
is a graduate of Jefferson High School in Jefferson County.
Jonelle has been a member of the Key Club, the Air Force
Junior ROTC, Honor Guard, and First In Your Family Educational
Sponsorship Program since entering Jefferson High. As
a senior, Jonelle became a member of the National Society
of High School Scholars. She was a member of Who’s Who
Among High School Students from the 9th through
the 11th grades. Jonelle has received numerous
ribbons ands awards from the AFJROTC, and won first place
at the Thespian Fair Countywide. Jonelle plans on majoring
in Nursing as she enters Shepherd University in fall.
Emily
is a graduate from Hurricane High School in Putnam County.
Emily played volleyball all four years at Hurricane as
well as working on the technical crew for the Red Hot
Show Choir. Emily also was a member of the Teenage Republican
Club and Future Educators of America Club where she was
vice-president. Emily volunteered for the Reach Work Camps
and Putnam County Animal Relief as well as the Elementary
Carnival. Some of Emily’s awards include being a two-time
captain of the Varsity Volleyball team, a Who’s Who Among
High School Students from grades ten through twelve, and
an Academic Achievement Recipient at Hurricane High. In
the fall, Emily will major in Education at Concord University.