ALEF Selects Its Third Class of Fellows
The Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation (ALEF) has completed its selection process for the 2008 ALEF Charlie Class. This is the third 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.
2008 Charlie Class
Anthony
Bellissimo
Shepherd
University
Anthony
is a graduate of Berkeley Springs High School in Morgan
County. During high school, Anthony played varsity soccer,
and also worked for the school’s newspaper. Anthony started
YOWD, his own business. Anthony participated in Rachel’s
Challenge, and taught his very own class. Anthony was
given the wonderful opportunity to attend both the Princeton
and Carnegie Mellon ID Tech Programs. In the fall, Anthony
will attend Shepherd University and major in communications
and business. |
Courtney
Blankenship
Concord
University
Courtney
is a graduate of Gilbert High School in Mingo County.
Courtney was a very active member of the Gilbert High
School Marching Band, Captain of the Majorette Squad,
and a member of the Concert Band throughout her four years.
As a senior, Courtney also tutored children in grades
2nd through 6th after school. Courtney
received the All-County Band Award and the Honor Roll
Award all four years at Gilbert. Courtney volunteered
at the Baisden Fire Department, the Red Cross Blood Drive,
and Energy Express. In the fall, Courtney will attend
Concord University where she will major in elementary
education. |
Jerad
Cook
Concord
University
Jerad
is a graduate of Westside High School in Wyoming County.
While at Westside, Jerad was a member and captain of the
football team. Jerad earned the National Honor Society
Award as an 11th grader. As a 12th grader, Jerad was a member of the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes. Jerad also participated in the Brain Trust all
four years of high school. In the fall, Jerad will be
attending Concord University and will enroll in the pre-med
program. |
Paul
Cyrus
Marshall
University
Paul
is a graduate of St. Albans High School in Kanawha County.
Paul played football at St. Albans for four years. In
addition, he was a member of the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes. Paul was a member of the National Honor Society
from the 10th through 12th grade,
and he also received the “Best Attitude Award” as the
senior football player who displayed the best attitude
during his football career. Paul ended high school with
a 3.93 cumulative grade point average, and he will be
attending Marshall University in the fall and major in
civil engineering. |
Cassidi
Hall
Concord
University
Cassidi
is a graduate of Greenbrier East High School in Greenbrier
County. Cassidi was a member of the National Honor Society,
a member of the Concert Band, and Captain of the Color
Guard all four years. Cassidi also received the Mathematics
Award, President’s Education Award, and the Who’s Who
Among High School Students Award. During high school,
she volunteered at the Wal-Mart Egg Hunt and at several
Children’s Miracle Network Events. In the fall, Cassidi
will attend Concord University and major in education. |
Carrie
Honaker
Concord
University
Carrie
is a graduate of Greenbrier East High School in Greenbrier
County. Carrie was a 4-year member of Student Government,
National Honor Society, and Choir. Carrie also participated
on the tennis and cheerleading team at Greenbrier East.
Carrie was a very active member of the 4-H Club, where
she received numerous awards throughout her high school
career. Carrie graduated in the top 2% of her class, and
finished with a cumulative 3.93 grade point average. Carrie
will major in secondary education with a concentration
in biology at Concord University. |
Jonathan
Hunt
Concord
University
Jonathan
is a graduate of Independence High School in Raleigh County.
Jonathan was a member of the football and baseball teams
all four years. He also was a National Honors Society
Member in both the 11th and 12th grade. Jonathan served as the President of the Fellowship
of Christian Athletes throughout high school. As a senior,
Jonathan earned 2nd Team All-State in football,
and 1st team All Coalfield Conference in football.
Jonathan served as a volunteer at the FCA Office and the
Upward Basketball Program. In the fall, Jonathan will
be attending Concord University. |
Robert
May
Concord
University
Robert
is a graduate of Gilbert High School in Mingo County.
During his time at Gilbert, Robert was a member of Student
Council, Band, and Yearbook staff. In addition, Robert
played on the basketball team during his 10th,
11th, and 12th grade years. Robert
was on the Honor Roll all four years, and he also received
the Art Award and the Civics Award. Robert volunteered
at Bible School, “Operation Ho, Ho, Ho,” and collected
donations for St. Jude Hospital. In the fall, Robert will
attend Concord University where he will major in education. |
Jese
Vance
Marshall
University
Jese
is a graduate of Clay County High School in Clay County.
Jese served as president of the FFA throughout high school,
and also participated in the Boy Scouts of America from
9th through 12th grade. As a sophomore,
Jese earned 3rd place at the “State Meats Champion”
competition, and during his junior year won 1st place at the “State Beef Expo.” As a junior, Jese also
became a member of the National Honor Society. Jese earned
a cumulative 4.0 grade point average at Clay County, and
in the fall he will attend Marshall University and major
in civil engineering. |
Cody
Vinson
Concord
University
Cody
is a graduate of Westside High School in Wyoming County.
At Westside, Cody was a 4-year member and captain of the
tennis team, a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
and Co-Ed-Hi-Y. Cody also participated in theater, and
earned recognition as a member of the National Honor Society
and Spanish National Honor Society. Cody volunteered and
served as a coordinator in the Bike-a-thon to benefit
St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Cody earned a cumulative
4.0 grade point average at Westside, and he will attend
Concord University in the fall majoring in biology. |
Samantha
Wagner
Concord
University
Samantha
is a graduate of Westside High School in Wyoming County.
She was a four-year member of the Fellowship for Christian
Athletes and Pep Club. Samantha also participated in Student
Council, Cheerleading, and Dance during her 10th,
11th, and 12th grade years. Samantha
received a “Distinguished Writing” award as a 10th grader and as an 11th grader was a member of
the National Honor Society. Samantha volunteered at Vacation
Bible School, the Wyoming Youth Council, and Adopt-a-Highway.
In the fall, Samantha will attend Concord and enroll in
the pre-med program. |
Dustin
Woods
Concord
University
Dustin
is a graduate of Huntington High School in Cabell County.
While at Huntington High, Dustin was a member of the wrestling
and football teams from 9th through the 12th grade. Dustin was also a member of Mu Alpha Theta as an
11th and 12th grader.
While
in high school, Dustin volunteered at the Cammack M.S.
Wrestling Tournament, and the Huntington Pee-Wee Wrestling
Tournament. In the fall, Dustin will attend Concord University
and will enroll in the pre-med program. |
Meet the Fellows from other classes. |