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Amelia Earhart speaks to students

Patty Cooper, left, portraying the famous female pilot Amelia Earhart, speaks to 8th-grade students from VanDevender and Hamilton middle schools Wednesday at Vandy. The program was sponsored by Altrusa International of Parkersburg as part of the G.E.M.S. program, which stands for Girls Enrichment through Mentoring and Service. (Photo by Michael Erb)

PARKERSBURG — Amelia Earhart landed briefly at VanDevender Middle School Wednesday, speaking to students about her life, her legend and her legacy.

The History Alive presentation was sponsored by Altrusa International of Parkersburg as part of the G.E.M.S. program, which stands for Girls Enrichment through Mentoring and Service.

Patty Cooper portrayed the famous pilot Wednesday, speaking to more than 40 students as Earhart.

“She was by far the most famous of the women pilots,” Cooper said. “With her disappearance, you have so many wonderful stories.”

Cooper said unknown to many people, Earhart actually spoke at Parkersburg High School on Oct. 30, 1936, before traveling to other schools in the region.

Vandy counselor Christy Bixman said the G.E.M.S. program gives 8th-grade girls at Vandy and Hamilton Middle School the chance to meet and be mentored by area women in a variety of professions. Past speakers have talked about careers in a variety of fields and how they chose their careers.

Bixman said the G.E.M.S. program targets students that may be struggline or need help in school. Through positive role models, the program seeks to give those students the motivation to excel.

“We select girls that could use some TLC and a push to explore their options,” she said. “It’s been a very positive experience.”

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