High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Mid-Ohio Valley Fellowship Home Executive Director Brandy Blatt should be pleased with the degree to which the home fulfills its mission — and won the respect of the West Virginia First Foundation. The Fellowship Home received $80,000 from the foundation to provide recovery support services to Wood County and the surrounding areas. Its mission is to be a residential recovery home that helps residents get back on their feet in a safe, stable environment. Now, funding through the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Abuse Site-based program will help the organization continue to do that. Well done, folks.

* Scoutmaster Christopher Burk, with Troop 12 in Parkersburg, has received the highest honor the organization can bestow on an adult leader. The Silver Beaver Award is meant to recognize service, dedication and leadership; and Burk — who has been involved with the Scouts for 22 years — has certainly earned the honor. He has been scoutmaster of Troop 12 for 13 years and district commissioner of Kootaga District for the past five years. He also has been climbing director for the Buckskin Council. Congratulations on the award.

* Local students were sent on their way to state level STEM-based competition after the Southeast Ohio Regional Science Olympiad at Marietta College earlier this month. Middle and high school students competed in science, technology, engineering and math challenges that tested their scientific knowledge and practical application skills. “The most important things are work ethic, collaboration, and communication,” longtime coach Dan Hendershott said. “These skills will help them far beyond the competition.” Congratulations, and good luck, to those who will be competing in Columbus in May.