High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* For a decade now, Artsbridge has recognized outstanding local students and teachers with scholarships and awards made possible by the Maestro Luke Frazier, conductor of the American Pops Orchestra, who established awards in the names of his two grandmothers — the Janet Frazier Awards for teachers and the Donna Campbell Awards for Excellence for students. Belpre High School’s William “Bill” Van Pelt was recently awarded the first of the two Janet Frazier awards for this year. Van Pelt is credited with rebuilding the school’s marching band program, to the point that now the Pride of Belpre Marching Band is among the largest in the region. Under Van Pelt’s leadership, it has qualified for the Ohio Music Education Association State Marching Band finals for the past four consecutive years. That is quite an achievement, and only part of the impact Van Pelt is having on Belpre students and the school’s music program. Congratulations, sir!

* Last month, West Virginia University at Parkersburg hosted VanDevender Middle School eighth graders for What’s Your Thing? Day, which was meant to help the young people connect their personal interests to future college and career paths. It’s an important event for students who may believe their path is more restricted than it is. “This event plays a key role in shaping those early impressions and expanding their awareness of what’s possible,” said Olivia Reeder, vice president of Institutional Advancement at WVUP. “Research shows that many eighth graders make their ‘college choice’ by the end of the year – not based on applications or admissions, but on where they see themselves belonging.” How wonderful for them to get the opportunity to expand their ideas about what is possible and where they can picture themselves in a few years.