* Logan W. and Addison R. earned high praise from judges following speeches and interviews as part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Parkersburg’s annual recognition event last week. Logan is the club’s Youth of the Year and Addison is Junior Youth of the Year. Logan will go on to represent the club at the state level. Joe Oliverio, one of the event’s judges, praised the students’ preparation and confidence. “I really just wanted to help people,” Logan said. It is a testament to the power of setting good examples that Addison credited Logan: “I saw how Logan inspired me to look up to him since he’s older. I learned so much along the way, especially with the club and school, with all my friends and the club staff members.” These young people endured writing multiple essays, getting letters of recommendation from mentors and a nomination letter detailing each participant’s experience and personal growth through the club. They are the kinds of young people who truly give us hope for a brighter tomorrow. Congratulations!

***

∫ The Fraternal Order of Police hosted a series of Power in Peers program days meant to support local law enforcement with crisis training for various situations involving mental health and stress management. Those who attended — officers, staff employed by law enforcement departments, police chaplains and mental health clinicians involved with law enforcement agencies — were then able to take what they had learned back to their own workplaces. These weren’t just local folks, either. “I was seeking out training to help prepare myself for the role of peer mentor within my department,” Eric Berrier, a captain at the High Point Police Department in North Carolina. “It’s led me to Parkersburg.” That speaks volumes about the effort put into developing Power in Peers. Well done.