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NEWELL - The Oak Glen High School Lions Scholar of the month banquet was held May 18 at the Newell Lions Den sponsored by the Chester, Newell, and New Cumberland Lions.

This project was first started in 1993 by Lion Bob Manypenny of the New Cumberland Lions, who modeled it after the Weirton scholar of the month program.

Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by New Cumberland President Lion Richard Blackwell. The invocation was given by Lion Rev. Rick Tinsky, Newell President, David Elder welcomed the scholars, parents, Lions, and guests and a C & C catered meal followed.

Lion Blackwell introduced the head table and guests, Chester President, Todd Jones; Newell President, David Elder; New Cumberland President Richard Blackwell; and Weirton President, PDG Gary Pitcock. Guest speaker delegate, Patrick McGeehan also introduced New Cumberland Lions, PDG John Patton and Zone I chairman, Loranna Tate; Newell Lions Dist 29L I. Chairman, Dave Ice; and Dist 29L Leaderdog Chairman, David Atkinson; and Oak Glen High School teacher and project Liason, Cindy Nelson.

Lion Blackwell then formally introduced the night's keynote speaker, Patrick McGeehan, Oak Glen High School graduate, U.S. Air Force veteran, local businessman, Chester Lion and House of Delegates representative for Hancock County, W.Va. McGeehan thanked the lions for selecting him to be this years guest speaker. He then congratulated the scholars for all of the hard work they did to get to where they are and for furthering their education. He told them to take advantage of all the resources available and to remember why they are there. He also explained the importance of a well rounded education and to expand their knowledge to other fields. He also spoke about the new people and ideals they will encounter while they further their education, and how they should do the research themselves to find the answers because it will be up to the next generation to ask why.

New Cumberland Lion Russell Flanigan introduced the following scholars, their majors, and the school they plan on attending; Sept., Troy Eckleberry, Nuclear engineering, University of Tennesee; Oct., Nickulas Evans, Secondary Education, West Liberty State College; Nov., Kathleen Paris, Nursing, West Virginia University; Dec., Eric Stipec, Anesthesologist, West Virginia University; Jan., Erin Shuman, Education, College Softball, Washington and Jefferson; Feb., Dean Porter, Engineering, West Virginia University; March, Megan Stivason, Elementary Education, Fairmont State College; April, Jamie Gowey, Business, Jefferson Community College; and May, Ryan Asbury, Anestheology, West Virginia University.

Plaques were presented by Chester Lion Ed Harless and saving bonds were presented by Newell Lion David Atkinson. Lion Flannigan presented a plaque to guest speaker McGeehan.

A 50/50 drawing was held by Newell Lion Bill Lamp, with the proceeds going to the scholar project.

Closing comments were given by Chester President Todd Jones who thanked the students, parents, Pat McGeehan, Bob Manypenny, and the three lions' clubs and asked the students to not forget to continue to serve and presented plaques that held a quote to the scholars.

The benediction was given by New Cumberland Lion Don Greathouse. Flower arrangements were given to the nine scholars mothers and Cindy Nelson.

The joint banquet was then adjourned.