OHSAA Awards Two Scholarships

The Oceana High School Alumni Association has announced the recipients of this year's OHS Alumni Scholarship.

The organization has, for the second year in a row, chosen to award two scholarships.

Patrick Stewart of Matheny and Wendy Holdren of Justice, both seniors at Westside High School, will each receive $1,000 in scholarship funds to be used toward their college expenses.

"We are very pleased to give this year's scholarships to these two deserving individuals," said Paul Ray Blankenship, president of the Association. "It is very rewarding to be able to help such fine students as Patrick and Wendy with the financial part of their education. I'm sure they will both make us all very proud as they achieve their goals in their chosen careers."

Stewart and Holden, who both maintain a 4.0 GPA, were recognized and presented certificates at the Alumni's Mix and Mingle held recently in the Oceana Middle School cafeteria.

Stewart, who plans to attend Marshall University and major in computer science, is the son of Gary Stewart of Logan and Kyong Ae Stewart. He was accompanied to the Mix and Mingle by his grandparents, Clyde and Bonnie Patrick of Matheny.

"Getting the Alumni's scholarship makes me pretty happy," Stewart said. "I was pleasantly surprised." Stewart says he plans to use the scholarship monies for whatever is needed at school. After college, Stewart hopes to find a job as a video game programmer. His goal is also to get a degree in mathematics, physics, philosophy, literature, history, psychology and geography. "Having a degree in those things would aid me tremendously in the job I plan to pursue," he added. Stewart enjoys playing video games, reading and watching Japanese anime.

He is a member of the Chess Club at Westside, Co-Ed-Hi-Y, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Math Field Day participant, and Regional Math Field Day participant. He has received numerous scholastic awards and has participated in various community events such as the Energy Fair, Toy Fund, school food drives, and church activities.

Holdren is the daughter of Pam Holdren of Justice. She plans to attend Concord University in the fall and study pre-physical therapy. She plans to further her studies at WVU and hopes to work in area hospitals and someday own her own practice. She says she loves the mountains of West Virginia and feels this is where she belongs. She first became interested in physical therapy after a family member was injured and needed therapy.

Holdren is a member of the Co-Ed-Hi-Y, Student Council, Science Club, Spanish Club, Chess Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Youth In Government. She has been involved with area toy drives, food drives, and Adopt-A-Family. She has received various scholastic awards.

"I am very honored and excited to receive the OHS Alumni Scholarship," Holdren commented. "It is a privilege to be chosen."