Donna Moyers-Slider and Larry Slider accepted the award on behalf of their late brother, Dr. Jarvis Moyers.

For the first time since the award’s inception, there were three recipients of the Paden City School Alumni Association’s “Distinguished Alumni Award.” To matters more historical, all three winners graduated together in the PCHS Class of 1961.

Thomas McKay, Walter Smittle, III and the late Dr. Jarvis Moyers were recognized at a reception held in their honor on July 2.

Dr. Jarvis Moyers, Ph.D. resided in Chevy Chase, MD where he retired from the National Science Foundation in Washington, DC. While there, he held the position of Director, Division of Atmospheric Sciences. Jarvis graduated from PCHS in 1961 and continued his educational pursuits at Marshall University. Moyers earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Hawaii. Jarvis has traveled the world from Antarctica to the Arctic and participated in sea going research cruises to study the earth’s environment. Moyers has worked with leading research scientists from around the world. Some of his projects include studies of the “O-zone Hole,” and major weather events such as Hurricane Katrina.

Sadly, Dr. Moyers passed away on June 22.

Walter Smittle, III, a 1961 graduate of PCHS, also earned Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965 from Marshall University. He began a school teacher and basketball coach and later the Director of Transportation and Safety for Wetzel County schools. He also earned a Master of Science Degree in Safety Education from West Virginia University in 1973 and thus began his extensive career in fire safety. This career move culminated in being named the West Virginia State Fire Marshal (1974-1999). During that time, Walter held numerous state and national offices and was awarded several state and national-level citations and awards, including a Firefighter of the Year award in 1997.

Walter Smittle, III

Thomas McKay is the first graduate of Paden City High School to earn an appointment to a national service academy. After graduating from PCHS in 1961, McKay accepted his nomination to the United State Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering in 1965. He later earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from George Washington University in 1971. In 1965, Tom became a United States Marine and earned the rank of Captain. He served until 1971 when he began a lengthy career in manufacturing, business and education that continues today. He is currently on staff at Tusculum College in Knoxville, TN and serves in the Office of Student Services as the Assistant Director/Academic Coordinator. He also is Facilitator of the Adult Bachelor of Science Degree Program and teaches courses in Human Resources Management, Management and Leadership.

The Distinguished Alumni Award Committee is thankful to those who made the nominations.

Thomas McKay