Tyler County Schools celebrated academic excellence during the 48th annual Tyler County Schools Academy Awards Ceremony and Reception, held Thursday, March 26, at Tyler Consolidated High School.

Sponsored by Peoples Bank, the long-standing tradition recognizes students in grades five through 12 for their outstanding academic achievements. Over the course of the program’s 48-year history, nearly 10,000 students have been honored for their dedication and success in the classroom.

The evening opened with an invocation delivered by Kayden Utt, a student at Tyler Consolidated High School. Kaylynn Doll, a student at Arthur I. Boreman Elementary, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance setting a respectful tone for the celebration.

Entertainment was provided by talented student musicians, including the TCHS Jazz Band under the direction of Matt Jennings and the combined TCHS/TCMS choir directed by Brian Bailey. Their performances added energy to the ceremony, showcasing the district’s strong arts programs.

Guest speaker Marcy Davis, assistant vice president and personal lines agent for Peoples Bank, addressed the audience with words of encouragement and praise. She commended students for their hard work and perseverance, urging them to continue striving toward their goals whether through higher education, entering the workforce, or serving in the military.

Scott Wall, principal of Arthur I. Boreman Elementary, served as master of ceremonies. During the program, he introduced the top 15 percent of students from each grade level, highlighting their academic dedication and commitment to excellence.

Superintendent Shane Highley, along with Andrea Merlot, retail operations manager at Peoples Bank, and April Pierce, vice president and branch manager for Peoples Bank in New Martinsville and Sistersville, presented certificates of accomplishment to each honored student. Academic Hall of Fame inductees with 8 Year Senior Participants were Kathryn Grimm, Amos Kimble and Kayden Utt.

Academic Awards Banquet Winners were presented Cash prizes by a random drawing. The winners of $50 Cash were: Sistersville Pharmacy- Lily Dillaman; Kings Corner- Christopher Fetyko; Bell Chevrolet- Prentice Kanz; Jenkins Sub Express- Colton Corcoran ; Jenkins Auto Parts- Caleb Gist ; State Farm: Shannon Anderson- Blaine Morgan ; The Fort Pizza- Huxley George; WVU Medicine: Dr Gary & Amanda Nichols-Coley Bell; Boggs Pizza & Grill- Peyton Buchanan.

$100 Cash winners were Galaxy Food Centers- Wesley Moore and Peoples Bank – Hunter Keller.

Winner of the $1000 scholarship from a drawing of the Hall of Fame inductees was Kathryn Grimm.

A special thanks is extended to the following individuals and companies for providing service or products for the Academic Awards Ceremony:

Bell Chevrolet, Boggs Pizza and Grill, The Fort, Galaxy Food Center, Jenkins Sub Express, Jenkins Auto Parts,King’s Corner, People’s Bank, PepsiCo, Sistersville Pharmacy,State Farm Shannon Anderson, Dr. Gary and Dr. Amanda Nichols- WVU Medicine, Amanda Kimball, Director of Support Services – Tyler County Schools Marsha Riffle, Secretary – Tyler County Schools, Andy Weekley, Technology Director – Tyler County Schools, and the Tyler County Board of Education.