By Stephen Smoot
Two Hardy County scholars, graduates of both East Hardy and Moorefield High schools, earned one of the top honors conferred by Shepherd University in Jefferson County. They each received a McMurran Scholar Award, “the highest academic honor granted by Shepherd University.”
According to the event program honorees must “complete a minimum of 90 semester hours, maintain a minimum 3.86 grade point average, complete two consecutive semesters of study at Shepherd, and be nominated by at least three faculty members.” The final step lies in approval from the university faculty at large.
In the program, each awardee selected a faculty member to write a biographical sketch. Professor Jason Allen described the work of Erica Foreman, “a graduate of East Hardy High School and a native of Wardensville.”
Foreman actively participates in Kappa Delta Pi, “the International Honor Society in Education.” There, she “has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and service.” Volunteer efforts have included working in a Relay for Life event. Foreman also is active with Cru Ministries “where she has build meaningful connections and continues to grow both personally and professionally.”
Elementary education is Foreman’s career goal “where she hopes to inspire young students, create a positive classroom environment, and make a lasting impact on their learning and confidence.”
From Moorefield High School and also Old Fields comes Liv Williams. The daughter of Tona and Carter Williams, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from high school and studies in the graphic design program. Professor Jennifer Yablonsky penned that Williams’ “verbal communication abilities shine – her thoughtful insights into her peers’ work are both sought out and deeply valued.”
She went on to say of Williams that her “exemplary academic record is matched only by her persistent drive to learn and grow as an artist.” Yablonsky added that classmates are drawn to her energy and creativity as well as her “genuine kindness she extends to classmates and our broader community.”
Williams plans to continue working in the MAT 4+1 graduate program with the goal of earning a masters degree and teaching art.
