Brittany Loy, Co-Valedictorian

Magnolia High School principal Kathi Schmalz is pleased to announce the valedictorians and salutatorian for the graduating class of 2009. Three students will hold the honor as co-valedictorians: Brittany Loy, Matthew Pefferman, and Kaylee Purpura. Laura Kane will hold the honor of salutatorian.

Brittany Morgan Loy is the daughter of Albert and Karlene Loy of New Martinsville. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, PRIDE, and TSA (serving as the secretary). She has been a New Martinsville Rotary Student of the Month and has participated in science fair at the school and regional levels. She is a recipient of the PROMISE scholarship and has been awarded an Elbin Scholar honor at West Liberty University, where she plans to major in elementary education.

Matthew James Pefferman, the son of Jim and Margaret Pefferman of New Martinsville. He is the grandson of James D. and Jean Van Camp and great-grandson of Ruth Van Camp of state Route 180, Tyler County, and grandson of William C. Pefferman of New Martinsville. Matt’s honors include National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Rotary Student of the Month, and Know Your State Government Day. His activities include Technology Student Association where he has won numerous awards at the state level for flight endurance, animatronics, technology bowl, engineering design, and radio controlled transportation. Other activities are Student Council, Quiz Bowl Team, Science Fair, and Regional Math Field Day. Matt has volunteered at the Wetzel County Animal Shelter and attends the First Church of God in New Martinsville. He plans to attend Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, and major in mechanical engineering.

Kaylee Renee Purpura is the daughter of Joe and Cathy Purpura of Proctor. She is president of National Honor Society and has served as class treasurer for four years. Kaylee has been an active member of Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, TSA, PRIDE, and the Magnolia marching and concert band. She has performed in the Magnolia percussion ensemble, jazz band and musical pit, WVU honors band, Wetzel County honors band, and was the recipient of the John Philip Sousa award. She attends the Paden City Church of the Nazarene and plans to attend Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and major in biochemistry.

Salutatorian Laura Jean Kane is the daughter of Theresa and David Hoskins and Scott and Gigi Kane. She is a member of the marching band, percussion ensemble, Thespians, djembe ensemble, Service Club, and Science National Honor Society. She is the historian of Mu Alpha Theta, vice president of National Honor Society, and president of PRIDE Drug Prevention Team. She has served on the Partner In Education committee as class representative for four years and participated in Wetzel County and WVU Honors Bands. She ran cross-country and was the 2008 Wetzel County “Youth of the Year”. She has been honored as an Arrupe Scholar at Wheeling Jesuit University, where she plans to major in nursing.

Matthew Pefferman, Co-Valedictorian

Graduation ceremonies are set for Friday at 8 p.m. at Magnolia’s Alumni Field, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be held in the Magnolia High School Gymnasium-a ticket is required for admittance, doors open at 6 p.m.

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Graduation ceremonies will be held at Valley High School Thursday at 7 p.m. and Paden City High School Saturday at 3 p.m.

However, information about those schools’ valedictorians and salutatorians was not available by press time.

Kaylee Purpura, Co-Valedictorian

Laura Kane, Salutatorian