In a special recognition dinner held Oct. 2, Chesapeake Energy honored 10 of the future leaders they identified in their Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders contest.

Through a special promotion, Chesapeake, in cooperation with the Wetzel Chronicle and WETZ-AM and WYMJ-FM, took nominations from the community of Wetzel County students involved in 4-H and FFA who display admirable qualities that define future leaders.

“Probably one of the biggest resources we have, which is truly renewable, is leadership,” said Scott Rotruck, Chesapeake’s director of corporate development.

In recognition of these students’ achievements, Wetzel County Schools will receive a computer in each winner’s name. Also, at the dinner held at Quinet’s Court Restaurant, a drawing was held where two luck students received laptop computers. The winners were Trevor Long and Phillip Dennison.

In addition to Long and Dennison, the other honored guests were Justin Rine, Annaliese Henderson, Ava Morris, Hannah Henderson, Tyler Blake, Lyndsay Sell, Nancy Cumberledge, and Haylea Yoho.

The person who nominated a selected student received a $25 restaurant gift certificate.

“We love working here. We want to be involved with you in things that are important to you,” said Rotruck.

The concept for the contest came from a meeting Chesapeake had to identify the needs of the community at large.

A quality education was high on the list of priorities, so the natural gas company decided to honor students who show exemplary leadership. “Those who are walking the walk, so to speak,” said Rotruck.

WVU Extension Agent Mindy Mall and Magnolia High School FFA Advisor Bill Aberegg were unable to attend the dinner, but Hundred High School FFA Advisor Virgil Wilkins and Valley High School FFA Advisor Howard Henderson did enjoy the night that honored some of their excellent students.