Silas McKeever, Mady Winters, and Alyssa Kocher, Jim Quinet 5k memorial run scholarship winners 2021

The annual Jim Quinet Memorial 5k run/walk race was held on Saturday morning, July 31, in downtown New Martinsville. Beginning at 9:00 AM, the morning turned out to be perfect for runners and walkers with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60’s to low 70’s. Over 178 participants took to the streets for a time of fun, competiveness, and the opportunity to get some exercise.

The event runs over a relatively flat course throughout the downtown streets, proved to be the perfect setting for runner Kent Bee, who set a new course record; covering the 3.1 miles in 15:42.11, to edge out second place finisher Brenden Sands at the finish line. Jared Vilon was a step behind to grab third place with a time of15:57.75. Top walker of the day went to Julie Ledergerber who covered the course in 33:30.32. She was closely followed by Alyssa Huggins who ended second with a 34:38.88 and third place finisher Amy Richard wtih a 34:41.68.

Many comments about the race were heard as nearly everyone taking part were praising the event as one of the top races in the valley. Awards were handed out in several categories, including the top three overall male and female in the run and the walk. The top three in each age group also received awards. T-shirts were given out to all who took part.

The best part of the day was the presentation of the Jim Quinet Scholarship awards to three Magnolia High School graduating seniors. Winning the scholarships were Mady Winters, Alyssa Kocher, and Silas McKeever.

Mady Winters is the daughter of Mike and Becky Winters of New Martinsville. She graduated in 2021 from Magnolia high school with a 4.40 GPA. She will be attending Wheeling University this fall with plans to continue her volleyball career at the school.

Alyssa Kocher is the daughter of Tammy Kocher of New Martinsville. She graduated in 2021 from Magnolia high school with a 4.07 GPA. She will be attending West Virginia University in the fall of this year.

Silas McKeever is the son of Nancy Quinet and Eric McKeever. He graduated from Magnolia high school in 2021 with a GPA of 3.92. His plans are to attend Fairmont University, and study occupational safety.

Support for these scholaships come from donations established when Jim Quinet passed away and from the proceeds that come from the Jim Quinet Memorial 5K Walk/Run.

The Jim Quinet memorial scholarship was established in memory of Jim who lost his life to Pancreatic Cancer on December 5, 2008. Jim had a deep love for God, his family, friends, Quinet’s restaurant and New Martinsville. Jim considered it a blessing to help those who could benefit from his help. He was a 1961 graduate of Magnolia high school. Jim was also a U.S. Navy Veteran on the ship Oriskany; the owner and operator of Quinet’s restaurant; an active member, Sunday School teacher, and trustee of Immanuel Baptist Church; a member of Open Door Ministry, the Moose Lodge #931 and was involved with many organizations in the community.