Four Wetzel County seniors have been awarded a $1,000 Tad Fitzsimmons Memorial Scholarship for 2009. The awards were presented on Awards Day at their respective high schools.

This year’s recipients are Katie Barker from Valley High School; Amy Toman from Paden City High School; and Rachel Hoffman; and Jason Utt from Magnolia High School.

Barker has been involved in numerous activities while attending Valley High School. She has been a cheerleader for the Lumberjacks for four years, on the track team, a member of the National Honor Society, class officer for four years, a member of RAZE and T.A.T.U,

She has been active in many community projects including the Short Line Boost Program, flood relief, the Dalton Willis Benefit Dinner and has volunteered at the Wetzel County Hospital.

Katie will be attending Fairmont University in the fall, majoring in elementary education. She is the daughter of Bill and Jennifer Barker of Pine Grove.

Amy Toman, the daughter of John and Marcia Toman of Paden City, has been active in volleyball, basketball and track while attending PCHS. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and President of the National Art Honor Society.

Toman attended West Virginia Rhododendron Girls State and has volunteered for many community and fund raising activities. She is a volunteer teacher at Oglebay Good Zoo. Amy will attend West Virginia University this fall and major in animal and nutritional science.

While attending Magnolia High School, Rachel Hoffman has been president of her class, a member of the local School Improvement Council, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honorary, National Honor Society and TSA.

She was a Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference participant and attended WV Rhododendron Girls State, as well as served as field commander for the Big Blue Marching Band for two years. She also belonged to Thespians, Service Club, Young Ladies Union, Percussion Ensemble, RAZE activities and played softball. She will be attending West Virginia University this fall and Major in fashion design and marketing. Rachel, the daughter of Dave and Kathy Hoffman of New Martinsville, attends St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Jason Utt has maintained a 3.78 GPA at Magnolia High School. He participated in basketball and football and was co-captain his senior year. He was a member of the student council and Mu Alpha Theta. He participated in many community activities including the Esther Crumbley Food Drive, flood relief, blood drive, and Easter Seals. Jason will attend Bethany College this fall and major in history education and pre-law. He is the son of Rob and Alisha Utt of New Martinsville.

These scholarships are provided from proceeds from previous Tad Fitz-simmons 5k Run/Walks that were held for eight years in Tad’s honor and generous donations from businesses and friends.