Appalachian Leadership Academy Class of 2010

1. Keith Coleman loves going to school and takes great pride in attending Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College where he plans to graduate with a degree in Surgical Technology. Keith, a graduate of Belfry High School, was recently elected to the Williamson Campus SGA. Keith is proud to represent Southern students and exemplifies that hard work does get you places. Keith enjoys helping people, working with others, and working hard at whatever he puts his mind to. Keith believes that the Appalachian Leadership Academy will provide him with opportunities to become a better leader and excel in his future endeavors.

2. Krista Edwards' goal is to become a social worker or counselor. Krista, a graduate of Burch High School, is a sports enthusiast, having played both basketball and volleyball in high school. Krista was also actively engaged in the Federal Business Leaders of America and the Health Occupations Students of America. When asked how the Appalachian Leadership Academy might assist Krista in reaching her current and future goals, Krista remarked that she thought this was actually a great opportunity to help the college out. Krista believes that the Appalachian Leadership Academy will help her gain confidence and make a difference in her community.

3. Carolina Fletcher, a resident of Kermit, West Virginia, graduated Tug Valley High School with honors. Carolina worked for several years in many vocations in both West Virginia and North Carolina before making the decision to attend college. Carolina’s academic goal is to become an elementary school teacher. Carolina recognizes that to be a great teacher she needs to have leadership skills. Carolina’s believes that as a Cotiga Fellow she will gain confidence in herself, increase her communication skills, and expand her knowledge of people of all types.

4. Sherry Murphy’s educational goal is to become an elementary school teacher. Sherry, a resident of Aflex Kentucky, believes that there is no more essential leader than one who has a hand in shaping the minds of young children. Sherry, owner of Triple H Designs, a web-graphic design business, has created and maintained websites for businesses as far away as California. Sherry loves people, interacting with the public and learning new things. Sherry believes that the Appalachian Leadership Academy will give her a chance to contribute towards the greater good of the community.

5. Ashlea Mariano Owens, a resident of Belfry, Kentucky plans to become an x-ray technologist. Ashlea is an active member of her church, serving as the youth choir leader. Ashlea also volunteers with vacation Bible school, church fundraisers, and outreach in the community. Ashlea loves working with people and helping the community. Ashlea believes that her involvement with the Appalachian Leadership Academy will give her leadership experiences that she ca then model for the youth in her community, and afford her the opportunity to make the community a safer and nicer place to live.

6. Andrew William Portzer’s academic goal is to graduate Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College with a degree in Radiological Technology. Andrew, a graduate of Belfry High School, was an active member of the Proficiency Advisory Council, a group dedicated to improving the school’s end of year test scores. Andrew served in the Kentucky National Guard for two plus years. Andrew is excited about the opportunities the Appalachian Leadership Academy will afford him and believes that one can never learn too much. As a Cotiga Fellow, Andrew wants to step up to the challenge the program offers and prove to himself and those around him that he has the ability to be a great leader.

7. Courtney Paige Runyon, is a new student at Southern who wants to have a fun and positive college experience. Courtney graduated in the top six of her class from Matewan High School. While at Matewan, Courntey served as president of the National Honor Society, captain of the volleyball team, a volunteer mentor with Special Olympics, and as a volunteer with Red Cross blood drives. Courtney also received a medallion from Governor Manchin for Gear Up graduates. Courtney’s academic goal is to become a secondary school teacher. Courtney believes that the Appalachian Leadership Academy will give her the skills to lead her future students to a path of success.

8. Jeremiah Seth Simon, a Williamson native, graduated Belfry High School and was awarded recognition as an Eagle Scott with the Boy Scouts of America. At Belfry High School, Seth made a significant contribution to both his school and community, collecting recyclables each week as a volunteer with the school environmental club and staffing summer Cub Scout camps, teaching other young scouts archery. Seth’s academic goal is to become a social studies teacher. Seth believes that the Appalachian Leadership Academy will be a great learning experience and will help strengthen his ability to work with others.

9. Eric Starr, a resident of Lenore, West Virginia, graduated Tug Valley High School last May. At Tug Valley Eric served as the Vice President of the school’s Green Team and was an active member of Beta Club for six years. Eric’s academic goal is to graduate from Southern with an Associate Degree and then attend Marshall University to obtain a BA and MA in history. Eric is interested in the Appalachian Leadership Academy for many reasons, including helping his community, building a network of peers, and having a positive impact.