Rachel Dove-Baldwin
Staff Writer
NOLAN — During the recent 4th Annual Nolan Reunion/Festival, former educators who spent many years teaching the children of the close-knit community and those of the surrounding areas were honored during an event that was deemed “Nolan Grade School Teachers Recognition Day.”
The event began with Polly Jane Allen Davis, the Nolan educator with the most teaching years (32) raising the American flag, while musical entertainer Judy Haney sang “God Bless America Again.” Master of Ceremony, West Virginia House of Delegate (D-20) addressed the crowd, speaking of the importance of education and of the community’s appreciation to the men and women who had taught at the Nolan Grade School, acknowledging them for their years of service and dedication to the local youth.
Those present, along with those accepting a celebratory rose on behalf of a family member who is either deceased or who were unable to attend were Dow Ooten, the last presiding principal at the school before it was closed; educator Nancy Chapman who received a rose for herself and her late husband, Mitchell, who served as principal for many before retiring; Lucinda Curry, who also accepted roses on behalf of her brother, Freddie Newsome and her late sister, Marie Newsome Turner; Donna Reed Chafin, who accepted for herself, her mother Edis Reed and her sister-in-law Shelia Slone Reed; Polly Allen Davis, who was presented one rose for her service and another in memory of her late father and former principal, Shayde Chapman; Jason Fields who accepted on behalf of his aunt, Pamela Hensley; and Burian Marcum, who was given a rose for his mother, the late Elizabeth Marcum.
“The Nolan Grade School was a very important part of this community, and the product of students who came out of this school are a testament to the caliber of those who served here as educators, and of their dedication to seeing that each and every student who entered their classrooms left with the best education possible,” stated Delegate Marcum.
“We appreciate you more than we could ever express.”
The majority of the above list of honored teachers or their family members still resides in or around Nolan, and stated that they missed the days when their little town was bustling with people, businesses and activities.
“Small towns are becoming a thing of the past, but it’s refreshing and reassuring to see the love, friendship and hospitality that you’re shown when you come to Nolan,” concluded Marcum.
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