CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Tom Dunn Energy Leadership Academy hosted its third annual session July 14-16, 2015, at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.Va. Thirty-seven West Virginia high school students participated.
The Academy, which is sponsored by the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGA WV), provided students with information about West Virginia’s oil and natural gas industry and career opportunities. Activities included classroom workshops and field trips, where students were able to interact personally with a variety of industry representatives.
The activities began with a career panel, where several professionals discussed career opportunities and answered questions.
“We had a great panel this year,” said Dennis Xander, board member of the Tom Dunn Energy Leadership Academy. “The participants provided students with some wonderful information and insight into the multitude of career opportunities in the industry.”
This year, field trips included visits to a gas processing plant and a producing well pad.
The Academy concluded with an education forum and luncheon, which was attended by students and parents. Colleges, universities and technical schools from West Virginia and Ohio presented and provided information about their petroleum and industry-related degree and certification programs.
“The education forum was a perfect addition to the program,” said Xander. “Students and parents both walked away with knowledge of what educational paths are available and how to establish a career in various sectors of the industry.”
All students received a certificate of completion for their efforts. Below is a list of all students who participated, along with their respective high schools.
Alexander Altenburg, Notre Dame High School
Cooper Brady, Braxton County High School
Brooke Brothers, Oak Glen High School
Nathan Burd, Parkersburg High School
Damian Carpenter, Brooke High School
Tristan Champ, Buckhannon-Upshur High School
Alex Clutter, Webster County High School
Stephen Cottrell, Parkersburg High School
Carson Cottrill, Poca High School
Nathan Eddy, Tyler Consolidated High School
Logan Evans, Buckhannon-Upshur High School
Bryson Fluke, Buckhannon-Upshur High School
Benjamin “Caleb” French, Elk Valley Christian School
Zachary Habeb, Parkersburg South High School
Blake Halstead, Scott High School
Jerrod Hildreth, Roane County High School
Jordan HIldreth, Roane County High School
Nathan Hixenbaugh, Cameron High School
Mykal Hoffman, Philip Barbour High School
Leah Hoyland, Home Schooled
Cadie McNaboe, Philip Barbour High School
Madisen Miles, Robert C. Byrd High School
Chandler Rabatin, Parkersburg South High School
Stephen Richbart, Huntington High School
Connor Rosenlieb, Oak Glen High SchoolJoshua Ross, Brooke High School
Kelly Shiflett, Preston High School
Evan Stewart, George Washington High School
Charles “Wyatt” Strum, Oak Glen High School
Thad Taylor, Huntington High School
Bryant Underwood, Underwood Family Home School
Clay Vincent, Braxton County High School
Parker “Elliott” Webb, Huntington High School
Cody Whiteman, Shady Spring High School
Mitchell Williams, Buckhannon-Upshur High School
The Academy was founded to honor Tom Dunn, one of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia’s prominent leaders. The first session was held in 2013, and participation has continued to grow. The 2014 class hosted 40 students and teachers from across the state. Visit www.tomdunnacademy.org for more information.