Submitted photos From left, Nina Monroe, President; Dr. Brenda Wells, 1st Vice-President; Brenda Wyatt, 2nd President (not pictured); Pamela Samples Maxwell, APRN, NHC, FNP-C, Treasurer; and Carlene Wojhan, Secretary and who also served as the first president of CWVRW in 2004.

Delegate Carl ‘Robbie’ Martin smiles with President LeVera Gillum.

President LeVera Gillum welcomes members to the Central West Virginia Republican Women Annual Meeting on Nov. 17.

UPSHUR COUNTY — The Central West Virginia Republican Women presented awards and elected new officers for the 2026-27 term at its annual meeting on Nov. 17.

LeVera Gillum, president of the Central West Republican Women said the awards ceremony honored the “Shining Stars of Upshur County.”

During the meeting, Gillum gave a brief history of how and why the Central West Virginia Republican Women’s Club was founded, and then introduced Carlene Wojhan and presented her a certificate for serving as the first president of the club.

Gillum noted that, under her leadership, Central West Virginia Republican Women has earned two diamond awards, with the second one coming this year. The diamond award is for Excellence in Membership Development, Campaign Activities, Programs, Community Relations, Leadership Development and Club Functions.

She noted that she had always wanted to attend a National Federation of Republican Women Convention, but had never had the opportunity until this year’s event in Orlando, Florida in September. Gillum noted it was one of the highlights of her life to walk across that national stage to receive the diamond award on behalf of Central West Virginia Republican Women.

In 2024-2025, members volunteered more than 6,000 hours in our community doing a variety of Caring for America projects, political activity and campaign activities and armed service and veteran activities.

Gillum noted she had served on the Upshur County Republican Executive Committee for 26 years, often as chairman, but noted that she met with Delegate Carl “Robbie” Martin and asked him to serve as chairman, which he agreed to take on.

Martin then came to the podium and delivered a tribute to Gillum, saying “She is the rare leader who is early to arrive, late to leave, and still finds time to ask how are you doing.”

During the Awards Ceremony, Martin was presented with the CWVRW Man of the Year Award.

The CWVRW Woman of the Year Award was presented to Kristie Tenney, who is in her second term as an Upshur County Commissioner.

The CWVRW Volunteers of the Year Award was presented to Frank and Judy Fato, who donated 1,596 hours of volunteer campaign work.

The club’s officers for the 2026-27 term were elected, including President Nina Monroe; First Vice President Dr. Brenda Wells; Second Vice President Brenda Wyatt; Treasurer Pamela Maxwell, APRN, NHC, FNP-C; and Secretary Carlene Wojhan.