United Methodist Women award scholarships
Trending
The United Women in Faith of the First United Methodist Church has awarded scholarships to two Elkins High School graduating seniors, Andrew Harris and Madelyn Lambert.
Harris is the son of Christina and Scott Harris of Elkins and will be attending West Virginia Wesleyan College in the fall. He is a very active member of the local community, completing multiple hours of service through Scouting America. Scouting activities included participating in multiple Naturalization Ceremonies, walking dogs for the Randolph County Humane Society, doing trail work in the Mauer Basin trail system and working with Midland Elementary School band students tutoring the trombone players. Harris' Eagle Scout project was to make new shields for the Elkins High Marching Band along with storage boxes to store and protect the shields. Harris was also the valedictorian of the Elkins High School Class of 2026.
Harris has also served the church by volunteering through scouts with the United Methodist Men's group for recent pancake feeds by cleaning tables and serving pancakes. He also served as a liturgist during church services on Scout Sundays and has assisted the United Women in Faith by setting up and taking down for multiple church country stores.
"I grew up in a religious family and have gone to the First United Methodist Church for as long as I can remember. Through attending children’s church, confirmation, and youth group, the First United Methodist Church has helped me become a better Christian and a better man," said Harris. "Being a member of the First United Methodist Church has influenced my life by helping me in my faith and deepening my relationship with God."
Lambert is the daughter of Carla and Bryan Lambert of Elkins and will be attending West Virginia Wesleyan College in the fall to study nursing. She is an active member of the community, participating in many service projects including Adopt-A-Highway, 4-H Clover Bud Camp, an American Red Cross blood drive and the Little Dress Drive. She has also served as an Elkins High school freshmen orientation counselor, worked in the Elkins High School concession stand, helped with the softball field clean-up, served as a park guide on Mountain State Forest Festival Kids Day in the Park and has served as a counselor for Spanish summer camp. Lambert was also a member of the Elkins High School Lady Tigers softball team and currently plays for the Havoc 304 travel team.
Lambert has been active at the church, helping with event such as the community Halloween party, the church's Thanksgiving meal, vacation Bible school, the church's Christmas program and play, and children's church.
"First United Methodist Church has had a meaningful influence on my life. It has provided me with a strong sense of faith and service. Through worship services and church activities, I have learned the importance of compassion and kindness," said Lambert. "I have been fortunate to have amazing mentors through the church, especially Donna Trulik and Carol Hyre. They have guided and supported me throughout my church journey. I am grateful for the example they have set and the time they have invested in me."
All ladies of the community are welcome to join UWIF during its monthly meetings. An August potluck picnic will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 11:30 at Glendale Park. A representative of the Tyrand Cooperative Ministries in Mill Creek will join the ladies and speak about that organization's back-to-school activities.