By Stephen Smoot
It all started last year when the Lincoln High School DECA club successfully applied for an EPIC tourism promotion grant specifically geared to help such groups to improve their communities. The club first focused on doing what they could to provide upgrades for the West Fork River Rail Trail, including organizing family friendly and fun events for Hallowe’en and Christmas.
Like any good community service organization, the students under the direction of Lincoln High School’s Julie Yearego have made supporting the community a habit.
Mayor Patrick Kolvalck of Shinnston recently praised the group for their efforts in creating a more beautiful downtown. Like many small towns around West Virginia, a resurgence of interest in downtown shopping, eating, and socializing has inspired beautification projects.
He explained that the club secured new benches, new garbage receptacles, and new flower pots downtown, all in matching colors and styles. “I’d like to thank that club for doing that,” he shared.
They add to the work of others, such as the Turkey Trot organization that donated public fire pits for use during the colder temperatures. They also joined a number of different groups to hold a Trunk and Treat for area kids.
They added to the general improvement and beautification performed by the City and others in recent years to attract new business and residents into the community.
Last week, the club once again figured prominently in community celebration. Yearego described that the business students on “our Rail Trail committee are working to promote and create a Shinnston Christmas Market and Lighted Stroll along the rail trail.” Both current and past students joined to work and make the effort both special and successful.