CHARLESTON — Delegate Terri Sypolt, R-Preston, received a West Virginia History Advocate Legislative Leadership Award from the state Division of Culture and History.
She was one of a handful of legislators to receive the award. The presentation was part of the annual History Day and the presentation of History Hero awards to 39 residents “who go beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of local history, genealogy, preservation and museum organizations.”
Sypolt’s award honors her “significant contributions to West Virginia history through work with local historical societies and fairs and festivals” and her “support for programs that encourage our youth to appreciate the rich heritage of the Mountain State.”
“I try to support all the local groups in Preston County,” she said, at Depot Day at Tunnelton, mulligan stew at Arthurdale Heritage, the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, the Terra Alta July 4 events, Bruceton Good neighbor Days, and the big Buckwheat Festival.
She misses the Independence Watermelon Day and other community events that have gone by the wayside.
“I am anxious to support any of the small communities that want to preserve our heritage,” she said.
“Only in Preston County can you dance with a 94-year-old veteran in complete uniform on a 94-degree day in a cobblestone alley,” she said. This was at a Tunnelton Depot Day. “Those are the precious moments.”
She was surprised to receive the award. She didn’t know anyone was watching, she said. She got a call Wednesday to make sure she was going to be at the presentation.
“It just didn’t sink in. I was thinking I was just going to be there to support the ones getting it. … It’s like, ‘wow.’ ”
