MORGANTOWN — You’ll need an extra scorecard tonight at the Monongalia County Ballpark when the West Virginia Black Bears take to the diamond against the Muckdogs of Batavia.
It’s Mon County Schools’ Teacher and Staff Appreciation Night, and an additional lineup of superstars will be in the house, said Donna Talerico, the district’s assistant superintendent.
So, Mr. P.A. announcer, if you please, here are some more Hometown Heroes for you to intone across the Almost Heaven-Doubleday environs:
Susan Melenric, Ruth Adams, Amber Nichols, Jackie Hellyer, Scott Schlobohm.
Rick Colflesh, Jim Rye, SanDee Kiger, Kevin Cain, Leslie Brooks, Terri Shaw, Charmin Lerfald, Bob Mills, Robin Moorehead, Heather Wolfe.
Harold “Butch” Varner, Gordon Shilling, Randy Spangler, Carol Petitto.
The Hometown Heroes are recognized by Mon Schools, Talerico said, because that’s exactly what they are. They all bat cleanup in every public school in the county.
Grandmothers and grandfathers make up this roster. So do the custodians and coaches who take on extra duties without being asked.
Parents are also on this scholarly team, Talerico said, especially the ones who continue to volunteer at the schools their kids no longer attend after advancing in grade.
There are current teachers, retired teachers, business leaders and administrative staff.
And there are West Virginia state troopers, Mon County sheriff’s deputies and WVU professors are also on deck from morning bell to afternoon dismissal, she added.
Whether they work in the school system or volunteer, they are all on the same team, Talerico said.
“They all give of themselves for our students,” she said. “They’re out there because they care.”
Tickets are just $7 for game, the assistant superintendent said. Fans are encouraged to wear their school colors and bring school supplies such as backpacks, pencils and notebooks, which will be donated to needy youngsters for the year.
First pitch is 7:05 p.m., and Brian Covell, the county’s Teacher of the Year for 2108, will take the mound for that honor.
Covell brings the fire as a chef and culinary arts instructor at the Monongalia County Technical Education Center. Talerico expects more of the same from the pitcher’s mound.
“He looks like he’s in good shape,” she said, laughing. “I don’t think they’ll be any issues getting it across the plate.”
AccuWeather is calling for a high of 91 with clear skies for the game.
