Wheeling Park High School is celebrating Black History Month in “Signature” fashion.
Anne Thomas, Wheeling High School’s first African American female graduate, spoke to students Wednesday during Wheeling Park High School’s “Signature Series,” which is part of the history department’s celebration of Black History Month. Thomas spoke in the school’s Phyllis A. Beneke Theater to Patriot students about her experiences and how she went on to serve as a nurse for Ohio County Schools.
William Burrus, author and three-term president of the American Postal Workers Union, was a special guest at the presentation. Ohio County Board of Education member Sarah Koegler and Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dianna Vargo were also on hand to hear the speakers.
The school’s social studies department opened its Black History Month “Signature Series” Feb. 4 with a presentation by Dr. D.W. Cummings of the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple. Cummings spoke to Patriot students about the contributions of blacks in the fields of sports and music.
Wheeling Park High School Social Studies Chair Richard Marsh said the community is invited to attend “Signature Series” events in which speakers discuss with students personal experiences and ways in which diversity has shaped our country. Marsh said the next scheduled speaker is Dr. John Mattox, who is the curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing, Ohio. He will take the stage at 9 a.m. on Feb. 18 in the Beneke Theater.
The “Signature Series” concludes Feb. 25 with the “Black History Bowl.” As part of the event, a single team from each grade level will compete to demonstrate the most knowledge of black history.
