The Parkersburg High School (PHS) English/Print Journalism Excellence Award will forever provide monetary support to a PHS graduating senior who has excelled in Journalism or English while also honoring three PHS graduates and one long-time PHS educator.

Richard Grissom, the son of Howard W. and Elizabeth S. Grissom, was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver in New York in the late 1970s. Richard was a graduate of Parkersburg High School, where he was active in the Journalism department and the school newspaper.

Most of E. S. Shannon’s life was spent in Parkersburg, where he was born. He attended Nash Grade School and graduated from PHS. Mr. Shannon received his Bachelor’s degree from Morris Harvey College in Barboursville and his Master’s degree from the University of New Mexico. He also studied at Columbia and Ohio Universities. Shannon served as Superintendent of Wood County Schools from 1949-1963. During his years as Superintendent, he initiated a number of school-building projects, spearheaded several successful bond levy campaigns, and championed increased compensation for teachers. He had previously held the positions of Assistant Superintendent, Principal of Williamstown School, Assistant Principal at PHS, and English teacher at PHS. He was a member of the Parkersburg Kiwanis Club, Chi Beta Phi, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of Williamstown Masonic Lodge 129 AF&AM, and also active in Boy Scouting. Mr. Shannon was married to Pearl Hainor and had one child, Julia Russi. Mrs. Shannon died in 1969. Mr. Shannon later married Ethel King, a widow whom he had known since college days at Morris Harvey.

Ruth Marlow was a 1970 graduate of PHS where she was active in the Journalism department and in the school newspaper. She was a 1974 graduate of WVU with a major in Journalism. She lived in the D.C. Metro area and wrote for many D.C. and Virginia newspapers later returning to Parkersburg until her death. Friends described Ruth as being very independent and an individual who would make the best of every situation. Her mentor was Carolyn McCune, a PHS Print Journalism/Newspaper teacher. Ruth was born May 6, 1952, and died June 29, 2011, following a lengthy illness.

Carolyn McCune was born in Fairmont, WV on July 22, 1946 and graduated from East Fairmont High School, Fairmont State University, and WVU with an M.A. in Journalism. She taught in the Wood County School system for 33 years and retired in 2001. She was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and held offices on many boards and organizations in our community. She will always be remembered as a true giver to others. After a most valiant fight with cancer, Carolyn died on September 6, 2011.