by Lisa Schauer
State Senator, and justice-elect of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, Charles S. Trump IV was named the recipient of the second annual Morganite award by the Berkeley Springs-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce.
The surprise announcement was made during a community awards banquet hosted by the Chamber at The Country Inn on Thursday, September 12.
This top award is for someone who is outstanding in their field and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make Morgan County a better place to live, work and own or operate a business through their public service to this community.
photos by Lisa Schauer
“Sneaky, sneaky,” Senator Trump chided attendees who had concealed the announcement until the end of the evening.
Senator Trump was lauded for his role as county prosecutor, CNB Bank board member, and state representative who brought investments to the county not seen since the 1930s, including improvements to U.S. 522, rebuilding the courthouse after the fire of 2006, and the new lodge at Cacapon State Park.
Not having prepared any remarks, the Morganite award winner declared himself undeserving, and blessed to live in Morgan County.
“It has been the honor and privilege of my life to represent the people of Morgan County in the House and the Senate,” he said, reflecting on his 32-year career in state legislature, serving as House minority leader before his election to the Senate.
“Legislature is not an individual sport. It’s a team sport. I accept this honor on behalf of all people of Morgan County,” Trump concluded, thanking Chamber members, wife Susan and family, and colleagues at his law firm for their teamwork and sacrifices.
Community Awards
Seven other community awards were bestowed at the annual awards banquet.
Terri Beard of CNB Bank was named Apple Butter Festival Volunteer of the Year. She recognized the many volunteers who’ve made Apple Butter Festival possible, adding volunteers are still needed for this year.
Jamie Harris, principal of Warm Springs Middle School, was named Educator of the Year. He was recognized for his leadership in improving school achievement, adding a “zero period” for student exercise and socialization, and bringing a mountain bike program to the school.
Ben Fox of Berkeley Springs Antique Mall was named employee of the year. He was praised for treating the business as if it were his own.
Rob Garrison of Hunter’s Hardware accepted the award for small business. He described how the small-town hardware store serves a purpose the big box stores can never take away.
Gat Caperton of Gat Creek accepted the award for large business. His hardwood furniture manufacturing company was praised for its quality products and caring for its employees.
Morgan County Sherriff KC Bohrer received the Community Hero Award. He was recognized for his long career in law enforcement, including eight years as Morgan County Sherriff. Bohrer is magistrate-elect for Morgan County Magistrate Court.
Luke Christie from State Farm received the community service award. He was praised for his volunteer efforts as the “water boy” for the Berkeley Springs High School boys’ basketball team, and with the BSHS golf team.
Mark Harrell, CNB Bank president and CEO, served as an affable master of ceremonies at the annual community awards banquet.
The Morganite award shares its name with a transparent peachy stone, originally known as pink beryl, renamed in 1911 in honor of J.P. Morgan, the financier and gem collector who was a loyal Tiffany and Co. customer, where most morganite was sold at the time.
