Contributions to the newly-established Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund continue to come in at a steady pace. The fund was established recently to honor the memory of 2009 Patrick County High School graduate Jesse Sheppard and to assist deserving students who exemplify Jesse's many admirable qualities. Jesse, 18, was tragically killed in a June 13th traffic accident as he and two teenaged friends headed home from the beach a week after Jesse's graduation.
WHEO Radio...working in cooperation with Brian Jessup CPA of Stuart...led efforts to establish the scholarship in loving memory of Jesse Sheppard and to assist deserving young people seeking to further their education in the field of music, which was the love of Jesse's life. Jesse was a talented musician who was a member of the Pride of Patrick County, the Patrick County High School Marching Cougars Band, and the PCHS Praise and Worship Team during his high school years and was a member of the bluegrass music group known as The Downtown Boys.
Brian Jessup says an account in Jesse's name will be opened at BB&T Bank, a federal identification number will be sought, and a board of directors will be formed to oversee and administer the scholarship fund. Members of the board of directors of the Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund will be Eric Sheppard, Jesse's father; Wendy Wood Sheppard, Jesse's mother; Benny Wood, Jesse's maternal grandfather; Tom Beasley and Dean Goad of Patrick County Communications (WHEO); Lynn Stegall, Patrick County High School Band Director; and Brian Jessup CPA.
Hundreds of dollars have been contributed to the scholarship fund in the first few days of its existence. If you'd like to make a contribution, please mail your tax deductible donations to: WHEO Radio, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171 or to Brian Jessup CPA, P.O. Box 1140, Stuart, VA 24171. Checks should be made payable to the Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund.
Plans are also in the works to use various recordings of the Downtown Boys made during their apparances at the Historic Star Theater in Stuart, especially those featuring vocals by Jesse, to make a CD of music that will be sold to the public. Proceeds from the CD sales will be applied to the Jesse Wood Sheppard Scholarship Fund.
Thank you very much for your support of this worthwhile project as our community seeks to honor the memory of Jesse Wood Sheppard, a fine young man who touched us so tenderly through his faith in Jesus Christ, his music, his warm radiant personality, his care for others, and his passion for life. Please continue to pray for the strenght and comfort of Jesse's family in their time of bereavement.
God bless you,
Richard
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
A Short Life, Well-Lived
People throughout Patrick County and far beyond are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a remarkable young gentleman who lost his life prematurely Saturday night in a tragic auto accident that injured two fellow Patrick County High School graduates as the three drove home from from a post-graduation trip to the beach. 18-year-old Jesse Sheppard is being remembered as a radiant, joyful youth who loved his family, his music, fishing, and above all the Lord.
In an interview in the living room of his home Sunday evening, Jesse's grieving father, Eric Sheppard, a long-time friend of my family and a member of my church family, shared with me some of his beloved son's most remarkable accomplishments. "Jesse loved his music," said Eric Sheppard. In fact Jesse aspired to be a music instructor. Having just graduated from PCHS a week before the awful mishap that took his life, Jesse planned to attend Patrick Henry Community College and then to transfer to East Tennessee State University to purse his dream of becoming a band instructor. Jesse was a member of the PCHS Marching Cougars Band, the Pride of Patrick County, during his high school career. He was also a member of the relatively new bluegrass music group, the Downtown Boys, for which he played bass.
Jesse was a multi-faceted and talented youth whose interests extended far beyond music. He as active in drama in high school and in the community. For most of his school years, Jesse was involved in the 4-H program and had planned to attend 4-H camp this summer as a teen leader. In his spare time, Jesse also loved fishing, according to his father.
Above all, Jesse Sheppard was a Christian who loved Jesus and reflected his deep faith in the way that he lived his relatively brief life on Earth. He was a fellow member of Peter's Creek Baptist Church, having sung in the choir and participated in the church's youth group. Jesse was a proud member of the Patrick County High School Praise and Worship Team, a group of Christian students who visited local churches and performed gospel songs and gave their testimony at community functions. Jesse was certainly a young witness of his faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, he reportedly, led a fellow student who was a non-believer to a knowledge of Jesus through his personal witness.
"I was so proud of him," a heartbroken Eric Sheppard told me of his son Jesse during our conversation Sunday as he awaited the return of his son's body to Patrick County from North Carolina, site of the accident, and prepared to make funeral arrangements. "I know where he is, though," said Eric, taking comfort int he fact that Jesse is now in the presence of Jesus in Heaven awaiting a joyful reunion with his family and friends one sweet day.
Asked if the family has any particular need as they deal with their tremendous loss, Eric simply stated, "Prayer is what we need." Please joing the many in our small, close-knit community who are praying for the Sheppard family as well as the families of Jonathan Corns, the 19-year-old son of Billy and Elaine Corns of Critz, and Chris Howell, the 19-year-old son of Lemar and Lena Howell of the Moorefield Store Rd., Stuart, the two youths who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash that took their dear friend Jesse Sheppard. Jesse's life was very short but it was certainly a life well lived and one that serves as a good example of how we can better live our own lives by making Jesus our top priority.
Jesse is survived by his parents, Eric and Lisa Sheppard of Stuart and Wendy Wood Sheppard of Woolwine...one sister, Sarah Sehppard of Woolwine...a step-brother, Jonathan Woods of Stuart and a step-sister, Meredity Law of Stuart...his paternal grandparents, Geraldine and Bob McPeak of Stuart and Jimmy Sheppard of Stuart...his maternal grandparents, Benny and Connie Wood of Woolwine and his maternal great grandmother, Lillian C. Turner of Woolwine...his aunts and uncles, Kelly and Wade Hooker of Critz, Leslie and Tony Giorno of Salem, and Justin and Kayla Wood of Woolwine...cousins, Nicholas Hooker, Taylor Giorno, Hannah Giorno, and Kirstin Wood.
The funeral arrangements were still pending at the time of publication of this blog. Listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. for funeral arrangements and my continued tribute to the memory of this fine young man, my friend, Jesse Sheppard. May God rest his soul and comfort and strengthen his loving family.
Prayerfully yours,
Richard
In an interview in the living room of his home Sunday evening, Jesse's grieving father, Eric Sheppard, a long-time friend of my family and a member of my church family, shared with me some of his beloved son's most remarkable accomplishments. "Jesse loved his music," said Eric Sheppard. In fact Jesse aspired to be a music instructor. Having just graduated from PCHS a week before the awful mishap that took his life, Jesse planned to attend Patrick Henry Community College and then to transfer to East Tennessee State University to purse his dream of becoming a band instructor. Jesse was a member of the PCHS Marching Cougars Band, the Pride of Patrick County, during his high school career. He was also a member of the relatively new bluegrass music group, the Downtown Boys, for which he played bass.
Jesse was a multi-faceted and talented youth whose interests extended far beyond music. He as active in drama in high school and in the community. For most of his school years, Jesse was involved in the 4-H program and had planned to attend 4-H camp this summer as a teen leader. In his spare time, Jesse also loved fishing, according to his father.
Above all, Jesse Sheppard was a Christian who loved Jesus and reflected his deep faith in the way that he lived his relatively brief life on Earth. He was a fellow member of Peter's Creek Baptist Church, having sung in the choir and participated in the church's youth group. Jesse was a proud member of the Patrick County High School Praise and Worship Team, a group of Christian students who visited local churches and performed gospel songs and gave their testimony at community functions. Jesse was certainly a young witness of his faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, he reportedly, led a fellow student who was a non-believer to a knowledge of Jesus through his personal witness.
"I was so proud of him," a heartbroken Eric Sheppard told me of his son Jesse during our conversation Sunday as he awaited the return of his son's body to Patrick County from North Carolina, site of the accident, and prepared to make funeral arrangements. "I know where he is, though," said Eric, taking comfort int he fact that Jesse is now in the presence of Jesus in Heaven awaiting a joyful reunion with his family and friends one sweet day.
Asked if the family has any particular need as they deal with their tremendous loss, Eric simply stated, "Prayer is what we need." Please joing the many in our small, close-knit community who are praying for the Sheppard family as well as the families of Jonathan Corns, the 19-year-old son of Billy and Elaine Corns of Critz, and Chris Howell, the 19-year-old son of Lemar and Lena Howell of the Moorefield Store Rd., Stuart, the two youths who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash that took their dear friend Jesse Sheppard. Jesse's life was very short but it was certainly a life well lived and one that serves as a good example of how we can better live our own lives by making Jesus our top priority.
Jesse is survived by his parents, Eric and Lisa Sheppard of Stuart and Wendy Wood Sheppard of Woolwine...one sister, Sarah Sehppard of Woolwine...a step-brother, Jonathan Woods of Stuart and a step-sister, Meredity Law of Stuart...his paternal grandparents, Geraldine and Bob McPeak of Stuart and Jimmy Sheppard of Stuart...his maternal grandparents, Benny and Connie Wood of Woolwine and his maternal great grandmother, Lillian C. Turner of Woolwine...his aunts and uncles, Kelly and Wade Hooker of Critz, Leslie and Tony Giorno of Salem, and Justin and Kayla Wood of Woolwine...cousins, Nicholas Hooker, Taylor Giorno, Hannah Giorno, and Kirstin Wood.
The funeral arrangements were still pending at the time of publication of this blog. Listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" weekdays from 6-10 a.m. for funeral arrangements and my continued tribute to the memory of this fine young man, my friend, Jesse Sheppard. May God rest his soul and comfort and strengthen his loving family.
Prayerfully yours,
Richard
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Making a Difference!
Patrick County citizens...the most caring and compassionate people anywhere...have just completed another highly successful American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraising campaign that is nearing its goal of $79,000. "When you look at the economic situation, it is phenomenal to see the amount of money you have raised," said Robin Minter, the American Cancer Society's Community Manager for Patrick County. Following the campaign wrap-up banquet on Tuesday night at the Patrick County Community Center, it was reported that Patrick County's 2009 fundraising total has reached $78,542. If we can collect the remaining approximately $500 pledged during the WHEO "Twelve Hours for a Cure" Relay Radio-thon, we will have reached our goal for the third consecutive year. If you haven't yet honored your radio-thon pledge, please send your contribution to WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171. We still have until Aug. 31st to credit contributions to this year's campaign and will almost assuredly reach or even top the $79,000 goal.
This money will be well-spent to conduct further research into cancer treatments and cures, and to provide programs and services to cancer patients and caregivers. "You are making it happen. You are saving lives, touching lives everyday. You are making a difference," Mrs. Minter told volunteers. In fact, Mrs. Minter added emphatically, "You are saving my life." An inspiring example of courage herself, ironically, Mrs. Minter, the leader of our war on cancer, just learned several weeks ago (as a result to her visit to the University of Virginia mammography unit that visited Patrick County) she has breast cancer, and she has decided to undergo a radical masectomy. "Cancer is just a word," said Mrs. Minter, "it is not a (death) sentence." "I'm going to fight like a girl; I'm going to win like a woman!" I am sure that she will overcome this hurdle that God has placed in her path and that He will continue to use her and our local Relay for Life volunteers to help others facing cancer. Please pray for Robin and for her father who is also battling cancer.
Receiving special recognition at the June 9th campaign closer were these Relay for Life participants: Top Team--Angels in the Outfield (Ross Harbor United Methodist Chruch)...Top Participant--Sandra Heath (Hilltoppers for a Cure team)...Top Corporate Team--WHEO's Kilowatts for a Cure (in memory of Sandra Rogers); Top Corporate Fundraiser--Richard Rogers (organizer of the WHEO radio-thon which raised over $10,500 of the almost $79,000 total for 2009). I would personally like to thank each of the other Relay for Life teams that worked so hard to help WHEO make the radio-thon so successful, especially considering the state of the economy in Patrick County. This whole fundraising campaign, in particular, and the battle against cancer in our county, in general, has truly been a community-wide effort that has been another resounding success because so many people have come together to support a cause in which they deeply believe. As a result of these efforts, I truly believe that Patrick County has helped bring the world a little bit closer to a cancer-free tomorrow. As Mrs. Minter's words echo in my mind, I believe that we can all take pride in the fact that we truly are "making a difference"!
Thank you all again for your financial support, your time, your energy, and, most of all, your prayers.
God bless Patrick County!
Richard
This money will be well-spent to conduct further research into cancer treatments and cures, and to provide programs and services to cancer patients and caregivers. "You are making it happen. You are saving lives, touching lives everyday. You are making a difference," Mrs. Minter told volunteers. In fact, Mrs. Minter added emphatically, "You are saving my life." An inspiring example of courage herself, ironically, Mrs. Minter, the leader of our war on cancer, just learned several weeks ago (as a result to her visit to the University of Virginia mammography unit that visited Patrick County) she has breast cancer, and she has decided to undergo a radical masectomy. "Cancer is just a word," said Mrs. Minter, "it is not a (death) sentence." "I'm going to fight like a girl; I'm going to win like a woman!" I am sure that she will overcome this hurdle that God has placed in her path and that He will continue to use her and our local Relay for Life volunteers to help others facing cancer. Please pray for Robin and for her father who is also battling cancer.
Receiving special recognition at the June 9th campaign closer were these Relay for Life participants: Top Team--Angels in the Outfield (Ross Harbor United Methodist Chruch)...Top Participant--Sandra Heath (Hilltoppers for a Cure team)...Top Corporate Team--WHEO's Kilowatts for a Cure (in memory of Sandra Rogers); Top Corporate Fundraiser--Richard Rogers (organizer of the WHEO radio-thon which raised over $10,500 of the almost $79,000 total for 2009). I would personally like to thank each of the other Relay for Life teams that worked so hard to help WHEO make the radio-thon so successful, especially considering the state of the economy in Patrick County. This whole fundraising campaign, in particular, and the battle against cancer in our county, in general, has truly been a community-wide effort that has been another resounding success because so many people have come together to support a cause in which they deeply believe. As a result of these efforts, I truly believe that Patrick County has helped bring the world a little bit closer to a cancer-free tomorrow. As Mrs. Minter's words echo in my mind, I believe that we can all take pride in the fact that we truly are "making a difference"!
Thank you all again for your financial support, your time, your energy, and, most of all, your prayers.
God bless Patrick County!
Richard
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
PCHS Pride!
There is no doubt that, academically speaking, Patrick County High School is one of the finest secondary schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Even though I graduated shortly before PCHS opened and did not have the honor of attending the school, I take deep pride in living in a community served by such an outstanding high school. Recently, my sense of "PCHS Pride" has been compounded by several remarkable developments. This week, PCHS Principal E.G. Bradshaw was named by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals as the Principal of the Year in Virginia for 2009. That is a remarkable honor that is not only a tribute to Mr. Bradshaw's leadership and administrative skills but a testament to the hard work and dedication of his staff, our teachers, and the school system at large.
I think that E.G. has done a remarkable job in guiding PCHS for the past 10 years. Among his many accomplishments which comes immediately to mind is the implementation of the "Square D" dual enrollment program in which graduating seniors can earn their high school diploma and a college associate's degree at the same time. It is also remarkable that in a rural county like Patrick, more than 85% of the PCHS graduating seniors go on to attend college. Such an accomplishment would not have been possible without the guidance and direction of E.G. Bradshaw.
I would also like to personally commend E.G. for the respect and openness that he has always show me as a member of the media. Every request that I have made for information and guest appearances by students and teachers on my radio show has always been quickly granted and the necessary arranged have been made by E.G. Just today (Tuesday, June 2nd), for example, E.G., who was traveling with the PCHS softball team to the state tournament, while enroute quickly returned a call that I'd placed to his office earlier in the day and agreed to be a guest on my radio talk show "Community Conversation" next Tuesday morning, June 9th at 8:10 a.m. I will be most honored to have E.G. on the show to learn more about the great things that are now happening and anticipated to happen in the future at PCHS. Congratulations E.G. on your honor. You are most deserving!
Another source of great "PCHS Pride" these days is the Patrick County High School softball team which Tuesday (6/2) advanced to to semifinals of the state tournament. The Lady Cougars (19-4), the Piedmont District and Region IV runners-up to the the undefeated Tunstall Lady Trojans, defeated, Turner Ashby 2-0 Tueday evening in the state quarterfinals in Brookville, VA. The Lady Cougars will next play on Friday in the state playoffs. No matter what the outcome of that game, the Lady Cougars are champions in my heart and the hearts of proud fellow Patrick Countians. They'll be right there fighting hard in Friday's semifinal game and I'm sure their proud principal...and Virginia's Outstanding High School Principal 2009...E.G. Bradshaw will be there rallying his team and cheering louder than anyone!
Full of "PCHS Pride",
Richard
I think that E.G. has done a remarkable job in guiding PCHS for the past 10 years. Among his many accomplishments which comes immediately to mind is the implementation of the "Square D" dual enrollment program in which graduating seniors can earn their high school diploma and a college associate's degree at the same time. It is also remarkable that in a rural county like Patrick, more than 85% of the PCHS graduating seniors go on to attend college. Such an accomplishment would not have been possible without the guidance and direction of E.G. Bradshaw.
I would also like to personally commend E.G. for the respect and openness that he has always show me as a member of the media. Every request that I have made for information and guest appearances by students and teachers on my radio show has always been quickly granted and the necessary arranged have been made by E.G. Just today (Tuesday, June 2nd), for example, E.G., who was traveling with the PCHS softball team to the state tournament, while enroute quickly returned a call that I'd placed to his office earlier in the day and agreed to be a guest on my radio talk show "Community Conversation" next Tuesday morning, June 9th at 8:10 a.m. I will be most honored to have E.G. on the show to learn more about the great things that are now happening and anticipated to happen in the future at PCHS. Congratulations E.G. on your honor. You are most deserving!
Another source of great "PCHS Pride" these days is the Patrick County High School softball team which Tuesday (6/2) advanced to to semifinals of the state tournament. The Lady Cougars (19-4), the Piedmont District and Region IV runners-up to the the undefeated Tunstall Lady Trojans, defeated, Turner Ashby 2-0 Tueday evening in the state quarterfinals in Brookville, VA. The Lady Cougars will next play on Friday in the state playoffs. No matter what the outcome of that game, the Lady Cougars are champions in my heart and the hearts of proud fellow Patrick Countians. They'll be right there fighting hard in Friday's semifinal game and I'm sure their proud principal...and Virginia's Outstanding High School Principal 2009...E.G. Bradshaw will be there rallying his team and cheering louder than anyone!
Full of "PCHS Pride",
Richard
PCHS Pride!
There is no doubt that, academically speaking, Patrick County High School is one of the finest secondary schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Even though I graduated shortly before PCHS opened and did not have the honor of attending the school, I take deep pride in living in a community served by such an outstanding high school. Recently, my sense of "PCHS Pride" has been compounded by several remarkable developments. This week, PCHS Principal E.G. Bradshaw was named by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals as the Principal of the Year in Virginia for 2009. That is a remarkable honor that is not only a tribute to Mr. Bradshaw's leadership and administrative skills but a testament to the hard work and dedication of his staff, our teachers, and the school system at large.
I think that E.G. has done a remarkable job in guiding PCHS for the past 10 years. Among his many accomplishments which comes immediately to mind is the implementation of the "Square D" dual enrollment program in which graduating seniors can earn their high school diploma and a college associate's degree at the same time. It is also remarkable that in a rural county like Patrick, more than 85% of the PCHS graduating seniors go on to attend college. Such an accomplishment would not have been possible without the guidance and direction of E.G. Bradshaw.
I would also like to personally commend E.G. for the respect and openness that he has always show me as a member of the media. Every request that I have made for information and guest appearances by students and teachers on my radio show has always been quickly granted and the necessary arranged have been made by E.G. Just today (Tuesday, June 2nd), for example, E.G., who was traveling with the PCHS softball team to the state tournament, while enroute quickly returned a call that I'd placed to his office earlier in the day and agreed to be a guest on my radio talk show "Community Conversation" next Tuesday morning, June 9th at 8:10 a.m. I will be most honored to have E.G. on the show to learn more about the great things that are now happening and anticipated to happen in the future at PCHS. Congratulations E.G. on your honor. You are most deserving!
Another source of great "PCHS Pride" these days is the Patrick County High School softball team which Tuesday (6/2) advanced to to semifinals of the state tournament. The Lady Cougars (19-4), the Piedmont District and Region IV runners-up to the the undefeated Tunstall Lady Trojans, defeated, Turner Ashby 2-0 Tueday evening in the state quarterfinals in Brookville, VA. The Lady Cougars victory set up a 5th showdown of the season with Tunstall, the only team to which PCHS has lost all year. All of those games have been highly competitive, hard fought contests that have most commonly been decided by a single run. It will be difficult for the Lady Trojans to beat a team of the caliber of the Lady Cougars a 5th time. We'll see! No matter what the outcome of that game, the Lady Cougars are champions in my heart and the hearts of proud fellow Patrick Countians. They'll be right there fighting in Friday's semifinal game against Tunstall and I'm sure their proud principal...and Virginia's Outstanding Principal 2009...E.G. Bradshaw will be there rallying his team and cheering louder than anyone!
Full of "PCHS Pride",
Richard
I think that E.G. has done a remarkable job in guiding PCHS for the past 10 years. Among his many accomplishments which comes immediately to mind is the implementation of the "Square D" dual enrollment program in which graduating seniors can earn their high school diploma and a college associate's degree at the same time. It is also remarkable that in a rural county like Patrick, more than 85% of the PCHS graduating seniors go on to attend college. Such an accomplishment would not have been possible without the guidance and direction of E.G. Bradshaw.
I would also like to personally commend E.G. for the respect and openness that he has always show me as a member of the media. Every request that I have made for information and guest appearances by students and teachers on my radio show has always been quickly granted and the necessary arranged have been made by E.G. Just today (Tuesday, June 2nd), for example, E.G., who was traveling with the PCHS softball team to the state tournament, while enroute quickly returned a call that I'd placed to his office earlier in the day and agreed to be a guest on my radio talk show "Community Conversation" next Tuesday morning, June 9th at 8:10 a.m. I will be most honored to have E.G. on the show to learn more about the great things that are now happening and anticipated to happen in the future at PCHS. Congratulations E.G. on your honor. You are most deserving!
Another source of great "PCHS Pride" these days is the Patrick County High School softball team which Tuesday (6/2) advanced to to semifinals of the state tournament. The Lady Cougars (19-4), the Piedmont District and Region IV runners-up to the the undefeated Tunstall Lady Trojans, defeated, Turner Ashby 2-0 Tueday evening in the state quarterfinals in Brookville, VA. The Lady Cougars victory set up a 5th showdown of the season with Tunstall, the only team to which PCHS has lost all year. All of those games have been highly competitive, hard fought contests that have most commonly been decided by a single run. It will be difficult for the Lady Trojans to beat a team of the caliber of the Lady Cougars a 5th time. We'll see! No matter what the outcome of that game, the Lady Cougars are champions in my heart and the hearts of proud fellow Patrick Countians. They'll be right there fighting in Friday's semifinal game against Tunstall and I'm sure their proud principal...and Virginia's Outstanding Principal 2009...E.G. Bradshaw will be there rallying his team and cheering louder than anyone!
Full of "PCHS Pride",
Richard
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