Bill Verelst, Jr was born in Weirton, WV and graduated from Burgettstown Area High School (Burgettstown, PA.). Bill obtained his B. A. Degree from the University of Findlay (Findlay, OH.), Pennsylvania Teaching Credentials (7-12) from The California University of Pennsylvania and earned his Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from Purdue University. Bill began his teaching career in the Pennsylvania Public School System, Fort Cherry High School (McDonald, PA.) and after a successful tenure advanced to the collegiate ranks, Jefferson Community College (Steubenville, OH.) as both a communications professor and student activities cordinator. Bill’s continual dedication to his student’s success is why he was named The Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2011 and honored with the Horizon Award for Outstanding Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Ohio Region in 2015.
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The Virginia Elks Association named George “Pete” Decatur III as Virginia’s Elk of the Year at its annual state convention in Chesapeake. Pete was cited for his work on behalf of the state association as State Drug Awareness Chairman and for his commitment and dedication to the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. The Virginia Elks Association has 32 lodges and more than 10,000 members.
Rick grew up in Troy, New York, the home of Uncle Sam! He has been married to his wife Linda for 32 years, and they raised two children, Kelly (30) and Ricky (28). Both children have Masters Degrees in Education and are Public School teachers. Both children are also active Elk Members. Linda is a PDDGER, and two-time All-American Ritual Coach. Linda has served as the Lodge Treasurer for eleven years. Linda holds two Bachelors of Science degrees. She manages the billing department for an orthopedic surgical group.