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.
Bill was initiated into the Weirton Lodge #1801 in January 1994 where he served as Loyal Knight, Leading Knight (twice) and as Exalted Ruler in 1999 – 2000 and again during the 2006 – 2007 Lodge year. Bill became Secretary of his Lodge in 2007 and served for nine years before becoming Chairman of the Trustees in 2016. Bill has also participated in his lodge as chairman of various committees including; Veterans Service and Adopt-A-Vet, Antlers and Youth Activities, Most Valuable Student and Teen/Jr Teen of the month, as well as the Fraternal Chairman from 2014 to 2016. Bill has also served as Chairperson of the House Committee. His dedication to the Weirton Lodge #1801 was recognized in both the 2007 – 2008 Lodge year and the 2014 – 2015 Lodge year when he was named the Lodge’s Officer of the Year. Still an active member of his local lodge, Bill has also been active in his State Association, serving as the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Northern District Chair from 2008 to the present. Teen and Jr Teen of the Year State Chairperson from 2009 to 2019 and Lodge Activities State Co-Chairperson 2010 to 2015. At the Grand Lodge level, he served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the West Virginia Elks Northern District in 2013 – 2014.
Bill and his fiancé, Mischele, currently act as caregivers for his parents (i.e., Bill and Patsy) while Bill continues to work with local youth activities in his Weirton Community. Bill is also proud of his three children: Justin David, 30; Hayden Nicholas, 23; and Abigail Danielle, 21. All are successes in their own fields and in their own rights.
