Miners, community members and others connected with the state’s coal mining industry will gather at Tamarack in Beckley tomorrow evening for the 2014 Miners’ Celebration—a gala reception and dinner to celebrate the past, present and future of West Virginia’s coal mining enterprise. The Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences at Marshall University is one of the event sponsors.
At the event, Hinton native Sylvia Mathews Burwell, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, will be honored with a special Spirit of the Coalfields award and “Rocket Boys” author Homer Hickam will present the Homer Hickam Collier Award to a working coal miner, Delbert Weaver of Philippi, who epitomizes the spirit, dedication and skills of the mining profession. A complete list of awardees is below.
The evening’s entertainment will be provided by the Coal Fired Band from Logan.
The Miners’ Celebration is a cooperative project of the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences at Marshall University; the National Coal Heritage Area; Strategic Solutions LLC; the United Mine Workers of America; the West Virginia Coal Association; and the West Virginia Division of Energy, Office of Coalfield Community Development.
“Because of You” Awards for Significant Contributions to West Virginia’s Coalfields Heritage:
- Spirit of the Coalfields – Sylvia Mathews Burwell, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services
- Homer Hickam Collier Award – miner Delbert Weaver of Philippi
- Community Involvement – Coal River East Business Unit of Alpha Natural Resources
- Women in Mining – Tanya James of the United Mine Workers of America
- Safety Professional – Pinnacle Mining Company Blue Mine Rescue Team
- Educator of the Year – Joanne Jaeger Tomblin of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
- Champion for Coal – Roger Horton of Citizens for Coa’
Coal Heritage Highway Authority/National Coal Heritage Area Awards:
- Coal Heritage Award for Excellence in the Arts – West Virginia Dance Company for Fire in the Hole: A Coal History
- Coal Heritage Award for Interpretation – Layland Miners’ Memorial Group
- Coal Heritage Award for Research and Documentation – author Jay Chatman of McDowell County
