WHEELING — The Viennese Winter Ball, the most elegant social event of the season, takes place on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Glessner Auditorium in Wilson Lodge, Oglebay.

Organized by a 16-member committee, the Ball is an important fundraiser for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.

A highlight of the event is the participation of the Cotillion, featuring 10 young women and 10 young men, all seniors at area local high schools. Mr. Les DeFelice, Visiting Angels, is the sponsor of the 2024 Cotillion.

The young women chosen for the 2024 Cotillion are:

Katherine Ann Carson of Wheeling is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Carson. Katherine is a senior at The Linsly School, where she was a junior prefect and is now a senior prefect serving on both the academic committee and as chair of the “LEAD” committee. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and a four-year member of the girls’ soccer team and the basketball cheer squad. She is a member of Ohio Valley Young Life and has danced for the Oglebay Institute School of Dance. She works as a summer teacher’s aide at Sikora Montessori and as a babysitter. Katherine plans to attend college and major in Elementary Education.

Merritt Adelaide Delk of Wheeling is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Delk. Merritt is a senior at Wheeling Park High School, where she is a four-year varsity soccer letterman, four-year varsity basketball letterman and two-year soccer captain. She is also the senior class secretary, a freshman mentor, and a REAP counselor. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Linguistics Club, and Wheeling Park Orchestra. She has also been recognized as a two-time Elk’s Student Athlete of the Month, 2021 West Virginia Sportswriters’ Association Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year, AP Scholar with Distinction and four-time WVSSAC Girls’ Soccer All-State. She volunteers for the Elks, Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and Upbeats. She works as a U.S. Soccer referee. Merritt plans to attend the University of Toledo and major in Finance.

Avery Mae Gilman of St. Clairsville is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Gilman. She is a senior at The Linsly School, where she is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the 2nd and 7 Reading Club, Linsly Dance Club and serves as an officer of the Spanish Club. She is also a four-year varsity cheerleader, a two-time captain of the cheer team, and was selected for the Linsly OVAC Competition Cheer Team for four years. She has danced for the Oglebay Institute School of Dance for 13 years. She is a member of the East Richland Friends Church and has worked for the Dairy Jean during her summers. Avery plans to attend the Ohio State University and major in Health Science and Rehabilitation.

Kaylee Jean Huntley of Valley Grove is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Huntley. She is a senior at Wheeling Park High School, where she serves on the American Cancer Society Youth Board, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, WPHS competitive dance team, Drug Free Club of America and Paws for Cause. She is a recipient of the Stifel Academic Award, Kent State University Merit Scholarship, Vaughn Miller Dance Scholarship and a 10-year member of the Oglebay Institute School of Dance. She is a volunteer at Wheeling Hospital, Oglebay Institute School of Dance, and serves as a Special Education REAP counselor. Kaylee plans to attend Marshall University and major in Pediatric Medical Imaging.

Emily Annalynn Klempa of Bridgeport is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Justin Klempa. She is a senior at The Linsly School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, cheer team, OVAC Competition Cheer Team, varsity track and field and Spanish Club. She is also a member of the 2nd and 7 Reading Club, Dance Club and The Linsly Line Newspaper. She volunteers for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. She is a volunteer for the Greek Fest and attends The Vineyard Church. She works as a behavioral aide at Kendall Behavioral Solutions and camp counselor for The Linsly Day Camp. Emily plans to attend the Ohio State University and major in Behavioral Sciences.

Riley Elizabeth Maroney of St. Clairsville is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Maroney. She is a senior at The Linsly School and is a senior prefect and serves as co-chair of the Lead Committee. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and the 2nd and 7 Reading Club. She is a writer for The Linsly Line Newspaper. She is also a four-year member of the girls’ soccer team and a four-year OVAC All-Academic. She is a leader-in- training for vacation bible school. She works as a lifeguard at Allen Pool and as a youth soccer coach in St. Clairsville. Riley plans to attend Miami University of Ohio and major in Biology-Premedical Studies.

Anna Louise Norman of St. Clairsville is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Norman. She is a senior at The Linsly School, where she is a member of the cheerleading team, swim team and First Team All-OVAC swimming. She also belongs to the National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanics, SADD Club, Bake Club, Spanish Club, Political Awareness Club and Judicial Scholars Program. For four years, she has been recognized as the “Most Valuable Swimmer” for the Martins Ferry Aquatic Club. She belongs to St. Michael’s Church. She volunteers for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. She works for Chipotle Mexican Grill and for Victoria’s Secret. Anna plans to attend Lake Forest University and major in Political Science.

Madison Ann Taylor of Wheeling is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Taylor. She is a senior at The Linsly School and is a member of the National Honor Society, varsity cheer team, varsity track team, Drug Free Club, SADD Club and Dance Club. She is a 2023 West Virginia Girls’ State participant. She is a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish where she is an altar server and teaches Sunday School. She works for Dairy Queen and is a dance teacher at Oglebay Institute School of Dance. Madison plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Forensic Anthropology.

Alyssa Marie Tomlinson of Powhatan Point is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Tomlinson. She is a senior at The Linsly School, where she is a member of the golf, cheer and softball teams. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and The Linsly Line Newspaper. She also serves as co-president of the 2nd and 7 Reading Club and vice-president of the Spanish Club. She has been recognized as the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Ambassador, PGA Jr. League 2022 Team Regional Semi-Finalist, and PGA Jr. League 2023 Team Regional Qualifier. She is a member of and volunteer for St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She volunteers at the Powhatan Point Library and as a swim instructor for the Powhatan Point Municipal Pool. She works at the World Gym and as a lifeguard. Alyssa plans to attend Marietta College and major in Accounting or Finance.

Brooklynn Shea Wayt of Wheeling is the daughter of Drs. Michael and Heather Wayt. She is a senior at The Linsly School, where she serves as the head prefect, head editor of The Linsly Line Newspaper, and captain of the varsity soccer team. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She has been recognized as an Academic All-OVAC. She volunteers for WVU Medicine and works as a teacher’s aide at Sikora Montessori. Brooklyn plans to attend Miami University of Ohio and major in Biology.

The young men chosen for the 2024 Cotillion are:

Cole Cramer Bloomfield of Wheeling is the son of Ms. Debbie Stanton and Mr. Keith Bloomfield. He is a senior at The Linsly School and has served as junior prefect and is now senior prefect. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and National Speech and Debate Association. He is also the captain of the Debate Team and captain of the varsity bowling league. He served as a three-year teacher’s assistant in World History. He is currently a counselor-in-training for Oglebay Institute. Cole plans to attend college and major in Marketing and Sociology.

Brady William Childers of Wheeling is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Dlesk and Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Childers. He is a senior at The Linsly School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society, Bake Club, Yoga Club, Film Club, Art Club, track team and varsity bowling team. He volunteers for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. He works at the Good Zoo and as a camp counselor at Linsly Day Camp. Brady plans to attend college and major in Marketing.

Elijah Thomas Dean of Wheeling is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Dean. He is a senior at Wheeling Central Catholic High School, where he is a member of the basketball and baseball teams. He is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. He volunteers for Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Society Bed Ministry and the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Elijah plans to attend the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and major in Sports Management.

Lucan Anthony Galbraith of Martins Ferry is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Galbraith. He is a senior at Wheeling Central Catholic High School, where he is a member of the Drug Free Club of America and a student enrollment board member. He is a three-year letter winner for lacrosse and football. He has been recognized for his academic achievement in psychology and as a 2022 state finalist in track and field. He serves as the captain of the lacrosse team. He volunteers for the Central Catholic Food Drive, Catholic Charities Bread Run, Safety Town, Miracle League Football Camp and the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. He is a member of St. Joseph Church, where is an altar server. He works for his family’s business and as a lawn care worker. Lucan plans to attend trade school and become an Electrician.

Maxwell Thomas Hill of Wheeling is the son of Mr. William Hill and Ms. Juliette Hill. He is a senior at Wheeling Park High School, where he is a member of the varsity swim team and Spanish Honor Society. He has been recognized as an AP Scholar. He serves as a freshman mentor. He works as a lifeguard at Oglebay. Maxwell plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Biochemistry and Premedical Studies.

Brock Edward Hinebaugh of Wheeling is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hinebaugh. He is a senior at Wheeling Park High School, where he is a member of the football, soccer and track teams. He is also a member of Park Builders and the Drug Free Club. He volunteers at Youth Services System and Four Paws for Max. He is a member of the New Life United Methodist Church. He works at Fulton Fun Factory, Noah’s Ark Childcare and Hinebaugh Properties. Brock plans to attend college and major in Business and Electrical Engineering.

Grant Carter Kenamond of Wheeling is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Carter Kenamond. He is a senior at Wheeling Park High School, where he is a member of the Wheeling Park High School Orchestra, WV Academic Showdown Team and the tennis team.

He serves as the division leader of the Debate Team, founder and president of the Linguistics Club, Key Club officer, Freshman Mentor, REAP counselor and Science Bowl Team captain. He has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. He is a National Merit semifinalist, an alumnus of the Summer Science Program, WV American Regions Mathematics League Team Captain 2023, and a qualifier for the National Chemistry and Linguistics Olympiads. He received the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission’s Academic Achievement Award for community service. He volunteers as a tutor for the St. John’s Home for Children and Laughlin Memorial Chapel. Grant plans to attend college and major in Chemical Engineering.

Jack Brennan Selmon of Woodsfield is the son of Mr. Daniel Selmon and Judge Julie Selmon. He is a senior at The Linsly School, where he was a junior prefect and is a senior prefect. He is a four-year letterman of the basketball and football teams, serving as captain of the football team. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. He volunteers for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of the St. Sylvester Catholic Church. Jack plans to attend Wheeling University and major in Education.

Andrew Michael Skadra of Bridgeport is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Geoff Skadra. He is a senior at The Linsly School, where he is a four-year letterman and captain of the varsity soccer team and a three-year letterman of the varsity basketball team. He is also a varsity member of American Legion Post 1 baseball team. In the summer, he worked for the Wheeling Recreation Department. Andrew plans to attend Kent State University and major in Nursing.

Thomas Reed Turak of Wheeling is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Turak. He is a senior at The Linsly School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society and German Honor Society. He is also a member of the football, bowling and lacrosse teams. He has served as a junior prefect and is a senior prefect. He is a member of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where he is an altar server. He works as a lake attendant at Oglebay. Thomas plans to attend Vanderbilt University and major in Computer Science.