Jones to be honored at Light of the Valley Luncheon

H. Lawrence Jones
WHEELING — H. Lawrence Jones has spent decades of his life helping the children of the Ohio Valley — through education, philanthropy and community service. The Wheeling YMCA will honor that dedication to the valley’s youth at its annual Light of the Valley Luncheon, where Jones, a former Ohio County Schools superintendent, will receive the Dr. Lee Jones Patron of Youth Award.
That award has been bestowed upon many notable Ohio Valley residents over the years, who have served the region. Past award recipients have included Randy Worls, the late Bishop Bernard Schmitt, Robert Nutting, Bob Contraguerro Sr., Bob Robinson, Gary West, the late Jim Bordas and his wife, Linda, Jim Crutchfield, the late Joe Viglietta, Dr. Gregory Merrick, Dr. Daniel Joseph, Lisa Allen, Bishop Darrell Cummings and Tom Bechtel.
Wheeling YMCA Executive Director Adam Shinsky said it was Jones who, during his tenure as superintendent, originated the partnership between the YMCA and the school district.
“We believe that partnership has grown tremendously since he started it,” Shinsky said. “Without Ohio County Schools, the YMCA would not operate.”
Shinsky lauded the symbiotic relationship between the Y and the school district that Jones built. The YMCA opens its doors whenever the district is in need, whether its a gymnasium or a practice field for a team searching for an alternative.
In turn, the district has opened its facilities to the Y, not just the gymnasiums, but the J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center at Wheeling Park High School as well.
Jones, a Wheeling native and Warwood High School graduate, earned an Army scholarship to Marshall University, where he obtained an education degree. He received graduate degrees from West Virginia University and then-Wheeling Jesuit University before earning a doctorate from WVU.
A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, Jones spent 28 years with Ohio County Schools before retiring as superintendent. He also retired as chair of Wheeling University’s education department, where he currently serves as an adjunct associate professor.
That spirit of service did not fade with his retirement from education. He recently was elected president of the Community Foundation for the Upper Ohio Valley, as well as a member of the Wheeling Rotary and Lions Clubs. He is an elder at First Presbyterian Church and, most importantly for the YMCA, he is a former president of the organization’s board of directors, as well as a significant donor.
“When you think about the title of this award, the Light of the Valley, you think about people that have done things that have been positive in our area,” current YMCA Board President Jamie Bordas said. “And Dr. Jones certainly, immediately came to the front of our minds. When you look at what he’s done in education, what he has done with charitable organizations, and perhaps most importantly, what he’s done for the YMCA itself, it made it a very easy decision.”
Jones’ tenure as board president might be over, but his devotion to the YMCA continues. Shinsky said he’ll periodically drop in at the main offices to discuss ideas he’s had or things he has seen at other YMCAs during his travels that would be successful in Wheeling.
“He’s been like a tremendous asset,” Shinsky said, “basically a lifetime board member, because he’s always lent his support unconditionally to the Y. That’s his lifestyle, working with children, improving children, helping children, whether it’s the school system or whether it’s recreational activities.”
The luncheon is scheduled for noon Wednesday, Aug. 21 at Wheeling Park’s White Palace. The guest speaker will be announced in the coming weeks, Shinsky said. Those wanting more information on the luncheon can call Shinsky at the YMCA at 304-242-8086.
The luncheon also will be the last one before the YMCA kicks off its new capital campaign. The campaign is seeking funding to improve both the interior and exterior of the building in Elm Grove, and also expanding its space and services. Among the upcoming projects are a new fitness center and aerobics area, upgrades in childcare spaces and a safer lobby and entrance.