Dr. Larry Jones is the Light of the Valley

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – The YMCA’s prestigious Dr. Lee Jones Patron of Youth Award was presented today to Dr. Larry Jones.

The annual Light of the Valley event drew hundreds of Ohio Valley community leaders.

Dr. Jones was honored as a lifelong educator, starting as a junior high counselor and ending as Ohio County Schools superintendent for more than a dozen years.

“While many successful individuals focus solely on what they can acquire, Larry has consistently demonstrated that true fulfillment comes from what we contribute to others. Our community is a better place having Larry Jones as a part of it.”

Susie Nelson, Executive Director, Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley

“I’ve got so much respect for teachers and educators. And it’s a passion of mine and so I’m very grateful and appreciative for all of your lifetime of work in this community.”

Wren Baker, WVU Athletic Director

“The education profession is a calling. It takes a special person to be an educator and it takes a special person to understand the difficulty of it but the joy of it. The joy of working with kids and making a difference in their lives is so rewarding.”

Dr. Larry Jones, 2024 Light of the Valley

Dr. Jones has also served as board president of the YMCA, the United Way and the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley.

He’s also a certified private pilot and has run the Wheeling Distance Race for 43 consecutive years as a Wheeling Ironman.

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