FAIRMONT – For more than 50 years, Judy Prozzillo Byers has been collecting and sharing stories – from across town and across oceans.
The Fairmont Arts and Humanities Commission honored that body of work this past weekend when it presented the local educator with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.
Byers was recognized with other practitioners of the arts during the commission’s annual awards ceremony on Sunday.
She’s a city native who earned degrees in English and education from West Virginia University, launching a career that put her in front of classrooms in Marion County, Fairmont State University and a number of schools across Britain during field work projects.
Byers is the founding director of Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center on the campus of Fairmont State and has traveled internationally in her work as an educator and folklorist.
The commission has been celebrating such artists and creators since its founding in 1984.
Other inductees:
Ben Berry, a videographer and founder of the Mountain Craft Film Festival.
Aaron Hostutler, who teaches music at Fairmont’s East Park Elementary.
Hannah Lenhart, a ceramic artist who showcases her work at Hannah’s Studios, which also hosts community events.
Sophia Shumway, a tattoo artist who combines her craft with social activism through her Slowpoke Tattoo and Art Studio.
Todd Stalnaker, a certified executive chef and culinary arts instructor at the Marion County Technical Center whose students have served up numerous national awards over the years.
The Fridley Boys, a rock and country duo known for their high-energy performances at music venues and festivals across the region.
Fairmont State University’s drumline captain Zachary Camp was also recognized with the commission’s Marion Satterfield Award.
Students from Marion County’s three high schools were also celebrated.
They are: Jamyson Posey, who is known for his work in dramatics and student government at Fairmont Senior High; Angelica Thompson, whose numerous activities at East Fairmont High include serving as trombone section leader for the school’s renowned Busy Bee Marching Band; and Addison Martin, who has starred in numerous theatrical productions at North Marion High School.
