Craig Howell REACHING THEIR GOALS – Among the graduating members of the Leadership Ohio Valley Class of 2026 were, from left, Danyelle Williams, Brittany Holloway, Christy Nosko, Kristi Aulick, and Aulbrey Thompson. Also graduating was Carson Yobaggy.

WEIRTON – This year’s class of Leadership Ohio Valley showed that good things can come in small packages.

Members of the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Lauttamus Center on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the six graduating members of the 2026 class, recognizing their accomplishments and encouraging them in their futures.

“You’re a small group, but a good group,” noted Chamber President Brenda Mull

The class began its journey in November – initially with nine members – and has since gone through experiences learning more about the inner workings of a community, as well as local education systems, healthcare services, governmental operations, business opportunities, and area culture.

“I think you’ve all grown from it, both individually and as a group,” Mull said.

Graduating members of the class were Kristi Aulick, West Virginia Northern Community College; Brittany Holloway, City of Weirton; Christy Nosko, Serra Village Retirement Community; Aulbrey Thompson, WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center; Danyelle Williams, Miss Tiffany’s School for Young Children; and Carson Yobaggy, Adam DePuglia State Farm.

Mull noted the loss of three classmates during the year forced the class to be creative when planning their programs, as well as the class project required of each year’s participants with members coming together to aid the Chamber itself by sorting through old files.

As a reminder of those efforts, Mull presented each graduate with a large, gold paperclip.

“Each and every one of you can do anything you set your mind to,” Mull said, reminding them to believe in themselves.

The class began its year with a series of icebreaker activities and a welcome dinner in early November, followed by a simulated society exercise.

“It took us a while to figure out what positions we were,” noted Williams.

Aulick agreed, saying once the group had a better understanding of the activity, they were able to come together more easily to reach their goals.

Other activities undertaken by the class was a visit to the Hancock County Courthouse in February, where members met with county government officials, toured the building and participated in a mock commission meeting. They also visited the Weirton campus of West Virginia Northern Community College in March, meeting with program and department heads, visiting some of the classrooms and learning about some of the programs and services offered.

“You’ve heard the expression ‘small but mighty,'” Mull said. “You proved you could get it done.”

As part of Sunday’s luncheon, members received a certificate recognizing them as graduates of the Leadership Ohio Valley program, and were reminded they are eligible for a college credit through WVNCC.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)