By Katie Wilson
FAIRMONT — Fairmont’s own Margaret Pantalone received an early Christmas present from the Marion County Board of Education.
The venerable music educator was surprised Monday night when the MCBOE officially renamed the “All Marion County Eighth Grade and High School Choral Festival” in honor of her.
The event will now be known as the “Margaret Pantalone All-County Choral Festival.”
Superintendent of Schools James Phares said the action was taken in honor of Pantalone’s years of service to the county.
“She’s an invaluable music educator,” Phares said.
Following the official vote, Pantalone tearfully accepted roses from the board. She was surrounded by music educators from all over the county.
Pantalone was surprised by the action. She attended the meeting at Phares’ request, but didn’t know why she was needed.
“When the boss says to show up, you show up,” she said.
This is Pantalone’s 65th year as a music educator. Though she retired in 1991, she’s still active with choral groups.
“I love it,” she said. “I like to see people succeed, and music is a positive academic program that gives kids the opportunity for success.”
Pantalone started the all-county choral event in Marion County 38 years ago. A similar event she started in Logan County is still going strong as well, she said.
In other matters, the MCBOE voted to give the Husky Boosters $10,000 to continue improvements at North Marion High School’s Husky Field.
In the last few years, the booster group has raised funds, donated equipment and time to improve facilities at the field. Phares said their commitment is equivalent to nearly $50,000 in time and materials.
Randy White, leader of the group, said the organization has built new locker rooms and completed a lot of painting. The group will use the $10,000 for a storage building for the football equipment, he said.
The board also voted to allow the Boys and Girls Club to use the Dunbar Middle School cafeteria building as a meeting place. The Marion County Commission will be responsible for all operational costs and utilities.
Finally, the board approved an extension to the lease for Xerox copiers. The extension agreement provides for all new copiers at every location. Phares said the new copiers will be in place before Christmas. The agreement will also drop the board’s monthly payment nearly $3,000 to $18,630.95.
E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.
