The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce will host its 52nd Annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, June 29 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Shepherdstown. Each year, the Chamber pays special tribute to an industry that has shown leadership in promoting the expansion and prosperity of the area. This year, Jefferson County Schools has been chosen to receive the George E. Vickers Major Industry Award.

Since 2005, Jefferson County Schools has spent over $91 million building new schools or currently working on school improvements.

The key note speaker for the evening will be MetroNews’ Hoppy Kercheval, sponsored by Skinner Law Firm. A native of Summit Point in Jefferson County, Kercheval began as a news anchor/reporter at WAJR in Morgantown while still attending West Virginia University.

After graduating with honors from WVU, Kercheval took over as News Director at WAJR and began carving an identity as the state of West Virginia’s most professional and respected journalist.

In addition to his Metronews assignments, Kercheval has been a key member of the Mountaineers Sports Network. His pre-game, halftime and post game scores and highlight features have become a staple of MSN broadcasts.

In addition to the award to Jefferson County Schools and the key note speaker, a number of other businesses will be recognized and several other presentations will be made, including the presentation of the Distinguished Citizen of Jefferson County Award sponsored by the Spirit of Jefferson Farmer’s Advocate.

Officers and directors for 2011- ’12 will be recognized at the banquet. The evening will begin with a social period (cash bar) at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Reservations are available at the Chamber office, 29 Keyes Ferry Rd., Suite 200, Charles Town at $28 per person through June 24. The public is cordially invited.