(Posted Feb. 25, 2016)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
The West Jefferson Youth Athletic Association (WJYAA) paid tribute to Herman Stanley for his 19 years of service to the organization and the community’s young people.
The recognition came at the association’s Feb. 21 board meeting. Herman’s decision to step down from the board follows his election to West Jefferson village council.
Over the years, Herman held many leadership roles with WJYAA and played a role in every sport the association offers.
“It will be a major void on the board overall,” said Herman’s younger brother, John, board president. “However, we have a good responsive board now and that will continue. We already work very hard at our volunteer roles and we will just have to work harder.
“We have a lot of new members, and I am confident that this board will be able to continue and do great things for West Jefferson and the surrounding area children.”
Herman and John were driving forces in the effort to save Galbreath Hall, the building in downtown West Jefferson the association called home base for many years. However, the building was deemed structurally unsafe and was razed, after which the Stanleys and other association members worked to find a new headquarters. They acquired the former Deercreek school in Lafayette late last year.
“We can do more with the new building we have now. Not only do we have a gym, we have stage and a lot of meeting room space,” John said.
John also reflected on the time he spent in WJYAA with his brother.
“It was a special eight years for me as I got to work with my big brother and watched him work at something that he loved to do,” he said. “I am sad at the moment and personally will miss him a lot in my role as president. He was a good vice president and continues to be the best big brother one could ask for.”
Since 1972, the WJYAA board has volunteered countless hours working with hundreds of young people to offer them basketball, baseball, t-ball, softball, soccer, volleyball, football, cheerleading, dodgeball and lacrosse.
