Dixie Gas & Oil Presents Annual Scholarship

Local Student Awarded with Dixie’s Annual “Buddy Harris” Scholarship
 
VERONA, VA – May 17, 2018 – Each year, Dixie Gas & Oil recognizes the outstanding achievement and work ethic of a student at Valley Career and Technical Center (VCTC) by awarding a scholarship in memory of Buddy Harris, a long-time Dixie employee.  At the center’s 2018 Recognition Ceremony on May 15, 2018, this year’s scholarship was presented to Tybios Turner. 
 
Mr. Turner is a graduate of Waynesboro High School and the son of Jacqualine Hester of Waynesboro, Virginia.  Turner completed the Carpentry program at VCTC as a post-graduate this year and is employed by Virginia Frame Builders in Fishersville, Virginia.     
 
Tony Shifflett, Carpentry instructor at VCTC commented, “Tybios displays the same qualities that Buddy Harris demonstrated over the years.  Tybios excelled in every task asked of him.  He was always the first ready to go to work and the first to ask for more when he completed his assignments.  He is a hard worker, dedicated to his job and to his family.  I can think of no one who displays more character than this young man and no better recipient for this award.”
 
Buddy Harris worked at Dixie for 63 years, beginning in 1948.  Buddy delivered propane and installed and serviced propane systems early in his career and broadened his trade skills in plumbing, electrical,
HVACR, concrete and masonry, welding, truck mechanics, and auto body work. In later years, he concentrated on the design, construction, and maintenance of the Company’s propane and petroleum distribution facilities.
 
Presenting the scholarship was Chris Earhart, president of Dixie Gas & Oil, who said, “Buddy took great pride in the quality of his work and made any task, no matter how difficult or menial, a fun project and a personal challenge. These are the traits of a dedicated and expert tradesman and the traits recognized in students receiving the Dixie Gas & Oil scholarship in Buddy’s honor.”
 
Scholarship recipients are chosen from the trades curriculum by the staff of Valley Career and Technical Center and receive $500 toward the cost of books and tuition or for graduates to acquire tools and equipment necessary in their career. 
 
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About Dixie Gas and Oil
Dixie Gas and Oil Corporation, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Verona, Virginia, is a leading provider of propane and petroleum products to residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial customers in Western and Central Virginia.  Products include propane, gas fireplaces and accessories, heating oil, kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline and a full range of bulk and packaged lubricants distributed from locations in Verona, Elkton, Lexington and Covington, Virginia. Detailed information about Dixie Gas & Oil is available at www.dixiegas.com.
 
About Valley Career and Technical Center
Valley Career and Technical Center is part of the public-school systems of Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro.  Students gain technical skills in a variety of career areas designed to prepare for entry level positions or acceptance into post-secondary education.  In addition to the many high school programs, the Center offers career and technical training for adults interested in apprenticeship programs, basic skills training or a GED.