ZMM is proud to be a part of this project. The article below originally appeared on WVNews.com on August 11, 2024.

RIPLEY, W.Va. (WV News) — The Ripley High Alumni Association has been working on a three-part plan for the school.

One of the projects, lighting from the annex to the football field, is complete. The second project, a new welcome sign as people approach the high school, is in construction. The final project, a “re-do” of the outside wall of the school’s main entry, is ready to proceed except for one challenge – money.

The plan is to resurface the tile front with a notable addition: the famed Ripley Viking silhouette will enhance the new façade.

“This is an expensive undertaking,” Cheryl Miller, Alumni vice president, said. “Our team has raised about half the cost, but we need $40,000 more to move forward.”

So, the Alumni Association did what it has done so many times: reached out to former students at the much-loved school.

The first donation came from the “blue and white school’s” most ardent fan, who, according to her mother, Connie, “would bleed blue if she could.”

That number one fan is Laura Beth Waskey.

When she heard her alma mater needed help to make this dramatic change, Laura knew she had to be involved.

“She turned to her dad and me and said, ‘We need to help,” which did not surprise me at all,” Connie said.

That same determination to help her school fueled her attitude to all the challenges in her life.

Laura, who was born with a congenital disability, was predicted to be in a wheelchair and only able to communicate with sounds.

“By the grace of our Lord, her family, her teachers and her own determination, she has thrived,” her mother said. “She was in special needs classes for 15 years and became a true Ripley Viking.”

A 2002 graduate, Laura served as the water girl and bat girl for various Viking teams. It didn’t matter what job she had; Laura just wanted to be part of the Viking nation. She was then and still is.

She still attends most home and away games. Now, she’ll be riding in style. For her 40th birthday, her family gifted her with a Viking blue car.

“She sends the teams off with a good luck hug and words of encouragement,” Connie said. “Laura does not like to lose.”

The students return her affection. Her mom describes them as treating her daughter with love and respect.

“Many graduates come back to visit her,” she said. “You definitely know which is Laura’s room at home. It’s filled with all her Viking keepsakes, apparel and bedding. She even has blue lights.”

It was very meaningful to Miller, Alumni President Dale Ruben and Ripley High principal Luke Swiney to receive the check for $100 from the school’s biggest fan. They all joined her for the presentation.

“That has probably been my favorite moment of all the work we’ve done this year with the Alumni,” Miller said. “That is what it’s all about, seeing that joy and pride.”

While Laura’s gift was the kickoff, Miller said some graduating classes have challenged each other to raise the most money.

Angie Murdock Litton, from the class of 1986, said her class would act as the “seniors” and urged the “underclasses” of 1987 through 1989 to see who could raise the most money by August 23.

Miller said the new design will bring a different but perfect look to the school.

“It will be a stone front with a large aluminum Viking on display,” she said. “And what’s even more special is that the Viking will have LED lighting that will be illuminated at times determined by Mr. Swiney, the staff and students.”

The contractor is ready to start and the Viking is being cut by the Mouldagraph Corporation in Nitro with aluminum donated by Constellium.

“But we can’t make the call to the contractor until we have the funds,” Miller said. “I have complete faith in our community, alumni and friends. We will get there.”

The goal is to complete the project sometime during the football season. Whichever game that is will be the first time the Viking lights will be seen.

When Laura heard the Viking would be lit up, she told her mom she had to be there to see that.

However, Miller and the Alumni Association had a surprise to share with their first donor when she brought her check.

Who will have the honor of flipping that switch for the first time? None other than the number one Viking fan, Laura Beth Waskey.

To donate, send checks to the Ripley High School Alumni Association at PO Box 921, Ripley, WV 25271, or visit the link on the group’s Facebook page.