The DCHS Alumni Association has selected Louie Knight as their first recipient of the Distinguish Alumni Award for his years of making a “difference” in so many student’s life throughout high school and beyond.
“For many of us at DCHS our favorite class and teacher would have been “Band! Louie!” For so many years he WAS the functioning music department; epitomizing the band program, revealing the joy of shared music-making, bringing the challenges and excitement of marching and concert band to life; I credit him with inspiring my own nearly fifty-year career in music, and that of many others. He taught not just music, discipline, and artistry-but also a sense of responsibility, of joy in life and pride in achievements: how to be a caring person and good Doddridge Countian. In each of his students there will always happily live a Louie” Michael Calhoun/Class of 1969
“I owe my love of music to my high school band director, Louie. beating drumsticks on the bleachers at West Union Grade School helped me learn how to “feel” the beat of the music. Playing alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone in high school became a joy. When I hear one of my favorite songs from the forties that we played in orchestra or “Over the Rainbow ” that we played each year at graduation, it always takes me back to my years at Doddridge County High School. THANK YOU, Louie, for passing on your love of music to each of your band students”. Marjorie Craddock Rose/ Class of 1966.
Lewis (Louie) Knight was born April 24, 1935 in Doddridge County, WV, growing up in the Sunnyside community along with his five siblings. He attended schools in West Union and graduated from Doddridge County High School in 1953, and continued his education at Salem College in Salem, WV. During his sophomore year in college he was working part-time at the local ESSO gas station and was approached by J.K. Randoph, Superintendent of Doddridge County Schools, and was asked to fill the position of band director at the high school upon Mr. Connelly’s resignation. Louie accepted the position and was hired as the part-time band director receiving $100.00 per month salary.
In 1957 Louie graduated from Salem College and continued to work at his alma mater as the full-time HS band director, choir director and teacher, as well as the 6th- 8th grades band teacher, visiting the 11 elementary schools weekly. Under his direction the Doddridge County HS Band flourished with over 100 members strong earning numerous honors and awards. The DCHS band was Louie’s “pride and joy” for 18years.
In 1973, Louie accepted an administrative position with the Doddridge County School Board as the Business Manager and Treasurer for the school system and remained there for 13 years. In addition, Louie became the “voice of Doddridge County,” as the announcer of all home football games and track events and did this for 20 plus years.
For over three decades Louie was busy with work, married life and raising four children who also graduated from DCHS. The family attended the West Union Baptist Church where Louie’s love of music continued as the choir director until 2014 when Louie developed some health issues.
Louie retired from Doddridge County Schools in 1987 with 31 years of service and shortly after became an insurance agent for New York Life. In 1990 Louie was elected as a Doddridge County Commissioner and completed two terms in office. During this period of time, he served on various boards and participated in many projects, including the construction and opening of the North Central Regional Jail, one of the largest jails in the state. In addition, Louie began working at the Doddridge County Senior Center in 1991 and has been there for 30 years. At present Louie and his wife, Carolyn continue to reside in West Union enjoying time spent with their four children and their families.
As a Doddridge County native, active community member and Doddridge County alumni, teacher and administrator, we congratulate Louie as the first Distinguished Doddridge County Alumni. We commend you for your dedication and service over the years to the citizens of Doddridge County.