Loren Buzzard Memorial Fundraiser Great Success

Marlinton, WV – A very special fundraiser was held recently at the Pocahontas Opera House in Marlinton. A crowd gathered not only to hear excellent local musicians, but to honor the memory of Loren Buzzard, a Pocahontas County high school student who tragically lost his life in a car accident shortly before graduation. Loren’s mother Diane Buzzard explained how the concert came about.

“The idea came from Patrick O’Flaherty, from Lewiburg,” said Buzzard “He’s a musician who performs Irish music, and he had been on Loren’s show, The Haggis Bowl, several times.”

Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters performed as well as Wyatt Turner and Jake Ryder. O’Flaherty was joined by a couple of friends for a Celtic set of music that wrapped up the show. Buzzard says they had a good crowd that night.

Loren’s uncle, David Buzzard, started the scholarship with a donation. The fundraiser will add to those funds so that they can keep the scholarship going for years to come. Diane Buzzard says they’ve already selected a student for this year’s $500 scholarship award.

“There was a committee at the high school that selected the winner of the scholarship,” said Buzzard. “Our recipient this year is Mark Egan.”

Egan was also a former band mate of Loren, having performed with him while they were at the high school. He’ll attend the University of Memphis this fall to study recording technology.

Diane Buzzard says this scholarship touches her and her family deeply.

“It means so much to me personally as a mother, to know that Loren’s memory is carried on and his legacy is carried on in this way,” she said. “One thing that Loren did was looked for the joy in his life, and whatever the joy in your life is, make it your life’s work.”

The fundraiser at the Opera House raised over $1300 for the scholarship fund. Further contributions can be made by contacting Pocahontas County High School.