FAIRMONT– Fairmont Women of Today and Poppe’s Cenex Store in Fairmont has opened nominations for “Gas for Grads.” The program is in its second year and aims to recognize seniors in Martin County who may be on a different path and have demonstrated growth.

Kathy Vargo, a member of Fairmont Women of Today, explained that they will select five students to receive a $100 Poppe gas card. The money for the program is split between the group and Poppe’s.

“We hope to get as many nominations as we can,” Vargo said, adding that they’ve already received several.

She said last year’s debut program went great and that the group and Poppe’s are excited to offer it again.

“We want to honor and recognize kids who are maybe not on the path to traditional colleges,” Vargo explained.

She said many of the women in Fairmont Women of Today work for employers who hire all types of employees. She said when it comes down to it, a strong workforce is needed.

Vargo added that there are many students in the community who are homeschooled or go to a parochial school or an alternative learning center.

“Those kids work hard and deserve some recognition, too,” Vargo said.

Nominations are open for students who attend any type of learning facility in Martin County. They just have to be a graduating senior. Vargo said that any adult in a student’s life, or even their parent, can nominate them.

Five students will be selected and at the end May, closer to graduation, there will be a meal for the students and their families. The nominator is also invited to meet the student and get to know them better.

“This is something we hope to continue every year so the more awareness we can get out is great,” Vargo said.

Vargo is a member of Fairmont Women of Today who has been involved on various committees and projects within the group.

She explained that Women of Today is a national non-profit organization. They meet the last Monday of every month at Jake’s Pizza in Fairmont. There are about 20 members right now of all different ages, ranging from 20s to 70s.

“Fairmont Women of Today has a long history. I think there was women involved in the 70s and it was re-started several years ago by some young members who wanted to include all ages,” Vargo said.

She said the group is non-political and non-religious and doesn’t allow a lot of solicitation from members. They are always welcoming new members.

“People don’t have to commit. We have people who show up to meetings for months before they decide to join. There’s no pressure,” said Vargo.

The deadline to nominate a student for Gas for Grads is May 1. People can find the link at fairmontwt.wordpress.com.