The unveiling and dedication of Sam Bord Drive, took place on Saturday, January 30, 2010. Pictured above is Sam’s immediate family.

The morning started out with snowflakes flying and a fresh blanket of snow fell throughout most county roads.

The pending weather conditions alone, is generally enough to keep many residents from venturing out until the roads are treated and conditions improve.

However, winter conditions and unexpected accumulation was not enough to delay the unveiling and dedication of Sam Bord Drive, previously named Luby Street, in Grafton.

The unveiling and dedication continued as planned on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Assembly of God Church, in Grafton.

The sanctuary was filled to capacity with every seat filled, and many wore the gold and blue colors representing Grafton High School’s Football Team, and West Virginia University’s Mountaineers, which were two of Sam’s favorite teams.

Present were family, friends, Grafton High School Athletes, Coaches, Teachers, Grafton Police Department, Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, Taylor County Emergency Squad, Magistrate and Circuit Court Officials, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Taylor County Commission Officials, City of Grafton Officials, Mayor of Grafton G. Thomas Bartlett, III., and others too numerous to name.

This special dedication and unveiling of Sam Bord Drive and so many other events, fundraisers, and activities both at the forefront, and behind the scenes, were made possible by the unselfish and generous giving of time by Ms. Dee Dee Mooney and Mrs. Carol Harvey, and caring people throughout the community.

Harvey and Mooney have orchestrated the Sam “The Waterman” Bord events and have continued their ongoing endeavors to establish the Sam “The Waterman Bord” Scholarship Fund, to be awarded to a senior football player, as well as the Sam Bord Charity Fund, with proceeds going to the family.

The dedication commenced as Mooney graciously welcomed and greeted those in attendance.

The special music selection was presented by the Grafton High School Entertainers Ed. XXX1X, under the instruction of Director, Mrs. Duretha Mayle.

The introductory speaker was Harvey. Harvey shared how, although she never had the opportunity to meet Sam Bord personally, she was touched and was compelled to reach out to someone so special, who had touched so many lives.

The guest speaker was Pastor Orville Wright of the First Baptist Church in Grafton, and who was privileged enough to have know Sam, since his birth. Wright also shared wonderful memories and recollections of experiences they shared together, and the tremendous joy, Sam brought to all who knew him.

Another speaker and friend, Coach Mark Yoho shared stories of Sam, his love of family and for one of his favorite teams, the Grafton High School Bearcats.

Sam’s love of the team, the sport, and the players will always be remembered.

However, Yoho explained, that the team embraced Sam, his enthusiasm for life, his energy both on and off the field. The Bearcats have wonderful memories of Sam “The Waterman” Bord, and the dedication he showed to the Bearcats.

In addition, Mr. Rich Bord, and father, also shared special memories of Sam, and thanked the community, and everyone who showed their support.

The crowd moved outside, and made their way to the corner of Riverside Drive and Luby Street, for the dedication and unveiling of Sam Bord Drive.

The cold temperatures and falling snow were soon forgotten as Grafton City Mayor, G. Thomas Bartlett, III., stood before the crowd and presented the proclamation, read the official name change, and bowed for prayer.

As the family of Sam Bord stepped forward for the unveiling and dedication of Sam Bord Drive, it was obvious that this was truly a celebration by all those that were touched by one very special boy.

As the plastic was removed from the sign that now reads Sam Bord Drive, some in the crowd cheered, some cried, and some released gold and blue balloons that sailed through the sky.

This was an unveiling, a dedication, but also a celebration that will long be remembered as we travel down Sam Bord Drive.