Melissa G. Swartz graduated with the Class of 1985 at Philip Barbour High School, where she was known for her leadership skills. Beyond her service in the PB student council, Melissa was one of the top athletes in Colt history, achieving the highest state recognition in two sports.
She followed up her selection to West Virginia’s All-State second team in basketball as just a sophomore, by claiming first team Class AAA and All-Big Ten Conference honors following her junior and senior seasons. Melissa poured in well over 1000 points and was a strong inside presence during her career on the PB hardwood, serving as a catalyst for the talented and successful teams of the mid-1980’s, which compiled a record of 37-8 over two seasons under Coach Ron Harsh. During the spring, Miss Swartz excelled in the Lady Colt track and field program as well, capturing the Class AAA championship in the discus event.
Following graduation, Melissa’s qualities were recognized at Salem University, where she was selected for the President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership Abilities. She continued her basketball career for the Tigers, once again scoring over 1000 points and grabbing 1000 rebounds over four years. She was twice named the WVIAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year at Salem in a conference of 15 teams at the time.
Years later, Melissa was honored with a spot on the conference’s All-Time Top 50 Players list. She entered the Salem University Hall of Fame in 2018 with the members of the 1987-88 women’s basketball team.
From Salem, she continued her studies through Walden University, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the field of Social Psychology. Melissa Swartz has since harnessed her experience, training and leadership skills in a successful 21-year career as an advocate of policy and social change for the developmental disability community through her work with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
She followed up her selection to West Virginia’s All-State second team in basketball as just a sophomore, by claiming first team Class AAA and All-Big Ten Conference honors following her junior and senior seasons. Melissa poured in well over 1000 points and was a strong inside presence during her career on the PB hardwood, serving as a catalyst for the talented and successful teams of the mid-1980’s, which compiled a record of 37-8 over two seasons under Coach Ron Harsh. During the spring, Miss Swartz excelled in the Lady Colt track and field program as well, capturing the Class AAA championship in the discus event.
Following graduation, Melissa’s qualities were recognized at Salem University, where she was selected for the President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership Abilities. She continued her basketball career for the Tigers, once again scoring over 1000 points and grabbing 1000 rebounds over four years. She was twice named the WVIAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Year at Salem in a conference of 15 teams at the time.
Years later, Melissa was honored with a spot on the conference’s All-Time Top 50 Players list. She entered the Salem University Hall of Fame in 2018 with the members of the 1987-88 women’s basketball team.
From Salem, she continued her studies through Walden University, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the field of Social Psychology. Melissa Swartz has since harnessed her experience, training and leadership skills in a successful 21-year career as an advocate of policy and social change for the developmental disability community through her work with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.