Reba and Grady Moretz, owners of the Appalachian Ski Mountain resort, will be honored with their own float in Appalachian State’s annual Homecoming Parade.

Patrick Setzer, the executive director of Alumni Affairs, said grand marshals are selected for their efforts in positively advancing the university as well as the surrounding community.

Setzer said Reba Moretz is also being given the 2015 Outstanding Service Award for her role in furthering the missions of the university.

Setzer said Grady Moretz is now recognized as an honorary alumnus, a title he earned for his continued support for the university.

“Both individuals have been tremendously impactful in the university,” Setzer said.

Beyond that, Setzer also said they have been instrumental in supporting the well-being of the larger community, especially in the tourism industry.

Jeremiah Bradshaw, ASG executive delegate for the Appalachian Student Government Association, said grand marshals are selected from a list of candidates whose eligibility is decided by their involvement in the university.

From there, Bradshaw said, the Homecoming committee narrowed it down to a list of four people which was then sent to student development and the chancellor’s office.

Bradshaw said Reba and Grady were chosen for their many years of service and for their ability as student advocates in the community.

Bradshaw said he believes the reason that people decide to give back to Appalachian is the sense of community the school fosters, which isn’t common on an 18,000 student campus.

“Going to other UNC system schools you just don’t get the sense of community that we have,” Bradshaw said.

Setzer says the grand marshals can inspire students to contribute positively to that community by paying it forward and setting a positive example for future Appalachian alumni.

The Homecoming parade will be held at 5:45 on Friday, Oct. 2 and begins in the Peacock Hall parking lot.

Sammy Hanf, News Reporter