First Lady Commends Lincoln Co. Schools for Encouraging Collaboration
First Lady Gayle Manchin commended schools in Lincoln County for joining forces with community leaders, work force development officers, parents and students to discuss ways to better prepare young people for 21st century careers.
Counselors and teachers from five schools hosted a panel discussion to tackle topics such as career preparation, skilled labor program development, and community and business sector support in the classroom. The event was held November 5th in the Lincoln County High School auditorium.
“Lincoln County joins other counties across the state to host community outreach events, which focus on encouraging our children to succeed in their academic career and in life,” Manchin said.
“We are all products of our environment, and having the entire community involved in our county education system is very beneficial. This involvement ensures that we are doing what needs to be done in order for our children and grandchildren to get the absolute most out of their schools.”
Local business and community leaders, including several state legislators, attended the event. Parents, students, educators and other community members also participated in the discussion, and contributed their ideas for improving educational opportunities in Lincoln County. The panel provided information about degree programs and career options that are currently available for students.
“We’re thinking big here in Lincoln County,” Sonya Dunlap, a counselor at Duval Middle School said. “The community has such a huge stake in providing a quality education for our kids. An educated workforce will help us create more jobs and a higher standard of living in our region."
The event was coordinated in part by West Virginia GEAR UP. West Virginia GEAR UP is a federally funded program designed to help students in ten W.Va. counties — including Lincoln — plan, apply and pay for education and training beyond high school. The program is housed under the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, which is the coordinating body for the state’s four-year public colleges and universities.
Back to News Page
