Students Honored at Second Annual Governor's Honors Symposium
The First Lady of West Virginia recognized the educational achievements of nearly 200 students at the second annual Governor's Honors Symposium for West Virginia GEAR UP Graduates held April 17th in Charleston. Students from all 16 of West Virginia GEAR UP's high schools participated in the awards ceremony.
In conjunction with the Governor’s Honors Symposium, Governor Joe Manchin III proclaimed Saturday, April 17 as West Virginia GEAR UP Day. First Lady Gayle Manchin presented the proclamation to Dr. Adam Green, Director of the Division of Student Success and P-20 Initiatives and to Amie Fazalare, Director of the Fairmont State University GEAR UP Partnership Program during the afternoon ceremony. The First Lady also served as a keynote speaker.
Chancellor Brian Noland of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Dr. Green also addressed the students, parents and educators. Both Chancellor Noland and Dr. Green commended the students for completing high school and urged them to pursue education and training after graduation.
The First Lady and Chancellor Noland presented each student with a medallion and paused for a picture with each honoree.
A college fair was held before and after the ceremony. Students and parents spoke with representatives from colleges and universities and obtained information about financial aid, the college application process and specific academic programs offered throughout the state.
Future graduates who hadn’t applied for the West Virginia GEAR UP Incentive Award were able to do so during the college fair. The Incentive Award provides eligible seniors with a scholarship to attend any college at West Virginia Higher Education Grant-eligible institutions, including public and private two-and four-year institutions.
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