The Fifth Annual Wetzel County Schools Academic Awards Ceremonies were very well attended. On April 7th and 9th, students in the top 15% of their classes for the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year in grades 5-12 were honored and recognized. A total of 268 students were invited to attend. Students received certificates and many prizes were awarded to those in attendance. Prizes included Lewis Wetzel pool and golf passes, gift cards for a local business donated by First Mutual Bank and WalMart Super Center gift cards for $25, $50, $100, and $250.

In addition, any senior who earned their place in the top 15% of their class since their 5th grade school year received special recognition by being inducted into the ‘Academic Hall of Fame.’

Their names now appear on a plaque located at each respective high school. The Academic Hall of Fame inductees had the chance to win one of the four $1,000 scholarships and this year – thanks to our generous sponsors one $2,000 scholarship. The winners of those scholarships were Bindy Campbell (Magnolia High School), Finn Loy (Magnolia High School), Arien Partridge (Valley High School), and Alyssa Tedrow (Valley High School). The remaining names of Academic Hall of Fame inductees were placed into a drawing, and one name was selected as the $2,000 winner. That winner was Halle Barcus (Magnolia High School)

Refreshments at the ceremonies were prepared by the Hungry Coyote Cafe of Wetzel County Technical Education Center under the direction of Gary “Chef” Cardelein. Entertainment was provided by the Valley High School Jazz band under the direction of Nathaniel Clemons, and the New Martinsville Singing Eagle Choir under the direction of Crystal Sutton. Artwork was displayed from students from many of our schools. Art Instructors for those schools include: Jessica Greathouse, Deanna Cain, Kristin Yost, Leslie Day, Matt Kinnard, Joy Musgrave, Brooke Neff, Rachel Dennison and Alison Toman-Zwick.

The ceremonies would not have been possible without the generous support from our sponsors: ANTERO RESOURCES CORPORATION, Hope Gas, EQT Corporation, Westlake Natrium LLC, Sprouse Building products, LLC, Paden City Development Authority, Anderson Orthodontics, Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union, New Martinsville Pharmacy, David W. Harshberger, OD, Lisa Shepherd Insurance Agency, Inc., The Flower Basket and Gift Shop, James S. Campbell, O.D., Fahey-Leavitt Insurance Agency, First Mutual Bank, and New Martinsville Parks & Recreation Commission. Thank you all so much for supporting the academics of Wetzel County Students!

Congratulations to all participating students and their parents for their dedication to academic achievement!