Last week Mr. Devon Tenant came by the Wetzel Chronicle office to talk of his candidacy for the Wetzel County Board of Education. He began by explaining for most of his life he has been a resident of the county and lives in Proctor. He is a graduate of Magnolia High School class of 2023. He attends Bethany College and is on the Honor Roll. He is also taking online classes from New Hampshire University.

Devon is at the present time an assistant funeral director in the community of Hundred. His time working as an apprentice director and his higher education has given him a good background in working to manage business affairs and also work with people who are in a difficult time in life. He feels it gives him a better insight into the public, and what is needed to work through problems and find solutions, not roadblocks.

Devon stated a couple times, he believes something that has always benefited him in his life, is the ability to listen to people. At times solutions are within individuals and they just need to talk through them to discover they already have the answers.

Devon may be young in calendar years, but he has a great deal of experience in working with the public and spending time behind the curtains of government during his early life.

Devon applied for, and received a position with New Martinsville’s City Council as a Youth Councilman. “MY time interning and listening to elected officials gave me insight into many decisions, even when the solution that must be decided, is difficult and sometimes, you may not agree, but I learned that when you are part of a public group and decisions are made by the majority, it is time to work toward the goals chosen by the group. If you allow personal feelings into every decision to be made, it may not be what is needed for the citizens.”

“It would be unfair of me to deny or say things about the other candidates running for the board. I believe they are all good people with the best interest of the students, teachers, staff, parents and public in mind. I believe my youth will give me a fresh look at decisions that not long ago would have affected me personally. My youth I see as an advantage, especially with so many important decisions to be made in the coming years. I want to be the voice of the people, not only my own.”

Devon also served time as an intern in the state House of Delegates. He explained that experience gave him an understanding of how policies and guidelines come together to help guide decisions. “Policies are in place to help make decisions without being influenced by personal feelings.”

Devon stated that he is fiscally conservative, and believes money approved by the board, is the money from each citizen in the county. If he is elected, he will make sure each expenditure that comes before the board is justified and fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.

When asked about the new consolidation of schools, and what he sees as being needed?

“I hope it is a unifying achievement. It will not be easy for some residents of the county. Transportation and time are a concern, but the board needs to make every effort to bring the community together and work through unification. I see that as the first issue.”

The question was asked, “Wetzel County ranks in the middle of the state when it comes to its student report card. How can we fix that issue with parent’s concerns?”

Devon, “I will use myself as an example. I knew in school teachers were to instruct and give the information I needed to learn. Most do a good job. But I also realized that the biggest factor in my learning was me. I decided if I wanted to read better, it was up to me to achieve that goal. I was not going to place that total burden on my teachers, school or the world around me. Devon is responsible for Devon’s education.”

During our time together I came to understand, Devon Tennant is a young man and has a lot to learn about the world. But I also recognized that he is a person who knows what he wants and does not allow the world to define his level of achievement. He is in many ways wise for his years, and has one very important mature quality, he realizes he may not always have the answers, but it is up to him to seek them out, and benefit those around him.