Darin Virag Honored For Going Above And Beyond At Putnam Career & Technical Center

Darin Virag, a fire and emergency management instructor at Putnam Career and Technical Center, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s March 2025 Above and Beyond Award, which honors the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. The award was presented by WVPB’s Education team during a surprise classroom visit, where Virag’s nominator, principal, and students celebrated his achievement. As part of the recognition, Virag received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program, proudly sponsors this award.

At Putnam Career and Technical Center, Virag teaches more than emergency response skills—he instills character, builds confidence, and inspires a strong sense of purpose. Virag teaches firefighting to high school juniors and an EMT course to seniors, and post-secondary learners. His work sets the stage for lessons in leadership, service, and personal growth.

“My biggest accomplishment as an educator is mentoring and inspiring students to succeed,” Virag said. “It’s about helping them recognize their potential and build the confidence to pursue their goals. Knowing I played a part in their journey is what makes this so meaningful.”

That commitment to mentorship is what inspired Jamie Bero to nominate Virag for the Above and Beyond Award. Bero has seen his impact firsthand — as a former student in his EMT class, a fellow volunteer firefighter, and a co-presenter at regional fire and emergency management conferences. “He empowers his students to be the best student, community leader, and role model possible,” she said.

Virag’s program is known not only for rigorous training but also for immersive, real-world demonstrations to educate students and community members about fire safety. These projects are hands-on and collaborative, involving students from carpentry, welding, electrical, and plumbing programs to build demonstration structures. “They’re not just learning skills — they’re learning leadership, teamwork, and how to make a real impact,” Virag explained.

Virag volunteers his time to mentor firefighters and coach SkillsUSA teams. Under his guidance, students have won state and national awards, including a Models of Excellence title at the national SkillsUSA competition for a public safety awareness campaign.

“Teaching gives me the chance to share my knowledge and experiences in ways that empower students to become positive contributors to their communities,” he said. “When students thrive, the entire community is strengthened.” Virag focuses on shaping strong character — instilling resilience, responsibility, and self-respect in his students. “I hope they leave my class as determined, self-assured individuals who are prepared to face the world with courage and purpose,” he said.

Whether he is leading a fire drill, coaching a student team to success, or believing in someone who needs a boost, Virag leads by example. “I want my students to know that anyone can be anything they want to be — as long as they’re willing to put in the work,” he said.

Each month, WVPB has an esteemed panel of judges that select one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.