This week, in the 1920s, Oscar Micheaux was an entrepreneur filmmaker in western Virginia. He became a world-renowned director and producer. Also, Kentucky’s poet laureate lives down the road from what has been called the country’s most lethal cryptid. Attempts to spot it have led to deaths. And, we talk soul food with Xavier Oglesby, who’s passing on generations of kitchen wisdom to his niece.
Birdhouses designed and built from recycled materials, fourth grade, Paw Paw Elementary.
Congratulations to the following schools for their participation in the STEAM power WV Challenge.
3rd Grade
Lakewood Elementary School, Kanawha County
Teacher: Jodi Ballard
My students had a blast with these activities. We love hands on learning and STEM activities.
This challenge gave them the opportunity to incorporate both of those things and let them work collaboratively. They loved it!
4th Grade Paw Paw Elementary School, Morgan County
Teacher: Cortney Kile
I (and the class) love the lessons and objectives. The videos hold student attention, and the activities that follow are very hands-on. Great way to integrate several subjects into the classroom!
5th Grade Winfield Elementary School, Putnam County
Teacher: Barb Blankenship
My students have really enjoyed these lessons and learning about different people and jobs in WV. Their artwork is fabulous and they were so creative in their thinking.
Each classroom has been awarded a cash prize to purchase supplies. If you are interested in using these lessons in your classroom follow this link: wvpublic.org/steam-power-wv
Shane Healy, a social studies teacher at Capital High School in Kanawha County, earned WVPB’s December 2025 Above and Beyond Award. As part of the recognition, Healy received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program, proudly sponsors the award.
Shannon Silverman, an astrophysicist at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences in Charleston, West Virginia, guides us through the cosmos above the Mountain State.
Stephanie Fryer, a special education teacher at South Man Elementary in Logan County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s November 2025 Above and Beyond Award. Fryer is known for creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported. She works persistently to meet students’ academic, social and emotional needs.
The West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Teacher Award is in honor of educators from all grade levels (K-12) and disciplines who go the extra mile. These teachers are known for paving the way for academic achievement, using new and innovative strategies to reach students, or simply making a difference in the lives of their students every day.
