Above and Beyond: Debra Wilfong Recognized for Dedication to Students

Debra Wilfong, an English teacher at North Marion High School in Marion County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s March 2026 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 ceremony at the school. Wilfong received a monetary award and a Blenko Glass apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program, proudly sponsors the award.

Fellow educator Celi Oliveto said Wilfong’s dedication can be seen throughout the school community. “What separates Debbie Wilfong from other outstanding teachers is not any single strategy. It is the combination of genuine love for her students and a relentless creativity in how she expresses it,” Oliveto wrote in her nomination.

Wilfong serves as the school’s Student Assistance Team coordinator, helping students navigate academic, behavioral and personal challenges with compassion and care. She is also a cheer coach and freshman class advisor. These roles allow her to support students through many different parts of their high school experience.

“I quickly learned that student engagement starts with trust,” Wilfong said. “To truly reach students, they need to know you are there for them and that you see them as more than just learners in a classroom.”

She said building strong relationships with students is at the center of her teaching philosophy. “I make a consistent effort to get to know my students beyond the subject matter, including their interests, challenges and goals,” she said.

That approach has helped create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported and motivated to succeed. This year, Wilfong and her students have focused heavily on improving reading levels through a targeted weekly reading program. She meets individually with students to discuss their progress and celebrate growth along the way.

Wilfong said one of the most important lessons she hopes students carry with them after leaving her classroom is the importance of kindness and perseverance. “I want them to know that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to,” she said. “Most importantly, I want my students to understand the value of kindness and respect.”

Over her 25 years in education, Wilfong said her students have also taught her valuable lessons about resilience. “So many of the students I have worked with have faced tremendous adversity, yet they continue to persevere,” she said. “I am incredibly proud of each of them and grateful for the lessons they have taught me about strength, perseverance and resilience.”

When asked what advice she would give to other educators, Wilfong emphasized the importance of leading with care and compassion. “Most importantly, love your students as if they were your own children,” she said. “When students know they are cared for, valued and respected, they will work harder, trust you more and achieve things they may not have believed possible.” Each month of the school year, West Virginia Public Broadcasting honors a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students. Community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding educators who inspire and support learners across West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.