We have a conversation with Marshall University's Turning Point USA chapter president. We also learn about a recently released horror film shot near Huntington, and the population decline in central Appalachia that may be getting worse.
Alpha Pig Does The Chicken Dance On National 'Dance Like A Chicken Day'
Listen
Share this Article
Students from Bridgeview Elementary and Chesapeake Elementary danced like chickens alongside PBS Kids’ Alpha Pig from Super Why! during an event for West Virginia Department of Education’s Communities in Schools program on May 14. The event was hosted by the First Lady of West Virginia.
May 14 was national “Dance Like A Chicken Day,” and more than 300 elementary students and a handful of teachers participated. Additionally, a chicken mascot, and the Chik-Fil-A cow mascot joined the day’s festivities.
At its core, the Communities in Schools program seeks to build community relationships that contribute to student success. This event brought two groups of elementary students together for a day of fun and community engagement. They also had the opportunity to meet with a PBS Kids character in person.
Kelly Griffith
/
WVPB
Alpha Pig is joined by one of the winners of the Chicken Dance. She was best in her grade level.
Kelly Griffith is WVPB’s Education Director. “We were excited to join the First Lady and her staff for the event. Like everyone else, we have missed community events and gatherings. This past year has been such a challenge for us all. So, being able to attend and watch the kids as they participated brought us great joy. This event was a great way for us to reengage with students and connect as a community!”
Jaime Phillips Ford, a science teacher at East Fairmont High School in Marion County, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s September 2025 Above and Beyond Award. Ford’s passion for science, hands-on learning, and community connection shines through in everything she does. As the advisor of the Interact Club, a high school version of the Rotary Club, Ford helps students make meaningful contributions to their community. Together, they placed food in Blessing Boxes, delivered cards to nursing homes and Meals on Wheels, cleaned up local roadways, and filled boxes of food for global distribution.
Mountain Readers is a literacy initiative designed to celebrate and foster a love of reading in children across West Virginia. Register your organization to read to a group of PreK-3rd grade children during Mountain Readers Week, Oct. 6-10, 2025. Our book this year is The Wonderfully Wild Ones by West Virginia author, Adeline Boggs and illustrated by Ashley Belote.
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.
Be My Neighbor Day is a free outdoor event that promotes being a caring neighbor. West Virginia Public Broadcasting is partnering with local organizations to bring the community together to support others and share resources for families and children.