Ashley Clark Recognized For Going Above And Beyond In Music Education

Ashley Clark, a music teacher at Williamstown Middle/High School in Wood County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s April 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 assembly where Clark’s strings students and family celebrated her achievement. As part of the recognition, Clark 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.

Clark’s leadership, creativity, and love for music have helped her build a unique and lasting program that now serves students from second grade through high school.

“I love the fact that I get to have the same students year after year,” she said. “By the time they’ve graduated, I hope music is something they can always take with them — whether it’s something they want to pursue or something they do for fun.”

Clark is deeply invested in her students’ growth within and beyond the classroom setting. She helps them prepare for enriching opportunities such as All-State Orchestra and the WVU String Camp. Currently, she is collaborating with school administrators and a local cello studio to include alternatively schooled students in the Williamstown Strings program. By coordinating with families, she ensures these students can rehearse weekly with the ensemble and participate in performances.

“She just seems to be one of those people that everyone knows, loves, and respects,” wrote her nominator and husband, Courtney Clark. “The Williamstown Strings keep a full schedule of performances, and she’s often requested to provide chamber ensembles for local events. In a single week in December, she might be leading the national anthem at a basketball game, playing carols at the elementary school, performing at a tree lighting, and presenting her school concert — all while keeping her students energized and prepared.”

Most recently, she launched a Bluegrass Club at the school, giving students a chance to explore Appalachian music traditions with mentorship from members of her own band, Laurel Creek. Beyond music, Clark worked to bring back the Science and Social Studies Fairs at the elementary school, organizing everything from applications and judges to logistics and student support.

When reflecting on her goals as an educator, Clark shared, “I think it’s a gift to be able to communicate through music. It’s something you can do as an individual or with others. People from across the world can come together and use this shared language — it just brings people together.”

Through her kindness, consistency, and heart, Clark is helping her students find their musical voice and a sense of belonging that lasts far beyond the classroom.

Each month of the school year, 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.