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This October, the Adaptive Climbers Festival will gather in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge for the fifth year. In 2023, Folkways Reporter Emily Chen-Newton covered the event for Inside Appalachia. Since then, the Adaptive Climbers Festival has grown. Organizers say they’re nearly at capacity, with 300 climbers, caregivers and volunteers. Ahead of the festival, the campground has made accessibility improvements. Volunteers with the ACF have also been sprucing up the trails.
No ‘Treble’ Choosing December’s Above And Beyond Winner
December 2022 Above and Beyond winner Tim James (center) stands next to WVPB's Education Director Maggie Holley (left) and Education Specialist Autumn Meadows (right).Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch
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Tim James, a music education teacher at Cabell Midland High School, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for December 2022, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
James was presented the award by WVPB’s Education Director Maggie Holley and Education Specialist Autumn Meadows, who was a prior student of James. He received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The award is sponsored by the West Virginia State Treasurers’ Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.
James’s impact on the community is evident in the numerous nominations received from both parents and students. His colleagues also spoke very highly of James during the surprise presentation.
Lloyd McGuffin, principal of Cabell Midland High, said, “Mr. James is phenomenal both in and out of the classroom, his energy and passion for his craft is infectious. Students are captivated by his vision and work to make it happen. He’s magic! A magic that must be recognized.”
He has many roles at Cabell Midland High including teaching music, theatre, jazz ensemble and band. He is also a student council advisor, and homecoming and prom coordinator.
Tim James holds his Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. Credit: Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch
During his 13 years at Cabell Midland, he has directed the marching band to 11 back-to-back wins at the annual West Virginia Marching Band Invitational Championship. He shows creativity in not only his music instruction, but also with his music choices, show choreography, and even props.
“His designs are award winning and his motivation and effort with the kids makes the creative shows come to life,” says one of the nominators.
James is quick to give credit to his students for the successes of the theatre, show choir, jazz, and Marching Knights, and the students show much gratitude to him for his work and influence.
“I have never doubted him having my best interests at heart,” said senior Halen Nibert. “He radiates joy and fun in stressful situations. He pushes us to always do our best. He wants us to be the best versions of ourselves.”
Autumn Meadows, education specialist at WVPB, said that she is extremely grateful for the high expectations, patience, and compassion James had for her when she was his student over a decade ago.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be the one to present this award to Tim James for recognizing excellence in education after the major impact he has made on me as an educator myself as well as so many others.”
Senior Samantha Pay said that everyone needs someone they can look up to and go to for wisdom and advice in troubled times. For her, she said that is James.
“From not only me, but every student that has ever had or been around you, thank you for everything you do for us.”
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 that goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.
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Join WVPB for the opportunity to put being a caring neighbor into practice with community service, as we put together sensory care kits for Exceptional Possibilities of West Virginia. These kits will be distributed to children with disabilities across West Virginia.
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.
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