Pamela Cox Honored For Inspiring Creativity At Nicholas County High School

Pamela Cox, an art teacher at Nicholas County High School, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s December 2024 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 Cox’s art students gathered to celebrate her achievement. As part of the recognition, Cox 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.

At Nicholas County High School, Cox’s classroom is a space where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to create. Samantha Murphy, a Technology Integration Specialist who works with Cox, nominated her for the Above and Beyond Award, saying, “She goes above and beyond to showcase her students’ artwork, creating an environment where they take pride in their work.” Cox’s dedication is evident in the way she fosters creativity, encourages self-expression, and builds strong relationships with her students. She engages them with hands-on projects, helps them enter art competitions, and connects their work to the community.

Respect and engagement are central to Cox’s teaching philosophy. At the start of each school year, she collaborates with students to create a contract outlining classroom expectations. “I have found that when students have a voice in setting the expectations, they are more likely to follow them,” she explained. By giving students ownership in the process, she encourages accountability and mutual respect.

For Cox, art education is about more than teaching technique — it’s about equipping students with the skills to think critically, solve problems, and express themselves in meaningful ways. “Art education requires students to problem-solve and engage in hands-on learning while providing an opportunity for them to be creative,” she said. Her goal is for students to leave her class not only with artistic skills but with an appreciation for creativity that stays with them throughout their lives.

Through her passion, innovation, and dedication, Cox has made a lasting impact on her students and the Nicholas County community. Her Above and Beyond Award is a well-deserved recognition of her efforts to inspire, support, and uplift young artists.

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 who goes “Above and Beyond,” please click here to nominate them.