Above And Beyond Story Archives - Page 3 of 7 - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Going Above And Beyond: JROTC Instructor Mike Wiley Honored For Excellence And Community Impact

Master Sgt. Mike Wiley, a JROTC instructor at Monroe County Technical Center, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for March, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Wiley was presented the award by WVPB’s Education Specialist Autumn Meadows during an annual flag retiring ceremony, a service-learning project organized by JROTC at the Monroe County Board of Education. This event partnered with the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America and is a prime example of how Wiley is involved in his community.

Wiley 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.

Flag retiring ceremony.

*Credit: Autumn Meadows/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Cadets during the flag retiring ceremony.

*Credit Autumn Meadows/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Wiley has a vast range of military experience and specialties in his 29 years of service. He joined the West Virginia Army National Guard immediately after graduating high school and retired in 2011. Prior to retiring, Wiley was a recruiter for James Monroe High School and Monroe County Technical Center for nine years. This led to him continuing his work with high school students he was familiar with and building the school’s JROTC program alongside Scott Womack.

As Wiley prepares to retire next year, there are many accomplishments and memories to reflect on, such as the trips the program took, not only in the United States but across the Atlantic. It started as local day trips to places such as Droop Mountain Battlefield, but then the group was invited to march in the D-Day Memorial Parade in St. Mere Eglise, Normandy. This trip was taken twice, the second being the 75^th anniversary of D-Day, with an estimated 500,000 people in attendance. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of these students, many of whom had never left West Virginia or flown in a plane. As far as he knows, they are the only JROTC program in West Virginia to make that trip.

Wiley states, “One of the most memorable events for my cadets occurred during that massive parade, when, as we were rounding one of the final turns in the parade route, with our color guard proudly carrying the United States and the West Virginia flags, the crowd spontaneously erupted into a chorus of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads.’ The cadets talked about that for months after we came home.”

Not only have the students been to Normandy, but they also led the Parade of Heroes on Veterans Day in Washington D.C., traveled to Jamestown, Yorktown, Williamsburg and Wilmington, North Carolina.

When asked why JROTC is important, Wiley said, “Many people believe JROTC is strictly designed to be an enlistment tool. Nothing is farther from the truth. JROTC is a citizenship and leadership program.”

He said the goals of the program is to prepare students for life after high school, whether it be college, trade school, entering the workforce, or joining the military. Enlistment is not required, nor pushed upon the cadets. They teach the students subjects like history, first aid, leadership, citizenship, geography, land navigation, survival skills, basic financial planning, and life skills. Students who may have started the program quiet or reluctant to interact with others would be standing in the front of the class teaching by their senior year.

Mike Wiley with his family.

*Credit: Autumn Meadows/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Wiley enjoys the impact he has on the lives of his students and being able to give them a place where they get to compete against other schools, take on leadership roles and responsibilities, travel to educational places and experience things that they would not have been able to experience without the program. “I get to create a bond with these students and serve as not only an educator, but as a mentor, counselor and sometimes even as a father figure,” Wiley said.

“When I have a former or current student, or the parents of a student thank me for something that I have done to help that student be successful in life, that just affirms that I am doing what I was intended to do.”

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.

North Jefferson Star Teacher Goes Above And Beyond

Kristi Sanders, a reading and math interventionist at North Jefferson Elementary in Kearneysville, Jefferson County, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for February, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

“Teachers are inspirational life coaches who guide students,” said Kristi Sanders, the most recent Above and Beyond winner. “From teaching our students to share and make friends to selecting a career path, teachers are role models and inspire students to learn and grow.”

Sanders, a reading and math interventionist at North Jefferson Elementary in Kearneysville, Jefferson County, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for February, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Sanders was presented the award by West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Education Director Maggie Holley at an all-school assembly organized just for the occasion. Sanders received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The award is sponsored by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.

Sanders’ passion for teaching is evident in both her nomination and interview. In her 15 years of teaching, she has taught children of many ages and hopes they all become excited and passionate about reading and math. Sanders prepares her students for success by creating a positive culture in the classroom, having high expectations for her students and by modeling the love for learning and service.

When asked how she creates her classroom culture, Sanders recalled one of her favorite quotes, “Do everything with so much love in your heart that you would never do it any other way.” She said she believes building positive relationships with both the students and colleagues is the foundation that can help lead to student success. Her lessons are diverse and relevant to the lives of her students and she provides them with the power of “choice” in the classroom.

One of her favorite lessons is a writing project called “Maps of Our Hearts.” Inspired by the picture book, “Maps,” this lesson is modified to all the grade levels, kindergarten to fifth grade. The goal of the lesson is to motivate and engage students to express their ideas through writing and illustration. She reflects on how the lesson allows for conversations between the students that might not typically occur in the classroom and how she learns of the many challenges these students may face at home. The students were provided an outlet while building relationships in the classroom.

“When students enter my classroom, I want them to feel respected and loved so that they can carry these feelings of worth into other aspects of their lives,” Sanders said.

Some of the ways the students show kindness and appreciation is by writing cards to veterans, nursing homes, animal shelters and staff within the school. On student birthdays, all students write a letter to that student and Sanders combines them into a special book for the student to keep. The students connect to the community in these ways and learn social skills such as empathy and that the feeling of helping others can bring happiness for themselves and others.

Sanders shows leadership and service in both her school and county. She serves as the chairperson for the school’s Leadership Committee, leads interventionists in the county during quarterly meetings, is on multiple committees for Jefferson County such as the Universal Screener Committee, WVISS Committee and soon, the Math Intervention Committee.

“I believe that every child deserves a caring and excited adult,” Sanders said. “At the end of the day, it does not matter what role or title we hold as we all are here for our children and students, we should want what is best for them to help then to be successful. In order to ensure the success of our children and students, we must all work together.”

Nicholas County Teacher Goes Above And Beyond

Theresa Dennison, a kindergarten teacher at Panther Creek Elementary, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for January, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Theresa Dennison, a kindergarten teacher at Panther Creek Elementary, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for January 2023, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Dennison was presented the award by WVPB’s Education Director Maggie Holley. She received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurers’ Office sponsors the award, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.

Dennison has taught for a total of 27 years. When she was young, she started caring for children early, and when it was time to choose a career path, she knew that teaching was all she wanted to do. Dennison said, “I believe it was a calling, and after all my years teaching, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

During the pandemic, Dennison was especially dedicated and creative with reaching students not only in her classroom but children all over the county. This was especially beneficial for students who had limited or no internet access.

These lessons consisted of a story and an engaging STEM activity, encouraging students and parents to participate at home. Some examples of these recorded lessons included learning about germs and how they react to soap, Rapunzel and making parachutes from coffee filters, and Jack and the Beanstalk, where the children were shown how to make a zipline and help Jack escape the giant.

The lessons were organized so most students could participate at home with everyday items around the house. These lessons helped keep children engaged in learning at home and were even played throughout the summer.

Dennison truly engages her kindergartners in literacy by having them learn and then perform nursery rhymes. For years, she has included parents in these performances. Even when they could not participate during the COVID-19 pandemic, she innovated and joined the Technology Specialist to use a green screen with the students and videotaped the musicals for all to enjoy at home.

Dennison loves her profession and says witnessing students grow socially and academically in their time together is her favorite part. She appreciates seeing them show kindness to one another and make connections in reading and writing. “Spending my days with young children reminds me to find joy in the simple aspects of life,” says Dennison.

No ‘Treble’ Choosing December’s Above And Beyond Winner

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.

Berkeley County Teacher Goes Above And Beyond

Lurah Cochran, an English teacher at Hedgesville High School, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Above and Beyond Award for November.

Lurah Cochran, an English teacher at Hedgesville High School, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for November, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Cochran was presented the award by WVPB’s executive director Butch Antolini and West Virginia Treasurer Riley Moore. Interim Superintendent of Berkeley County Schools, Ronald Stephens, also attended. She 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.

Cochran was nominated by her daughter, Keandra Cochran who is currently a freshman student at Hedgesville High School. She explains first-hand how dedicated Cochran is daily whether it be face-to-face or online teaching, sometimes using herself as a guinea pig for her mother to create engaging lessons.

Cochran goes above and beyond to make learning fun for her students by using online interactive games, revamping Jenga, creating escape rooms for students, and more.

“She is a student favorite, because she engages students, she makes them think, and she cares for them,” Hedgesville High School Principal Ron Lyons told The Martinsburg Journal. “They care about her, too. It’s awesome to see the impact a teacher can have on the students.”

Based on her nomination, Cochran is a leader, mentor, and advocate for her students. “She was the original dance sponsor for five years, even though she doesn’t dance, so the girls could have a team,” states Keandra. “She has a giving nature and uses it for the betterment of her students and school.”

Cochran told Ainsley Hall at The Martinsburg Journal, “It means people are recognizing me for what I’m doing, so I guess I’m doing something right.”

Whether it is helping a student start a club, going to games and recitals, or walking with a student on seniors’ night so they are not alone, Cochran has built life-long relationships with her students through dedication and compassion.

WVPB Drops In On Pleasants County 'Above And Beyond' Winner

Dustin Bell, a STEAM and social studies teacher at Pleasants County Middle School, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Above and Beyond Award for October, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Dustin Bell, a STEAM and social studies teacher at Pleasants County Middle School, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for October, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.

Bell was presented the award in front of the student body, Assistant Principal Tyrell Childers, Superintendent Mike Wells, and his wife Amanda Bell during an exhilarating pumpkin drop event organized by Bell himself. He received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The award is sponsored by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program in the Mountain State.

The pumpkin drop has been a tradition for Pleasants County Middle School for multiple years, led by Bell and two other STEAM teachers. Previously the pumpkins were dropped from the roof, and participation was limited to STEAM classes. However, in recent years, participation has opened to all students, and due to collaboration with Luminant, the experience has been amplified with a crane. Luminant representative Tim Ansell was helping with pumpkin clean up and stated that Luminant has been a partner in education for three years. They gladly help reserve the crane and donate snacks for the students.

The pumpkin drop is one example of many to support why Dustin Bell earned the Above and Beyond award for October. His lessons and activities are engaging, innovative, and fun for students. In Childers nomination for Bell, he listed lessons and projects that included woodworking, telegraphs, hot air balloons, and a Zombie Map. For example, to assess map skills, students are presented with a prompt that Zombies have taken over Pleasants County, and they are tasked with designing a new settlement using map skills they have learned in the classroom.

Bell also enjoys woodworking and incorporated this in his STEAM classes by teaching students the basics of working with wood and basic tools. Students are given choices of plans created by Bell, including a birdhouse, flower box, small chest, and a plant shelf. Bell feels that learning these hands-on skills is crucial for students and their future career choices or helping them in their own homes.

This year Bell is going Above and Beyond by encouraging students to be involved in the community by starting the Good Citizen Project. This project shows the importance of community service and how to be a good citizen. Some students picked up trash around their neighborhood, volunteered at the animal shelter, assisted an elderly neighbor, and one student cleaned leaves and trash out of their neighboring nursing home’s flower beds. Next year, Bell plans on coordinating with community members and organizations to provide a variety of projects students can choose from to practice being a good citizen.

Bell is passionate about his students and teaching them skills they can use for a lifetime. When asked what he loves most about his job, he said his students are what he loves most. “Seeing students out in public, having them come to me bursting with excitement about some news in their life, and seeing them grow from young, Minecraft obsessed little kids to amazing, fully functional adults. It is inspiring and what keeps me going on those days when I can tell it’s a full moon without even looking.”