Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg, speaks during the Skilled Trades Scholarship signing ceremony at Constellium in Ravenswood that highlighted the partnership’s impact and the support available to students. (Photo provided)

Six students have been selected in the latest class of the Constellium Skilled Trades Scholarship Program.

They were recognized June 5 at the annual Skilled Trades Signing Ceremony at Constellium in Ravenswood. The event celebrated the students’ selection into the highly competitive program and featured remarks from Constellium leadership, WVU Parkersburg President Torie Jackson and Dr. Chris Treadway, vice chancellor of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, before students officially signed scholarship agreements.

The Class of 2026 is Matthew Balis, Jake Roberts, Benjamin Redman, Landyn Keefer, Christian Lyons and Levi Boyce.

“Students earn a two-year associate degree and begin their careers with Constellium after graduation,” Brian McCallie, vice president of operations at Constellium Ravenswood, said. “It’s a win for students, a win for families and a win for Constellium because we’re developing local talent while creating opportunities for young people to build successful careers close to home.”

The Skilled Trades Scholarship Program is a partnership between Constellium and WVU Parkersburg that provides scholarships to selected students pursuing an Associate Science degree in either Multi-Craft Technology or Reliability and Maintenance Technology. After completing their associate degree, students commit to employment with Constellium as part of the scholarship requirements.

Levi Boyce, center, signs into the Skilled Trades Scholarship Program at Constellium in Ravenswood. Joining him are Brian McCallie, vice president of operations at Constellium Ravenswood, left, and WVU Parkersburg President Torie Jackson, right. (Photo provided)

Now in its seventh year, the program attracts applicants from across the region through a competitive selection process that includes applications and interviews. Students’ graduate debt-free and enter the workforce with a secured position at Constellium, helping strengthen West Virginia’s skilled workforce and retain talent in the state.

“What these students are signing up for today deserves every bit of the recognition we give to athletic signings,” Treadway said. “They are committing to careers in advanced manufacturing, strengthening West Virginia’s workforce and helping build the future of an industry that is already contributing to historic achievements, including NASA’s Artemis missions.”

Jackson spoke of the value of the partnership and the support available to students throughout their educational journeys.

“At WVU Parkersburg, we’re proud to provide students with the education, support and industry connections they need to succeed,” Jackson said. “Partnerships like this demonstrate what is possible when education and industry work together to create opportunities for students and strengthen our communities.”

For recipients, in addition to the financial support, the scholarship provides a path from education to employment in a high-demand industry.

From left: Brian McCallie, vice president of operations at Constellium Ravenswood, and students Jake Roberts, Landyn Keefer, Levi Boyce, Matthew Balis, Benjamin Redman and Christian Lyons pose with WVU Parkersburg President Torie Jackson during the Skilled Trades Scholarship signing ceremony at Constellium in Ravenswood. (Photo provided)

“I wasn’t originally planning to go to college, but this opportunity changed that,” Lyons, an electrical student, said.”It opens a lot of career paths for me, and I’m excited about attending WVU Parkersburg and beginning a career with Constellium.”

Keefer also highlighted the opportunity to remain close to home while pursuing an education and future career.

“This is an incredible opportunity, and the signing ceremony made the accomplishment feel even more rewarding,” Keefer, also in the electrical pathway, said. “WVU Parkersburg is close to home and has the kind of environment where I feel I can succeed, and I’m excited to follow in the footsteps of family members who have built careers at Constellium.”

Wesleyan announces honor rolls

West Virginia Wesleyan College at Buckhannon has announced its Spring President’s and Provost lists.

Sommer

President’s List is composed of students who earned a 4.0 for the semester while completing at least 12 semester hours with no incomplete grades: Marimo Akita, Parkersburg, senior; Nicholas Knox, Ravenswood senior; Julia McCoy, Ravenswood senior; Michlynn Morris, Sistersville, sophomore; Mason Nichols, Sistersville senior; Whitley Patterson, Pennsboro, sophomore; Faith Yoho, New Martinsville senior.

Students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the semester, while completing at least 12 semester hours with no incomplete grades are eligible for the Provost’s List: Linsie Asher, Belmont, sophomore; Christopher Copen, Belpre, junior; Meredith Cottrell, Elizabeth, senior; Abigail Deaton, Palestine, freshman; Micah Evans, St. Marys, junior; Ronald Greer, Ripley, sophomore; Jacqualin Leaman, Parkersburg, senior; LouMasi Lott, Walker, senior; Olivia Raber, Parkersburg, senior; Rae Rupert, Pennsboro, sophomore; Mary Sebring, Caldwell, senior.

McCoy receives nurse’s pin

Julia McCoy, class of 2026, of Ravenswood, received her bachelor of science in nursing on May 8 during the West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing Convocation and Pinning Ceremony.

Strobl on College of Charleston Spring 2026 President’s List

Maisey

Claire Strobl of Williamstown, was named to the College of Charleston (S.C.) Spring 2026 President’s List. Strobl is majoring in Geology.

To qualify for the President’s List (Highly Distinguished), students must earn a GPA of 3.800 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.

Locals receive honors at ChalleNGe Academy

KINGWOOD – Two local graduates among the 86 in Class 66 of the West Virginia National Guard’s Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy have graduated with awards.

They are: Cadet Timothy Sommer of Spencer, son of Clifton and Wonda Sommer of Spencer, with the Adjutant General’s Award For Academic Excellence and Cadet Brayden Maisey of New Martinsville, son of Brian Maisey and Brandi Ness of New Martinsville, with the “Iron Mike” Award For Physical Fitness.

The academy trains and mentors selected at-risk youth to become contributing members of society using a quasi-military environment during a 22-week residential and one-year post-residential follow-up program.

Holl graduates from Ohio Wesleyan

Rainer Holl of Williamstown graduated May 9, 2026, from Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware with a bachelor of arts majoring in health and human kinetics and psychology.

Fenton on Baldwin Wallace List

Tyler Fenton of Williamstown, a graduate of Williamstown High School, majoring in sport management and business administration, has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester at Baldwin Wallace University at Berea, Ohio.

The Dean’s List recognizes students who earn a grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more graded hours during the semester.