PARKERSBURG — Two students from Wood and Wirt counties have received the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars award worth up to $40,000.

Allison Davis from Parkersburg High School and Gavin Nichols from Wirt County High School are among the 27 incoming freshmen who will receive the scholarship when they begin their studies in the fall.

Davis will be studying elementary education at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Nichols will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State University.

The 27 students are the West Virginia’s fourth group of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars. The scholarship is worth up to $10,000 per year, $40,000 total, for their college education as they prepare to pursue careers as teachers in West Virginia.

“The Underwood Smith Teaching Scholars Program is one of the most important scholarships offered in our state because it provides a pathway to what I believe is the noblest of professions,” said state school Superintendent Michele L. Blatt said. “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and I believe these scholars are pursuing teaching careers because they care about students, and they care about West Virginia.”

The Underwood-Smith award can be combined with other forms of financial aid, such as the Promise Scholarship.

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program through the Higher Education Policy Commission was named the late Govs. Cecil Underwood and Hulett C. Smith. The program helps West Virginia address teacher shortages in math, science, special education and elementary education. Recipients commit to teaching in one of these high-demand fields in West Virginia for at least five years after graduation.

Students also are paired with a practicing classroom teacher mentor who provides guidance throughout their college careers.

Applications also are available for the 2024 group at collegeforwv.com/underwoodsmith for more information.