Parkersburg South High School teacher Abbie Burge, left, was presented with the Janet Frazier Award for Excellence by Artsbridge Executive Director Lindsay Dennis. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — A Parkersburg South High School teacher was awarded the Janet Frazier Award for Excellence presented by Artsbridge on Tuesday.

Abbie Burge, a PSHS teacher, was awarded the second of two 2025 Janet Frazier Awards.

Burge has been teaching for 20 years through Wood County. She’s spent 17 of those years as an art educator at Parkersburg South and got her start at Edison Middle School. She is a graduate of Glenville State College. Burge is involved in many school activities including Fine Arts Department Head, Junior Class Sponsor, Prom Coordinator, Wood Whispers School Editor, National Honor Society Selection Committee, and Edison Volleyball Coach.

When asked to talk about herself, Burge said “I love to work with my students on community art activities. For the past four years, we have volunteered at Point Park to paint murals on the floodwall. Last summer, students volunteered to help paint the Southwood Pool mural, too. We are hoping to complete work at Point Park and City Park this summer.

“I also have a passion for teaching teachers through workshops and conferences. My hobbies include watercolor and mural painting, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and my two cats,” Burge said.

“Thanks so much to Luke Frazier, Artsbridge, and my coworkers for being so incredibly supportive.”

When nominating a teacher, individuals are asked to provide examples of the nominee’s exemplary teaching. One such quote regarding Burge read, “Her commitment extends beyond the classroom into the community. She has played a pivotal role in multiple city beautification projects in Parkersburg, taking on the significant task of organizing and supervising student participation. This initiative not only enriched the community but also empowered five of her students to confidently apply for their own space at the prestigious Artist’s Alley Mural Event – a testament to the lasting impact of her guidance.”

This award, which is named for one of Frazier’s grandmothers, honors his own experience with influential teachers who have inspired and impacted his career.

Artsbridge awards two teachers annually who are nominated as outstanding fine arts educators. Each teacher will receive $1,000 for their classrooms. Additionally, two graduating seniors planning to attend college for an arts related degree are awarded scholarships through Frazier’s fund. Those students will be announced soon.