High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Four Wood County Technical Center Agricultural Sciences students returned from the West Virginia State FFA Career Development Event having earned first place in their competitions. Sophomore Kloey Miller and freshmen Neil Arnold and Morgan Wicker, who are all in the Intro to Agriculture class, and junior Addison Haines, who is in the science of agriculture and animal production courses, were awarded first place for agronomy. The last time a group from the technical center came home from the event with a first place was 2005. “I challenged them to try to end that 20-year drought, and these students really took that to heart.” Agricultural Education Instructor Ben Goff said. “Because I think every one of them has been frustrated at some point, tired, burned out, and they’d come back the next day and just hit it again.” Congratulations to this group of young people who certainly rose to the challenge.

* Parkersburg South High School art teacher Abbie Burge has been awarded the second of two 2025 Janet Frazier Awards, through Artsbridge. Burge is the kind of teacher who thinks beyond the classroom, and, as one of her nominators put it, it shows. “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.” Congratulations on doing such important work for our kids AND our communities.

* Washington County has become the first county in Ohio to recognize 911 dispatchers as first responders — a testament to the life-saving work these folks do for the rest of us. “For far too long, 911 dispatchers have worked behind the scenes — calmly guiding people through their darkest moments — without the recognition or support given to traditional first responders,” said Douglas Moore, 911 director. “We’re proud that Washington County, the first county established in Ohio, is also the first to step forward and give 911 Telecommunicators the respect they deserve.” Now let us hope the rest of the state follows Washington County’s example.