High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* There’s something special about high school sports programs in the Mid-Ohio Valley — that’s no secret. But the Wood County Board of Education had an opportunity last week to recognize the accomplishments of local teams who live up to the nearly impossible high precedent that has been set for them. Parkersburg High School’s girls’ basketball team won the Class AAAA state championship this year. They did it in a final game against Parkersburg South, which subsequently was named runner-up. Williamstown High School girls’ basketball also finished as a runner-up in the Class AA final. The PHS girls’ swim team was runner-up at the West Virginia High School State Swim Meet. PHS, Williamstown and South all did quite well this season. And this is just one county! There are storied programs and exceptional talent throughout the valley. “Wood County is beyond blessed to have this kind of amazing talent here,” Willis said. “And when you all come in, do what you did tonight, think about these elementary and middle school kids who look up to you, because they want to be a Big Red, they want to be a Patriot, they want to be a Yellowjacket and carry all that tradition. So thank you all for being here tonight.” Winning isn’t everything, it’s true. But when you can add athletic exceptionalism to the high academic standards met by students in our region’s schools, Willis is right. We are beyond blessed.

* Speaking of traditions, spring Easter celebrations will take place tomorrow at both Parkersburg South and PHS. Things get started at 5 p.m. on the front lawn at South, with performances from the band and choir, snacks, food trucks and activities offered by the National Honor Society, senior class and Student Council. A hunt for more than 7,000 Easter eggs will start at 6 p.m., followed by giveaways of baskets, bikes and other prizes. The Easter bunny will make an appearance there, as well as in the horseshoe at Parkersburg High School, where the annual spring Easter celebration starts at 5:30 p.m. It will feature an egg hunt, crafts, face painting, cookies and entertainment from Wood County Schools music groups. For years, these events have brought joy (maybe even a couple of new bicycles!) to local children and families, as they are sure to do again this year.