Adelyn Groves is an upcoming Senior at Ripley High School.  She is a
member of the Viking Marching Band and show choir, Phoenix Blue. She believes that one should strive for excellence on and off the performance stage.  In the marching band, she is currently serving as the color guard captain and is on the leadership team.  Adelyn encourages her team to excel while still enjoying being in the band. Not only is she a huge participant in the music department at Ripley High School, she is also an active member of the theater troupe and serves as secretary.  Adelyn is a well rounded individual.  For eight years she has been an active member in the Evans Eagles 4-H club. The 4-H activities she has been deeply involved in include; Calvary United Methodist Church food pantry, contributing food to the Jackson County Animal Shelter, and decorating light posts for the City of Ripley.  To enhance her academic involvement in agriculture she is an active member of the Ripley FFA chapter.  Some of the community service projects she has been involved in with her FFA chapter are conducting a fishing derby for veterans and their families and serving veterans at their annual picnic. Adelyn comes from generations of veterans.  She believes it is important to give back. Each year she has assisted in facilitating the Tunnel to Towers Memorial Race and walking in the Veterans Day parade.  Her FFA Projects include participating in the Jackson County Fair where she has exhibited a market lamb and goat. For years she has participated in the West Virginia American Quarter Horse Association and has earned Premier Showman at the county fair for multiple years. Adelyn is an active member of the Calvary United Methodist Church where she assists in the nursery class and summer vacation bible school. After high school she plans to attend college and major in Biology.  Her goal upon graduation is to attend veterinary school to become a mixed animal vet. She believes that she can be an asset and a resource to her rural community that presently lacks large animal veterinarians. In her free time, Adelyn enjoys dancing, singing, running and spending time with her family. She is the daughter of James Groves of Ripley and Hilary Groves of Ravenswood.

My name is Brenna Bond and I am currently enrolled at Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, West Virginia. During my years at PHS, I have consistently tried to challenge myself both academically and socially. I am active in various clubs and organizations, including Key Club, Diversity Student Union, Student Council, Freshman and Sophomore Cabinets, with president allocation of Junior Cabinet and Junior Class President. Looking ahead, I am excited to further expand my leadership abilities as Key Club President in the 2026-27 school year. Furthermore, I am also a member of the A Capella and Chamber Choirs at Parkersburg High School, all while maintaining a 4.0+ for these 3 years of my high school career. Additionally, I competed in both my school and regional science fairs, earning a spot for representation at the WV State Science Fair in 2024. I take pride in being a Big Red and utilize the leadership, teamwork, and communication skills learned in my years at PHS to expand into my college aspirations, as well as, future opportunities.

In college, I plan to pursue a medical degree with a focus in pediatrics, hoping to use that career to make a positive impact on a patient population that is so deserving. I want to make a difference in children’s lives and my hard work and perseverance will help to prove that. I am committed to growing, not only as a student, but also as a leader and person. Receiving this scholarship would not only mean that I can further my education in a most efficient way, but also to reach forward into the next steps of my dreams becoming reality. This is an honored opportunity allowing me to focus on what’s next for my story and a brightened path for the new opportunities ahead of me. Again, I thank you for your consideration and am blessed to be able to be selected as one of your Top 15.

Hayden Harsanyi is a student at Princeton Senior High School, in 11th grade. She’s been playing varsity volleyball through high school, and she was in the Yearbook Club her sophomore year. Hayden has worked at a daycare for around three years, and she has also volunteered with Amy’s House of Hope, helping families that really need it. On top of that she takes dual-credit college classes, she attends the Mercer County Technical Center, and she’s in the National Technical Honor Society. She’s also earned CPR and Stop the Bleed certifications.

After high school, Hayden plans to study accounting, and she wants to become a forensic accountant in the future. When she gets downtime, she likes taking care of animals, going to the gym, and being outside, like hiking.

My name is Eryn Ashcraft, and I am a junior at Lincoln High School where I maintain a 4.5 GPA. I am a driven student with a passion for health sciences, and I plan to major in nursing. Throughout my years at Lincoln High School, I have actively participated in Student Council, Key Club, National Honor Society, and I will begin the next school year serving as Student Body Treasurer. Through my involvements, I have learned patience and care, specifically while organizing games and food for participants in Field Day with Friends, an event held for Special Education students in my county. While active in these organizations, I have also been a core player of the Lincoln soccer team, demonstrating my commitment to academics, athletics, and community engagement.

I aspire to pursue a degree in nursing, and plan to further specialize in anesthesia, focusing on providing the best care for West Virginians in need. I believe that the life altering WV Scholar Program would be instrumental in achieving my goals, providing the support that will allow me to focus on obtaining a nursing degree and helping to alleviate our state’s nursing shortage. I am committed to applying my knowledge and skills to foster a better future of health care for the people of our great state.

My name is Audra Skidmore, and I am honored to be one of the candidates for the West Virginia Scholar Program. I am the daughter of Robert and Rebecca Lewis-Skidmore. I am going to be a senior at Robert C. Byrd High School in the fall of 2026. I take Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, and honors classes. I have participated in Key Club, Thespians, Student Council, RIZE Club, Fellow Christian Athletes, Young Life, Dream Team, National Honor Society, show choir, school musicals, and now am a new member of the Dance Line. I have served in show choir leadership for two years. I started in the media team and progressed to the Alto One and Soprano Two section leaders, as well as Head Hostess of our yearly competition, Vocal Fest. I am the media chair of RIZE club and was recently elected as historian of the National Honor Society. Outside of school I perform in various dance forms at Altered Productions Institute, take piano lessons at Locasto Piano, keep an active membership at my local 4-H club, and my church youth group. I have always loved the arts and hope to continue performing through college and beyond. Over the summer I plan to volunteer at the United Hospital Center, assist in 4-H’s younger camp, and take part in the Junior Nursing Academy at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
   I am a very determined person, and I always strive to be the best I can be. My hard work and dedication gave me a full scholarship to Show Choir Camps of America in the summer, Best Performer at the first Show Choir competition of the season, All Festival Cast at Thespian Regionals, the Science Achievement award, the honorary Legacy Robe for my contributions to the school musical, and becoming a charter in 4-H. With these experiences, I wish to further my education to become either a pediatrician or a registered nurse/physician’s assistant. I want to dedicate my life to helping others, and I believe that all people deserve compassionate healthcare workers. I am inspired by people who satisfy this need and I strive to be that person. I have looked into Wesleyan and found that service is a high priority, as evident in their scholarship opportunities and highly praised nursing programs. I plan to become a doctor who serves in Doctors Without Borders, or a travel nurse. Community service has always been a key aspect in my life. At my church I help with Friends Feeding Friends and other aid programs to those in need. In 4-H and National Honor Society I have done cancer walks and a bake sale to take down tobacco in West Virginia’s youth. One of my biggest goals in life is to leave the world better than I found it.

My name is Rawyn Fluharty and I am an up and coming senior at Bridgeport High School.

During my high school years so far I have  participated in Spanish honor society, played cello in the BHS orchestra, been a part of both Spanish club and Girl Up club for multiple years, was the International Fair chair, have received both the West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy, and volunteer at the Harrison County Humane Society when I am available. I have also taken multiple ACTs and an SAT. I also currently have a GPA of 4.5.

Over the summer, I will continue my part-time job at the Meadowbrook Mall at Journeys and volunteer at the Humane Society. I am looking forward to my senior year and enjoying the time I have to spend with all of my friends and family around me. I have visited several colleges and I am interested in studying Biology or Environmental Science at Wesleyan.  I love to read and listen to music as well.

Micah Brittain is a senior at Bridgeport High School. During his tenure in high school, Micah enjoyed running on the Cross Country team and playing trombone in marching, concert, and jazz bands. Micah has been honored with top academic achievements each year in high school, including placing at the Harrison County Math Field Day and Quiz Bowl events, being inducted into the Spanish Honor Society, and earning the WV seal of biliteracy in Spanish. In 2025, Micah was honored to become Bridgeport High School Marching Band’s football pep leader, known as “Football Head”. For the past 7 years, he has volunteered for the international Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Bird Banding Program as the lead scribe recording data for hundreds of birds as they are caught and released at the Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area. Micah plans to continue volunteering for the MAPS Program after graduating high school and is excited to become a bobcat at West Virginia Wesleyan College in the Fall of 2027.

Isaac Thompson is a lifelong resident of West Virginia and is currently a junior at Lincoln County High School. Following graduation in the summer of 2027, he plans to pursue higher education, where he hopes to study physics and engineering.

Isaac is a dedicated student who maintains a GPA above 4.4, all while balancing academics with extracurricular activities and his personal interests. He is known for his strong work ethic, determination, and willingness to listen and help others. He is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. He is also enrolled in Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College, allowing for the opportunity to graduate high school with an Associate of Science. Beyond education, his interests include fishing, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

As he prepares for his senior year and the next chapter of life, Isaac looks forward to growing both academically and personally, aiming to foster his success at the college level.

My name is Alexandra Winstead. I am currently 17 years old and go to Musselman high school. As a student, I value leadership, service, and perseverance. Rooted in my Christian faith, I believe serving others with kindness and purpose. Whether through school activities, volunteering, or supporting those around me, I am to reflect these values in my daily life.

My name is Matilda Rodebaugh. I am a dedicated high school student with a passion for biology, psychology, and medicine. I am driven by curiosity, a desire to always learn more, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in my community. Growing up in Summersville, West Virginia has taught me a lot about resilience and resourcefulness, both of which are present in my academic journey and personal character.
I consistently challenge myself in school through advanced classes, and taking on leadership roles including National Honor Society President, team captain of a private baton twirling company, and active member in my church youth group’s community service activities. In these roles, I’ve discovered my passion for collaboration with others, fulfillment of shared goals, and helping my community. My experiences volunteering with the Nicholas County Honor Society and student council strengthened my desire to pursue a career in medicine which will allow me to continue to help the people around me while also creating a career out of it.
I plan to continue my studies in Biology and Psychology, eventually pursuing medicine and becoming a physician. The WV Scholar Program will help me to take the next step toward becoming a strong and capable leader, inspiring others to pursue their own dreams, and creating a lasting difference in my community.

My name is Jacob Reiner, and I am from Belleville, West Virginia. I currently attend Parkersburg South High School, where I am actively involved in the award-winning Patriot Marching Band, new elected officer for National Honor Society, and nationally recognized Student Council. I currently am taking several college level classes to help me prepare for my future. Through these classes and activities, I have developed strong teamwork, leadership, and time management skills.
Outside of school, I have two part time jobs – lifeguarding and mowing yards. My favorite volunteering activity is at our local hospital where I have worked over 250 hours serving others. I have also helped with various service projects like wrapping Christmas presents for families in need, assisting with yard work and cleanup for senior citizens, and helping pack meals during our Great Friday outreach event. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, disc golf and pickle ball. I take pride in being involved in my school and community and am always looking for new ways to make a positive impact.

Amara Caison is a rising senior at Washington High School whose quiet determination and commitment to others define her as a remarkable young leader. She is the type of person that everyone gravitates toward, warm, genuine, and always ready to lift others up.  Deeply rooted in her community, she has volunteered since age eight and serves as the liaison between WHS Key Club and local Kiwanis Clubs.

While working a part-time job Amara also enjoys tutoring elementary students, participating in Day of Caring, and singing as lead alto in her school's Chamber Choir. Amara gives one hundred percent to everything she pursues.

Amara plans to study genetics and biology at West Virginia Wesleyan College, a passion sparked by her younger brother's medical journey. The WV Scholars Program would bring that dream within reach, empowering her to one day support families facing similar challenges with compassion, knowledge, and purpose

My name is William Jarvis and I currently attend the small school of Nicholas County High School. Some of my hobbies include painting, reading, and community service. All of which have allowed me to really discover who I am and what I aspire to do, water it be finding peace to myself, or helping those in my community. I've had a turbulent life from an early age, until I was later adopted by my grandparents. Now I face life moving forward as a hard working student and choose to give back to my community. I work through my school's Student Council and our chapter of National Honor Society to work on projects like helping our local elementary, local events, and improving the quality of our school. I plan to achieve a degree in Philosophy before continuing to Law school to become a criminal defense attorney stationed here in West Virginia. West Virginia is my home, where I was raised, and where I want to make memories for the rest of my life, memories for myself, and memories that will brighten the lives of everyone else living alongside us in the mountain state. Through my profession I plan to help those who have made mistakes in life to achieve the second chance that everyone deserves.

My name is Megan Brown and I am currently a Junior/ Rising Senior at Chapmanville Regional High School. I am currently ranked #1 in my class and hope to eventually become Valedictorian of my graduating class. I have taken numerous AP/Dual credit courses resulting in a weighted GPA of 4.6, I have a rigorous schedule planned for my senior year to challenge myself and to prepare for college.  I am a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and a program at my school called Eagles Nest in which we go to elementary schools and do activities and lessons with younger kids. I was chosen to represent our home state of West Virginia at the 2024 FBI National Associates Youth Leadership Academy in Quantico, Virginia. I attended the eight-day academy with 61 other students from across our country and from around the world, which heavily inspired my career choice for my future.

I volunteer in my community at Chapmanville Little League by coaching players and helping to keep the fields clean. I also play three varsity sports that include Cross Country, Basketball, and Softball.  After graduating high school, I intend on getting a degree in Criminal Justice or Psychology at West Virginia Wesleyan and becoming an FBI agent to help protect the citizens of our country.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship.

Kazlyn Hughart is an ambitious student at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has demonstrated her academic dedication by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.9 throughout high school while taking Advanced Placement classes.
Beyond the classroom, Kazlyn is a majorette, a member of the JROTC program, vice president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, and a member of the chess club. In her free time, she competes in local barrel racing events and works for a grant-funded greenhouse program that grows and harvests fresh vegetables for the Meals on Wheels Program.
Kazlyn enjoys volunteering in her community in ways that make a direct impact on the lives of others. She also works part-time for PNB Case Management, where she helps serve individuals with intellectual disabilities by supporting their access to services and resources within the community.

Kazlyn aspires to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing due to her passion for helping others. She hopes to begin her career in an emergency department, providing care and support to individuals during moments of pain and crisis. Later, she plans to continue her education and become a flight nurse.

This scholarship and educational opportunity would provide Kazlyn with access to a high-quality education at a prestigious institution that she may not otherwise be able to attend. With her strong academic record, dedication to service, and commitment to healthcare, Kazlyn is well prepared to make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession and the communities she serves.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, please let me know if there is anything further you need.