Whether it be through their astute ability to make the most of any situation, awe-inspiring passion for helping others or abundant love of community, true leaders are easy to spot. As we introduce the newest class of Young Guns, we see in them each of these qualities, along with a desire to push the state of West Virginia forward on a trajectory of continued success and lasting prosperity.
A commitment to service and a sense of patriotism are often byproducts of living in West Virginia. Mountaineers are loyal and selfless, and it is no surprise that these values draw in defense industry companies dedicated to creating and maintaining apparatus for the U.S. military and its allies.
Education has been a hot topic across West Virginia over the last several years. Issues such as strikes, charter schools and the impact of COVID-19 on our students have garnered the attention of many. Now the state is facing a new challenge as many turn their attention to the issue of teacher shortages on the rise.
Mountaineers take their winter sports seriously. Although West Virginia is no stranger to the blazing heat and humidity of summer, this four-season state knows how to indulge in the winter activities coinciding with cooler temperatures and snowfall, which is why six West Virginia organizations have made it their mission to provide access to the great outdoors when the weather is frosty. From snowboarding and skiing to snowmobiling, tubing and ice skating, locals and visitors alike will never find themselves at a loss for fun, snowy adventures.
Home to the state’s Capital City, Kanawha County is the very heart and soul of West Virginia. To keep up with its fast-paced, bustling way of life, the most populated county in the state is continuously expanding its horizons through exciting new technological, economic, recreational and
educational developments with the goal of bringing the community together like never before.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Clarksburg, WV, lies a state-of-the-art, high-tech hub that most West Virginians know little about. The hub houses the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division and is central to combatting crime and terrorism—playing a critical role in helping strengthen national security.