Cabell County students and staff honored for community service, teaching and athletics

Meadows Elementary Student Council was recognized by Harmony House for a Super Bowl food drive that collected water, canned and boxed food, hygiene items and clothing to assist people experiencing homelessness in Huntington.

The recognition was announced by a district speaker, who called the studentseffort "a really special" example of students turning classroom learning into community impact. Andrea Ramsey, student council sponsor, described the group as "1 of the most inspiring" classes she has worked with. Jackie Woods, interim executive director at Harmony House, told the board: "These kids collected so much stuff for us. It is absolutely every single item that they collected makes a difference in somebody's life every single day."

The board also celebrated a cohort of teachers who earned or renewed National Board Certification. Whitney Stead, academic specialist for Cabell County Schools and a state facilitator for the program, said Cabell County has about 91 national board teachers and that the county is among the top-paying counties in West Virginia that match local pay incentives for certification. The district awards a $2,000 check to teachers who complete certification; the superintendent noted taxes reduce the net amount and that the state offers reimbursement programs.

Separately, Jason Bankston, athletic director at Cabell Midland High School, was named Mountain State Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year. Bankston said the award reflected "the support of the student athletes, the staff, and the community members." Board members invited honorees and families to join a brief celebration and photographs after the meeting.

The recognitions were presented during the board's opening celebrations segment and were procedural, informational items rather than formal actions requiring board vote.