This month, the Mid-Ohio Valley has much to celebrate. From student triumphs in agriculture to a beloved art teacher being recognized for her community work, and 911 dispatchers finally getting the respect they deserve, these stories highlight the spirit, dedication, and progress shaping our communities.
Wood County Ag Students Break a 20-Year FFA Drought
Four Wood County Technical Center Agricultural Sciences students brought home first-place honors in agronomy at the West Virginia State FFA Career Development Event — the first time a local group has done so since 2005.
Sophomore Kloey Miller and freshmen Neil Arnold and Morgan Wicker, all from the Intro to Agriculture class, were joined by junior Addison Haines, who studies animal production and science of agriculture. Together, they rose to the top in their field and made their school proud.
Agricultural Education Instructor Ben Goff challenged the students to end the two-decade drought, and they did just that. “I think every one of them has been frustrated at some point, tired, burned out,” Goff said. “But they’d come back the next day and just hit it again.”
Their perseverance and commitment paid off in the best way possible. Congratulations to these young future leaders in agriculture!
Parkersburg South’s Abbie Burge Wins Prestigious Artsbridge Award
Abbie Burge, a dedicated art teacher at Parkersburg South High School, has been awarded the second Janet Frazier Award for 2025 by Artsbridge. This prestigious recognition honors teachers who go beyond classroom instruction to leave a meaningful impact on students and the community.
Burge’s influence extends well beyond her school walls. She’s played a vital role in multiple beautification efforts across Parkersburg. Under her guidance, students have taken active roles in public art initiatives — most notably, the Artist’s Alley Mural Event, where five of her students earned their own mural spaces.
“Her commitment extends beyond the classroom into the community,” one nominator noted. “She empowers students to express themselves through public art, instilling confidence and creativity.”
Her work shows how powerful education can be when it connects students to their surroundings, their voices, and their futures.
Washington County Recognizes 911 Dispatchers as First Responders
In a groundbreaking move, Washington County, Ohio, has officially become the first county in the state to recognize 911 dispatchers as first responders. The designation is a long-overdue nod to the crucial role dispatchers play in emergency situations.
“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, the county’s 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.”
This official recognition not only acknowledges their life-saving work but also opens the door for greater support, benefits, and resources for dispatchers.
Let’s hope Washington County sets a precedent for others to follow across Ohio — and the nation.
