Excerpt from Tori’s essay…”While researching our county government, I came across some basic needs that Mingo County supplies that kids, including me, do not recognize. Our county government supplies essential services such as water, sanitation, waste management, and emergency services…I would like to say thank you to my Mingo County government for all they do to ensure well-being for our youth although it often goes unnoticed. Research on
county government has given me a new appreciation for all that it does.” Tori’s complete Essay will be posted to the CCAWV website.

“One of CCAWV’s goals is to increase information and public awareness about county government. As an initiative of this goal we are excited to partner with West Virginia educators to encourage students to learn and write about their county government,” says Vivian Parsons, Executive Director. “All the entries we received were creative and interesting; it was very difficult to pick just one winner!”

In the annual contest’s first year, CCAWV received 130 entries from fifteen different counties! While there is only one monetary award, the essays were so good, we've decided to also recognize 2nd and 3rd place with an honorable mention and they will receive a CCAWV backpack and portfolio. Placing 2nd is Mr. Justin Huffman, Mountain View School, Monroe County and placing 3rd is Miss Carlie Dickens, Braxton Middle School, Braxton County. CCAWV would like to thank the students and their teachers for participating and making our contest a huge success. All participants, who included return addresses on their entry, will receive a certificate of participation from the Commissioners’ Association.