Bridging public awareness to the office of County Commissioner

For the second year in a row, a promising young student from Ming o County won the CCAWV Essay Contest. A panel of Judges read scores of submissions before selecting Aerianna McClannahan's thoughtfully written piece. Aerianna McClannahan wowed the judging panel with her impressive vocabulary and deep understanding of county government. This isn't the only honor Aerianna has garnered in recent months - she was also chosen to represent Mingo County at this year's weeklong West Virginia Ambassadors Camp.

CCAWV Executive Director Vivian Parsons traveled to Williamson to personally present Aerianna and her teacher, Tonya Slone, with a certificate of recognition and cash prizes ($300 each for the lucky student and for her teacher). In a ceremony conducted at the Mingo County Courthouse, Vivian explained the judging process and congratulated Aerianna on behalf of the County Commissioners' Association. Aerianna then read her essay to the crowd assembled and answered questions for the local newspaper. Mingo County Commissioner Greg "Hootie" Smith praised the young wordsmith and thanked the County Commissioners' Association for sponsoring the contest. He announced that her essay will be posted in the courthouse as a way to educate others about county government. He also asked if she would be willing to return to Burch Middle School to read her essay to the younger students and share her passion for local government. Half-jokingly, he turned to Aerianna's younger brothers who were in attendance.

"You've got some big shoes to fill," he warned. The County Commissioners' Association would like to thank all the students who participated in the contest, and congratulate Aerianna once again for her fine work.