This year, two commissions used the CCAWV essay contest as an opportunity to get out and interact with their communities. Commissioners took time to speak with the students and explain their role in county government. Everyone benefitted from the exchange – students had a unique learning opportunity, and commissioners got to give back to their communities. Below, we’ve highlighted two outstanding examples of commissioners in action.

Monongalia County Commission Connects with Students Through Essay Contest

The Monongalia County Commission not only encouraged students in their county to participate in CCAWV’s essay contest, they sponsored a contest within the county to give students two chances to win. The winning students were then invited to attend a commission meeting and served as Guest Commissioners. In addition to receiving checks ($150 for the first place student, Elyse Moser, and teacher,  $100 for the second place student, Danielle Neely, and  $50 for the third place student, Madeline Wright), they were treated to pizza and recognition at the commission meeting on May 7th.

This is the first year the commission sponsored the contest. They received an impressive 45 entries from three schools.“It worked out well that we have a winner from each of the schools that participated.We hope we made this day one to remember by students, parents and others who were able to attend. We invited Elyse, Danielle and Madeline to participate in our meeting and serve as Guest Commissioners”, said Bill Bartolo, President of the Monongalia County Commission.  The commission hopes to expand the program next year. CCAWV extends congratulations to the winners of the contest, and hopes other counties will look to Monongalia as an example of excellent community engagement!

Wetzel County Commission Engages Students

Last month, we profiled the work the Wetzel County Commission had done, reaching out to students in their county and promoting the CCAWV essay contest.  They gave some good tips for commissions who might want to follow their example next year.

•Begin by reaching out to school principals or teachers

•Set up a time to speak with students

•Break up presentation  - each commissioner spoke for a short time about their roles and duties

•Bring handouts! CCAWV has an informational brochure about the duties of West Virginia’s County Commissioners that can be handed out to students.

First Place Essay – Madeline Wright (Mountaineer Middle School, Monongalia County)

Second Place Essay – Jaiden Courrier (Keyser Middle School, Mineral County)

Third Place Essay – Logan Clingerman (Westwood Middle School, Monongalia County)