West Virginia - Wild and Wonderful

About West Virginia

West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.

Business

West Virginia is full of opportunity for any business with a growing economy and a highly dedicated workforce. Whether you are running an existing business or thinking of starting a new business you can find all of the information you need throughout this business section.

Education

West Virginia is fortunate to have a tremendous education system with a high standard of excellence. Please use the information provided here to learn more about the wealth of educational opportunities in our great state.

Employment

West Virginia is home to one of the finest workforces in the country based on our hard work and commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for new job opportunities, enhancing your job skills or researching future employment trends you can find all of the information you need throughout this employment section.

Family

West Virginia offers the perfect balance of a rural and urban setting that suits a variety of lifestyles. This is a state where you can go whitewater rafting in the morning, go to an art exhibit in the afternoon and attend a concert in the evening. Whether you just moved to the Mountain State or your family has been here since it was founded, you are part of our community.

Health

Maintaining proper health is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible. West Virginia strives to provide one of the best health care systems in the country that is affordable and available to all residents of the state. This section contains numerous resources to assist you in accessing the health care services provided in the state.

Tourism

Exhilarate in the lasting beauty and natural wonder scattered throughout West Virginia. From unmatched outdoor recreation to world-class resorts, breathtaking scenery and a variety of cultural and historic attractions, West Virginia is an ideal spot to plan your next adventure. Discover for yourself what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful.

 Governor, First Lady Recognize Top Science Teacher 

10/29/2008 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin and First Lady Gayle Manchin today officially recognized Mount View High School science teacher Edward Evans for being named the Discovery Education and 3M “America’s Top Science Teacher” earlier this month. Evans is a resident of Welch in McDowell County.

On Oct. 5-6, 10 students and five teachers were challenged to defy gravity, bend light and more at the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge (YSC) finals at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center located near Washington. Presented with multiple rounds of space-themed challenges, students and teachers were evaluated by a panel of judges on their science skills and their ability to share scientific knowledge with others both in-person and on-camera.

Edwards recreated one of the science challenges for the governor at the state capitol, before being presented a special recognition certificate by the governor and first lady. This is the 10th year for the YSC, but the first year for the teacher awards. To enter the competition, teachers were challenged to make their own videos explaining space-related concepts. 

“You have to have a passion for what you’re teaching so that the children you influence are inspired and share in that passion,” said Gov. Manchin. “Only through that excitement can we expect our young minds to become interested and motivated to learn more. Our best teachers love what they do so much that they inspire their students every day. Edward Evans is that kind of teacher, and he has been recognized nationally for his efforts.”

Steve Paine, West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, said it is vital that we prepare students for their future. “Teachers like Ed Evans are making a difference in students’ lives,” Paine said. “He is innovative and creative and expects his students to achieve at high levels. He is a wonderful role model for all West Virginia teachers.”

As part of his award by Discovery and 3M, Evans won a $5,000 cash prize and the Discovery Education video-based learning products for his classroom, as well as numerous products from 3M to be used throughout the school year at Mount View High School.

Contact Information

Jama Jarrett or Melvin Smith 
304-558-2000