BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – WVU Tech’s Downtown Beckley campus served as the host venue for a Communities in Schools event on Wednesday which saw $50,000 go to state schools.
In conjunction with the United Way of Central West Virginia and West Virginia Department of Education, the Ball Toyota Family of Dealerships presented a $500,000 donation for local schools in an event featuring multiple distinguished speakers.
Among those to speak at the event were WVU Tech President, T. Ramon Stuart, who spoke of his own beginnings in McDowell County and implored the continuation of collaboration and teamwork in helping West Virginia students achieve their goals.
“Let’s keep reaching for the skies, and let’s keep working together with the Ball family; with K-12; with higher education; so that we can ensure that we meet young people where they are, he said. “But most importantly, to help them go to places they never dreamed of going.”
Ball Toyota President, Shawn Ball was also present at the event to present checks for the donated funds and to address those in attendance. Ball highlighted the significance of isolating the specific needs of children throughout the state in their efforts to contribute to education throughout the Mountain State.
“Identifying these needs is very important. We’re doing this because we see the need,” Ball said. “We have to start with the kids.”
First Lady Cathy Justice, who took up Communities in Schools as her primary initiative back in 2017, spoke on Wednesday of a desire to encourage students and young people across the state to pursue their dreams.
“We want every child to know that they can do everything that they want,” said the First Lady. “We want to be proud of them; we want to make sure that they have what they need to be successful.”
Shady Spring High School, one recipient of donations presented at the event, commended those involved for their belief and investment in the next generation, stating,
“We are so grateful for the vision of the Ball Family, the United Way, WVU Tech, Communities in Schools, and the WVDE as they continue to partner with our schools to invest in the next generation of WV graduates. Thank you for your support of our students, teachers, schools, and communities!”
For more information on First Lady Cathy Justice’s Communities in Schools initiative, visit the Communities in Schools website.
