Parsons, WV – Commissioner Diane Hinkle issued a proclamation recognizing May 10th as National Service Recognition Day in Lewisburg, West Virginia. She joined more than 2,000 county officials and mayors across the country in a nationwide initiative to highlight the impact of national service in tackling local problems.
Each year, more than 3,200 individuals volunteer in West Virginia as national service members through AmeriCorps State and National, Volunteers In Service to America (VISTA) and Senior Corps programs. The Education Alliance’s STEM Network Schools program uses VISTA volunteers to support Tucker County Schools.
Tucker County High School was selected to become a model STEM school through the STEM Network Schools program. STEM Network Schools incorporate best practices in STEM education and the scientific design principles that positively impact student achievement. The STEM Coordinator VISTA has helped the school develop a Makerspace, launch an introduction to STEM course, and provide advanced STEM courses through Project Lead the Way.
“National Service makes a tremendous impact on our state to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement,” said Dr. Amelia Courts, President and CEO of The Education Alliance. “The Education Alliance is thankful for the AmeriCorps members whose service provides West Virginia students with a bright future and ensures they have the skills needed to be competitive in a 21st century job market.”
The Mayor and County Day of Recognition for National Service is a nationwide bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in counties, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities. The day is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, and Cities of Service.
“I am proud to be working with Tucker County to continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “County officials and mayors are leaders who get things done. They know first-hand the value of national service in tackling local problems. I commend Commissioner Diane Hinkle for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”
As the federal agency for service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages millions of Americans in service at more than 50,000 locations through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs. National service participants address the most pressing challenges facing our counties and nation, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to preserving the environment and helping communities recover from natural disasters.
“National service shows the best of the American spirit – people turning toward problems instead of away, working together to find community solutions. Today, as we thank national service members for their commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to strengthen our communities through service and volunteering” said Commissioner Hinkle
For more information including background and a list of participating county officials and mayors, visit NationalService.gov/RecognitionDay.
