At the 37th Annual Educational Partners Luncheon held at West Virginia University in Parkersburg on Tuesday, Wood County high school students were asked to choose whether to put their hands on their heads or on their tails and made the wrong choice. We are waiting for a virtual coin toss to eliminate the student who did this. (Photo courtesy of Douglas Huxley)
PARKERSBURG — “When you go to school every day, when you go to work every day, for a teacher or a principal or a salesperson, you have a choice to make. You can decide how you want to spend your day.” Jill Parsons, president and CEO of the Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce, spoke during the Heads and Tails game Tuesday at the 37th Annual Partners in Education (PIE) Luncheon at West Afterward, he told a group of students, teachers, administrators, and business professionals. University of Virginia Parkersburg.
The luncheon will celebrate the partnership through activities such as: “Heads or tails?” It's a game of choices in both school and life, and we recognize all the partnerships local businesses have with schools throughout Wood County.
“We can see that companies place importance on education.” said Wood County Board of Education Commissioner Ron Tice. “They care about education and scholarship.”
The program was first launched in 1985 and interest is growing with 11 new partnerships announced and 24 awaiting enrollment. Bert Webb, Partner In Education program coordinator, said this is surprising because he has seen other counties only get four or five new programs each year.
“This region has a lot to be proud of.” Webb said. “Thank you very much for your participation.”
Gihon elementary school student Lucas Rupenthal and Cox Family Pharmacy employee Vicki Dennison attended Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jill Dennison on Tuesday at West Virginia University in Parkersburg. Waiting for Mr. Parsons to announce the winner of Heads and Tails. (Photo courtesy of Douglas Huxley)
Parsons said the partnership is intended to be a long-term relationship where businesses volunteer their time and resources to local schools. These include Tri-State Roofing's partnerships with Kanawha Elementary School, United Bank, Greenmont Elementary School, West Virginia Central Federal Credit Union and Edison Middle School. This could include science fair judging, career coaching and other engagement activities, she said. The school also explores creative ways to give back to its partner companies through projects and awards.
“Maybe you have the opportunity to do a beautification project at your business partner's workplace. Come and plant some flowers. Or, if it's in the medical field, do a little favor for patients or patients. Sometimes they even make get-well cards for our clients.” Parsons said. “There are always different ways schools can get creative to contribute.”
Wood County Schools Superintendent Christy Willis said these partnerships have helped the district in many ways. She said the goal of administrators, teachers and students is to have the best school district in the state and one that these businesses can be proud to partner with.
“We both need that partnership to be successful.” Willis told the business experts in the room. “We really appreciate everything you do for our students and we are so grateful.”
If you are interested in becoming a partner, please contact the Chamber at info@movchamber.org or call 304-422-3588.
“And we start having that conversation with them.” Parsons said.
