BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Leadership Academy, a program that offers local residents a chance to learn more about the organizations that shape the community, welcomed six new graduates in 2021: Scott Randall, Andi Cartier, Amy McMillan, Soran Jenkins, Carter Curry and Buck Edwards. This year’s academy spanned 10 weeks and offered 30 hours of class time. Organizer Dr. Joseph Reed said there were dozens presenters for this year’s program.

“The 72 presenters from Upshur County graciously shared their responsibilities and talents virtually with the six regular participants, highlighting elected office responsibilities and the functions of volunteer groups,” Reed said. “Several behind-the-scenes individuals were key to success, including Rich Clemens, Josh Stump, Jonathan Andrews, Laura Meadows and Ralston Press. Create Buckhannon was the official sponsor.”

The keynote speaker for the graduation of the Leadership Academy was 2021 West Virginia Teacher of the Year Erin Anderson from Tennerton Elementary School. Reed said the originator of the Leadership Academy from 2010 and 2011, David Taylor, presented graduates with their certificates.

Reed announced the Leadership Academy 2021 in January and said it would offer Upshur County residents a unique opportunity to learn more about Buckhannon and Upshur County governmental entities as well as how organizations in the area work. He said the reasoning for organizing the academy was so people will learn more about the workings of local government and get involved more in the community. During previous Leadership Academy sessions, folks became more involved in community activities and attended area meetings to share their ideas.