Editor’s Note: My Buckhannon freelance writer Lily Hicks writes each month about her experience participating in the 2025-2026 class of Leadership Upshur, a professional development program designed for individuals who live or work in and around Upshur County, West Virginia.
I recently had the chance to dive into something I’d been looking forward to for a while — my very first session of Leadership Upshur.
For those who aren’t familiar, Leadership Upshur is a nine-month professional program for people living or working in Upshur County. The seminar is a great chance for aspiring community leaders to strengthen their abilities, enhance community engagement and build professional networks.
Going into it, I expected to learn a little more about the community and maybe meet some new people, but by the end of the day I realized I was seeing Upshur County with fresh eyes.
We started the morning at Creamy Delicious Donuts & Diner. There’s nothing quite like hot coffee, good conversation and a donut to set the tone for the day. We talked about our assigned reading, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which I’ve actually been enjoying more than I expected. It was the perfect way to ease into the program, with the right mix of reflection and caffeine.
From there, we spent time with Create Buckhannon at the community garden. I’d always known about Festival Fridays and little improvements that pop up around town, but hearing firsthand how it all comes together through grassroots energy gave me a deeper appreciation. It reminded me that a handful of people with vision and persistence can make a big impact.
Later, we explored downtown Buckhannon with a public art scavenger hunt. I walk Main Street all the time, but slowing down to notice murals, historic details and hidden gems made me realize how much I usually overlook. It’s funny how something you pass every day can suddenly feel brand new when you take the time to really see it.
Lunch at Whistle Stop Bar & Grill gave us a chance to sit down, relax and really get to know each other. This might have been one of my favorite parts of the day. There’s something energizing about being in a room with other professionals who are all here for the same reason: to grow, connect and contribute to the community.
The afternoon was a mix of eye-opening and inspiring stops. We toured the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility, where I was struck by the compassion of the staff who are doing so much with limited resources. Then we visited the Upshur County Regional Airport, which I’ll admit I had never thought much about before. I had no idea how significant a role it plays in emergency services or that it attracts people from across the country.
We ended the day on the trail with Upshur County Trails, walking the “Mountaineer Mile,” a statewide campaign designed to encourage Mountain State residents to get more active. After such a packed schedule, it felt good to stretch our legs, breathe in some fresh air and hear about the volunteers making those trails possible.
By the time I got home, I felt both tired and energized in the best way. I learned things about Upshur County that I’d never really noticed before, even though I live here. I met new people, made connections and walked away feeling proud of this place I call home.
If the first session was this good, I can only imagine what’s ahead. I’m already counting down the days to session 2 (and yes, I’ll be keeping up with our book along the way).
