BUCKHANNON— The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) identifies enlistment, employment and enrollment as the three E’s of post-secondary preparedness for graduates. Across the state, high school students are participating in the enlistment component as part of Military Signing Week. 

On Friday, at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, surrounded by friends and family, student, Clinton Crites, committed to enlist in the Army National Guard during his signing ceremony. Through his pledge, Crites qualifies for a $20,000 signing bonus following graduation and will receive financial and leadership skills that will further prepare him for future endeavors. During the summer, Crites will participate in 10 weeks of basic training, with advanced training and college education opportunities to follow high school graduation. 

During an interview, Crites shared, “Enlisting with the Army National Guard brings great benefits and is an opportunity I could not pass up. I am excited for this journey and all that the experience has to offer for my future.”

Jonathan Pollock, Principal of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, shared, “Students who commit to service in the military use their skills and knowledge acquired throughout their educational career. This is a special day, and we are proud of Clinton and his pledge to our country.”

Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus, Superintendent of Upshur County Schools, commented, “We are always proud of our students who commit to serving their country by enlisting in any branch of service. We are especially proud of Clinton, who made an early commitment to serve his country.”

Clinton Crites is the son of Gary and Sue Tenney, and is dedicated to his academics, as well as his role on the Buckhannon-Upshur Baseball team.