All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State’s Sophie Stuart selected for prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship

Fairmont State SGA President Sophie Stuart, a junior majoring in Business Administration, was selected as a 2025 Newman Civic Fellow, joining a national yearlong program for student civic leaders to receive mentorship, networking, and development opportunities.

Fairmont State University is pleased to announce that Student Government Association (SGA) President Sophie Stuart has been selected as a 2025 Newman Civic Fellow. This fellowship is a prestigious national honor recognizing students who are committed to public leadership, civic engagement, and creating positive change in their communities.

The Newman Civic Fellowship, hosted by Campus Compact, is a year-long program that provides student leaders with opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. Fairmont State University President Dr. Mike Davis nominated Stuart for the fellowship and praised her leadership and commitment.

“Sophie embodies what it means to be a Falcon student-leader. Her passion for service, her drive to support other students, and her vision for improving our campus as well as our community make her an outstanding choice for this fellowship,” said Davis. “Her selection as a Newman Civic Fellow places her among the nation’s brightest changemakers, and we are proud to see her represent Fairmont State on the national stage.”

Stuart is a junior from Charles Town, West Virginia, majoring in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Data Analytics. She will represent Fairmont State at the Newman Civic Fellows Convening on October 16–18, in Chicago, Illinois. The conference will gather student leaders from across the country to collaborate, share ideas, and develop strategies for social change.

“I am honored and excited to be selected as a Newman Civic Fellow,” Stuart said. “This opportunity means a lot to me, and I want to thank Fairmont State University, President Davis, and SGA for believing in me and supporting my nomination. I can’t wait to represent all Falcons in Chicago, connect with other student leaders from across the country, and bring back new ideas to help our campus grow.”

Through the fellowship, Stuart will engage in regular skill-building events, one-on-one mentorship, and national networking with other Fellows. The program also offers opportunities for students to receive project mini-grants, present their work, and access unique scholarships and career pathways.

The Newman Civic Fellowship equips student leaders like Stuart to imagine boldly, lead with purpose, and co-create solutions for a better future. As part of the nationwide network of engaged Fellows, Stuart will continue advancing Fairmont State’s mission of fostering civic responsibility, innovation, and student success.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

First Community Bank claims fourth-quarter title in men’s golf league

First Community Bank clinched the fourth-quarter title in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League with a 24½-15½ win over Custom Cabinets, finishing with 117 points and earning a playoff spot.

Soccer Bobcats earn 1-1 draw with Salem

West Virginia Wesleyan rallied from an early deficit to earn a 1–1 draw with Salem after Casey Bunker’s 87th-minute equalizer, despite a late red card leaving the Bobcats to finish with 10 men.

Upshur County seeks $17.1 million SBA grant to expand Buckhannon Academy Elementary

Upshur County Schools has applied for a nearly $19 million project to expand and modernize Buckhannon Academy Elementary, potentially accommodating Tennerton Elementary students if that school closes.
U.S. Capitol

Local volunteer who lost brother to cancer urges Congress to prioritize funding and early detection coverage

A volunteer who lost her brother to pancreatic cancer urged Congress to protect federal cancer research funding and pass bipartisan legislation to ensure Medicare covers FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection tests.

Leadership Upshur meets with state leaders during session in Charleston

Leadership Upshur headed south for a session where state and business leaders discussed collaboration, gratitude, workforce development, leadership as service, personal branding and strategies to retain and empower young West Virginians for the state’s future.

Pringle Tree Park gets new playground; pool to expand evening programs next year

Pringle Tree Park will receive new compliant playground equipment, while the Upshur County Pool plans expanded evening offerings next year — including a dedicated night swim, more evening classes and enhanced swim lesson structure.

A Night in the Secret Garden: Appalachian Impact gala returns for fourth year

Appalachian Impact’s fourth annual Gala, “A Night in the Secret Garden,” will be held Oct. 25 at the Outpost Event Center in Buckhannon. The fundraising evening supports mentoring and youth programs for at-risk students across north-central West Virginia.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Golf Bucs place 11th in Big 10 Conference championships

Buckhannon-Upshur finished 11th of 12 at the Big 10 Conference golf championships with a team score of 403 as Liam Davis led the Bucs in 38th place (96).

Wesleyan women run over Salem for third win in 7-0 victory

West Virginia Wesleyan dominated Salem 7-0, outshooting the Tigers 35-1 as seven different goals — including first-half strikes by Zamora, Alexander and Badallo — powered the Lady Bobcats to their third win.