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

Glenville State University student completes internship with NASA WV Space Grant Consortium

Natalie Fout, a Secondary Math Education Major at Glenville State University.

Natalie Fout, a Secondary Math Education Major at Glenville State University, has successfully completed a transformative internship with the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium (WVSGC) during the summer of 2023. Her role as Outreach Coordinator and Launch Director for the West Virginia Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (WVNEBP) marked a significant contribution to this NASA-funded initiative, bringing together 70 atmospheric science and engineering teams from across the nation.

The WVNEBP, a part of the WVSGC, is gearing up to participate in the ‘paths of ecliptic totality’ during the upcoming annular and total eclipses on October 14th, 2023, and April 8th, 2024. This pioneering project involves launching high-altitude balloons into the stratosphere to collect invaluable atmospheric data and livestream breathtaking video footage.

Under the guidance of NASA Goddard Engineer Marcus Fisher, the West Virginia team, comprising members from West Virginia University, Glenville State University, and Trinity Christian School, is dedicated to the engineering track of the NEBP. Natalie Fout assumed the role of Outreach Coordinator, taking her passion for education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to new heights. She traveled extensively across the state, imparting engaging lessons on eclipses, stratospheric ballooning, the NEBP, and engineering processes to K-12 students, thus fostering a deeper understanding of these scientific endeavors.

Furthermore, Natalie served as the Launch Director for the WVNEBP team, demonstrating remarkable leadership and organizational skills. Her responsibilities included crafting meticulous launch day schedules, coordinating team roles, and ensuring the seamless execution of tasks during the crucial launch phases. The October launch will originate from Texas, with the April launch planned in Pennsylvania.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Natalie Fout shared her thoughts: “I have had an incredible time this summer working with NASA West Virginia Space Grant. This program has given me the opportunity to learn so many new and exciting concepts. Through my internship, I have become much more confident in my abilities to try new things, be a leader, and think outside the box. I am thankful for my time here and look forward to my future endeavors with NASA WVSGC. Lastly, I am thankful to my home-away-from-home at Glenville State University. They have all been a critical part of my academic, professional, and personal development.”

Natalie Fout’s exceptional dedication and accomplishments during her internship underscore the commitment of Glenville State University to fostering students’ academic and professional growth. Her contributions to the WVNEBP are testament to the exciting prospects that lie ahead in the field of STEM education and space exploration.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Breathe in, breathe out: Buckhannon yoga, Pilates instructor offers weekly classes at SYCC

Ashley White, certified instructor and founder of Soul Shine, offers affordable weekly yoga and Pilates classes at Stockert Youth and Community Center, plus wellness events and support groups to promote physical and mental wellbeing in the community.

Turning back time: Upshur County Historical Society releases annual journal publication

The Upshur County Historical Society has released its 38th annual journal, featuring stories, artifacts, and photographs showcasing local history, with copies available by mail or online before supplies run out.

WVWC’s Summer Gifted Program now taking registrations

West Virginia Wesleyan College is now accepting registrations for its summer STEM camp for gifted students in grades 5-12, offering advanced academics, recreational activities, and social opportunities from June 15 to 28.

Roscoe H. Bennett

Roscoe H. Bennett, 90, a Navy veteran, retired coal miner, and dedicated family man from Buckhannon, passed away May 16, 2025, survived by his wife, six children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

City of Buckhannon Calendar: May 19-25, 2025

Buckhannon city officials announced upcoming public meetings, schedule changes for waste collection due to Memorial Day, ongoing recycling and yard waste pickups, and opportunities to submit bids for yard reclamation, construction, and paving services.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Six Wesleyan track and field performers earn All-Region honors

Six West Virginia Wesleyan student-athletes earned All-Region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for their standout performances ahead of the NCAA Division II National Championships.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

The only scheduled Upshur County sports events this week are the Buckhannon-Upshur boys and girls track and field teams competing in the West Virginia State Championships in Charleston on Friday and Saturday.

Carlyle, Waggy and boy’s 4×800-meter relay team qualify for state meet

Buckhannon-Upshur’s Rylen Carlyle, Jack Waggy, and the boys’ 4×800-meter relay team qualified for the state track championships following strong performances at the Region I meet in Morgantown.
LUCAS Truck

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Glenville and Buckhannon

LUCAS, a mobile lung cancer screening unit from WVU Medicine and the WVU Cancer Institute, will provide low-dose CT scans in Glenville and Buckhannon in June, offering accessible lung cancer screening to eligible patients.

Spring Sunshine: Warm up with these delightfully playful reads, ready for your next picnic or beach vacation

My Buckhannon recommends two playful romantic comedies — “A Tail as Old as Time” and “The Unhoneymooners” — as perfect, lighthearted reads to enjoy during your next picnic, park visit, or beach getaway.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 18, 2025

Sunset Berry Farm swept top honors at the 2025 West Virginia Strawberry Festival, while Buckhannon-Upshur High School wrapped up the school year with a student screen printing workshop led by a WV Wesleyan instructor.

John Joseph Zara

John Joseph Zara, 84, a former resident of Century, WV and retired Braniff International and FedEx employee, passed away peacefully in Texas and will be remembered at a memorial Mass and graveside service in West Virginia.