West Virginia Wesleyan to host Governor’s School for the Arts with America250 programming

BUCKHANNON — The Governor's School for the Arts will run June 21 through July 11 at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where students will take part in America250-themed activities as part of a statewide commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary.

Faculty at the Buckhannon-based program have planned evening events designed to pair celebration with reflection and emphasize the role of the arts in West Virginia life. Students will see a performance by the John Inghram Band that blends rock, jazz, bluegrass and Appalachian folk — a mix of genres that originated in the United States.

Students will also create original postcards at a "Happy Birthday America Postcard Station," producing visual art, micro-poems, sketches and collages addressed to family and friends. A curated set will be mailed to the Governor's Office as a commemoration of the milestone.

The Governor's School for the Arts is one of five 2026 Governor's Schools being held at college and university campuses across West Virginia, with about 350 students accepted overall. Since 1984, the schools have offered immersive residential experiences in the arts, sciences and emerging industries, led by industry professionals who help students sharpen critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Four of the five schools have planned America250 activities.

Governor's Computer Science Institute at West Virginia University Tech, July 6-12

GCSI faculty will host "America250: Innovation, Freedom and the Future with CS," a multidisciplinary experience that honors America's past while inspiring innovation in computer science. Activities include a freedom-themed drone show, a student innovation expo highlighting West Virginia's contributions to American progress, a celebration dinner with a keynote speaker, "Voices of 1776" historical reflection sessions and community service events. Each student will receive a commemorative kit with a backpack, educational booklet and badge.

Governor's School for Entrepreneurship at Marshall University, July 17-26

GSE students will visit Blenko Glass for a private hot shop tour and the "Blow Your Own 384 Water Bottle" experience, learning the history of the company and shaping their own version of an iconic American and West Virginian product.

Governor's School for Tourism, at destinations statewide, June 20-29

GST students will collaborate in teams to build a shared digital map of historic, cultural and artistic locations across West Virginia, with entries tied to themes such as statehood, Appalachian arts, labor history and regional foodways.

The fifth program, the Governor's Honors Academy at West Virginia University, runs July 11-25.

Updates from each school will be shared on the Governor's Schools of West Virginia Facebook page.