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

Sydne Alexander named 2024 West Virginia Scholar, receives full scholarship to West Virginia Wesleyan College

Sydne Alexander

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –Winfield High School rising senior Sydne Alexander is the winner of the West Virginia Scholar Program, receiving a full tuition plus room and board scholarship to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College beginning in the fall of 2025.

“I was very shocked and was like this can’t be happening right now,” she said. “I just felt instant joy and the tears started pouring. My mom is a teacher and my dad is a manual laborer. I also have two younger brothers, so getting this and taking the weight off of them is really helpful.”

Alexander is the daughter of Laura and Derek Alexander, of Hurricane, West Virginia, and is a National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, Pep Club, Key Club, Link Crew and Beta Club member. In addition, she is a member of the Winfield girls’ soccer team and a travel soccer team.

She plans to major in health sciences and play soccer while at WVWC with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician and opening her own practice.

WVWC will also award $5,000 and $2,500 scholarships to Kayla Flynn of East Hardy High School, and Jayla Lynch of Oak Hill High School as the first and second runner-up, respectively.

All finalists qualify to receive the Presidential Scholarship, the top academic scholarship for new students, to attend WVWC in Fall 2024. Over the previous 15 years of the West Virginia Scholar Program, approximately two-thirds of finalists have gone on to attend WVWC. Previous winners and finalists are now enjoying successful careers in health care, law, business and education.

John Waltz ’01, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, said, “We were so excited to host the students and families today for a thrilling event. It is clear that the finalists represent the best and brightest in West Virginia and we look forward to working with them this coming year.”

West Virginia high school juniors were eligible to apply with a transcript and an essay. Ranking of the finalists was determined by WVWC, sponsors of the West Virginia Scholar Program, and online voting. The West Virginia Scholar Program will begin accepting next year’s applications in February 2025.

Finalists also included Maddie Conrad, of Elizabeth, West Virginia; Trey Doresey, of Mount Lookout, West Virginia; Hayden Funk, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, Ava Gorrell, of Sistersville, West Virginia, Madison Lawson, of Bluefield, West VIrginia; Olivia Miller, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, Catherine Milliman, of Inwood, West Virginia, Colby Nichols, of Sistersville, West Virginia; Jayleigh Persinger, of Victor, West Virginia; Brynna Pyle, of Webster Springs, West Virginia, Rayna Schnopp, of Morgantown, West Virginia; Jasmine Zirkle, of French Creek, West Virginia.

The Culpepper Wesleyan Scholars Award, supported by Marvin Culpepper ’51, and Hon. ’06 and Elaine Karnes Culpepper ’54, Hon. ’06, provides a portion of the funding for the West Virginia Scholar Program each year. In addition to WVWC and West Virginia MetroNews, the West Virginia Scholar Program is sponsored by Greer Industries, West Virginia Hospital Association, ZMM Architects and Engineers, Friends of Coal and the West Virginia Farm Bureau.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Ella Margaret Moore

Ella Margaret Moore, a devoted Christian and active member of Reger United Methodist Church who leaves behind a large, loving family, passed away peacefully at age 91 in Buckhannon.

Post 7 to host recognize veterans Monday during Jr. Legion game, Sr. league team opens Area 2 Tournament on Tuesday

Buckhannon Post 7 will honor veterans during the Junior Legion team’s final home game Monday before the Senior League team begins Area 2 Tournament play Tuesday, following a challenging regular season.

Buckhannon City Council weighs options for spending $351,000 carryover

Buckhannon City Council will hold a special meeting July 15 to discuss how to allocate $351,000 of a $1.1 million budget carryover.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: July 17, 2025

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on July 17, 2025.
Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.