By Tiffany Board

On Friday, November 1, members of the Upshur County Commission, Kristie Tenney and Sam Nolte, served as judges for a project presented by local high school students. The presentations were part of Tiffany Board’s Dual Credit English class, where students crafted and presented proposals for their vision of an “Ideal Community” for Upshur County.

The students demonstrated a deep commitment to their community’s growth and future by preparing well-researched proposals, promotional materials and even 3-D scale models of new infrastructures they believe are essential for improving life in Upshur County. Their proposals highlighted the urgent need for more commercial businesses, improved housing options and expanded parks and recreational facilities.

A recurring theme among the students’ presentations was the concern over the significant outflow of residents in recent years. Many students emphasized that the lack of economic and recreational opportunities in the area has led to people relocating elsewhere, a trend they believe could be reversed with the right developments.

One of the most popular proposals was the construction of a sports complex. Senior Kaydence Monti expressed the frustration that many young athletes in Upshur County experience: “It’s painful to drive 45 minutes each way to a sports complex in order to hone our skills, participate in camps, etc. Buckhannon-Upshur athletes deserve a sports complex of our own!” Monti and other students argued that such a facility would not only retain local talent but also attract families, boost the local economy and support local athletes striving to compete on an even playing field.

After hearing the students’ ideas, County Commissioners Tenney and Nolte expressed their excitement about the community’s future. They took the opportunity to introduce the students to the John C. Allen Regional HUB, a planned initiative aimed at supporting similar community enhancement projects.

The enthusiasm displayed by the students and their thoughtful proposals underscored a shared commitment to making Upshur County a vibrant, supportive and sustainable place to live. With young people like those in Board’s class at the helm, Upshur County’s future looks bright.