BUCKHANNON – During a recent Upshur County Board of Education meeting, a student who gave up part of his summer to study leadership and represent Upshur County was recognized by Upshur County BOE members and administration for his dedication.

At the board’s Tuesday, Aug. 27 meeting, Buckhannon-Upshur High School Junior Breagan Pearson received an Upshur Star Award for his participation in Youth Leadership Association Camp. Breagan said the camp lasted a week, and he said he thought the leadership part was just a bonus while at the camp.

“We didn’t have access to our phones or any technology while at YLA Camp,” Breagan said. “We didn’t know one another, so it forced us to get to know people and make new friends.”

Upshur County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sara Lewis Stankus said Nathan Allen also attended the YLA Camp but could not attend because he was at a soccer game.

Another reason to celebrate is Breagan will be one of the Upshur County students who will graduate next year with an associate degree in business.

“We are really, really excited about that,” Stankus said.

The second set of accolades went to the wellness-minded and fit employees. Stankus said the recipients were nominated by their principals or peers for exemplifying healthy living.

Recipients include Patty Wager from B-UHS. Her nomination said she has displayed healthy habits for many years.

“Students can see her running on a regular basis and students can see her display healthy habits for many years,” Stankus said. “She has a healthy diet and students can see that she takes care of herself through diet, exercise and energy.”

The next recipient was Jacob Orr from Union Elementary School. His nomination said he is a PE teacher who talks to students and helps them stay healthy. He exercises regularly and coaches the wrestling team. He is also assisting with the Upshur County Archery Team this year.

Erin Anderson is from Tennerton Elementary School and her nomination said she teaches kids and is a member of the Running Club. She said this year, they started the Mileage Club. In previous years, she has taught group exercise, running and racing.

“Anderson shows how to be healthy through diet and exercise,” her nomination read.

Brandon Williams from Buckhannon Academy Elementary School was the final recipient of the wellness-minded and fit employee awards. His nomination said he runs and is a triathlete.

Williams said triathletes swim, bike and run.

Following the awards, Stankus invited the wellness-minded and fit employee award winners to share a healthy habit recommendation. Wager suggested folks get to the track at 4 a.m. to run while Orr suggested folks drink lots of water. Anderson reminded everyone to get 8 or 9 hours of sleep each night and Williams said people need to make time and stay consistent.

Also at the Tuesday, Aug. 27 board meeting, board members:

Learned that buses will be available to transport students from B-UHS and B-UMS to the Upshur County Public Library, which will open Monday through Thursday until 7 p.m. and on Fridays until 5 p.m. This will offer students free Wi-Fi and a place to study after school.

Approved an agreement for insurance to cover band booster-owned trailers. This will allow business manager George Carver to help get cost estimates for insurance to cover the trailers.

Voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with West Virginia Junior College for an externship in technology.

Voted to approve the lease purchase agreement for school buses.

Voted to approve an agreement with the City of Buckhannon for use of a room at Stockert Youth and Community Center for the PALS Program.

Voted to approve pre-K agreements for 2019-2020 for Creative Beginnings, Kids ‘R Kids and Island Nursery Kindergarten Inc.

Voted to approve all personnel recommendations.

Voted to correct the length of Kenna Leonard’s term on the Upshur County Public Library Board from one to five years.

Two items listed on the agenda were tabled during the meeting – sharing of school and student data by Jodie Akers, Jody Johnson and Mendy Johnson and a discussion of property owned by the New Community Church. BOE member Kristi Wilkerson made a motion to table the items since BOE members Alan Suder and Dr. Greenbrier Almond were not in attendance. These items will be taken up again during a future BOE meeting.

The next Upshur County BOE meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Rock Cave Elementary School.