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

Warner releases list of Jennings Randolph award winning schools for 2018-19 school year

Charleston — Secretary of State Mac Warner is pleased to announce the list of 27 West Virginia high schools that qualified for the prestigious  Jennings Randolph Award for the 2018-19 school year.

The late Jennings Randolph was a native of Salem, WV in Harrison County.  He served nearly five decades in the United States Congress, first as a member of the House of Representatives and then in the United States Senate.  Randolph was considered the father and author of the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution.  That amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

Randolph first introduced legislation for the 26th Amendment in January of 1943.  His legislation was in response to then-President Franklin Roosevelt’s executive order in November 1942 reducing the military draft age from 21 to 18 to secure additional soldiers for World War II.  In support for the need of the 26thAmendment, Randolph coined the phrase, “If you’re old enough to fight, you’re old enough to vote!”

Randolph’s legislation didn’t pass in 1942.  In fact, Randolph had to introduce the legislation 11 separate times (three times in the House and eight times in the Senate) before the amendment was finally approved by both houses of Congress on March 23, 1971.  With the approval of Congress, the amendment was then sent to the states for ratification.  West Virginia voters ratified the 26th Amendment on April 28, 1971.   The amendment was officially signed into law and became part of the U.S. Constitution by then-President Richard Nixon on July 5, 1971.

In 1993, then-WV Secretary of State Ken Hechler created the Jennings Randolph Award to recognize Randolph’s effort and to encourage young people to register to vote.  The Jennings Randolph Award recognizes student-led voter registration efforts where 100 percent of the school’s eligible students register to vote (regardless of political party affiliation) during the school year.

During the 2018-19 school year, the Jennings Randolph Award celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Secretary Warner took office in January of 2017.  He very quickly directed his Elections Division to work closely with the state’s 55 county clerks to implement an aggressive voter registration effort.  Part of this statewide effort included a renewed emphasis on the Jennings Randolph Award and working with the state’s high schools to achieve the award.

“One of the most gratifying parts of my job is meeting with young adults and watching them register to vote,” Secretary Warner said. “I believe if we can encourage them to register as young adults, they will become lifelong voters and active in our election process.”

Over the last 29 months, West Virginia has registered more than 36,000 eligible high school students to vote.  There were 15,673 students registered during the 2018-19 school year alone.  Attached is a breakdown of the eligible high school students registered in each county.

Warner said that the Secretary of State’s successful strategy to register high school voters has garnered national attention.  The Jennings Randolph Award program was recently featured by the National Association of Secretaries of State.  Several other states have or are developing similar high school civic engagement programs based on West Virginia’s Jennings Randolph Award.

Secretary Warner credits the success to a great working relationship with the state’s 55 county clerks and with Inspire-US, a nationwide student-led, non-partisan civic engagement program that encourages young people to register and vote. He also credits the Legislature for their support of the program. 

In addition to the 27 high schools that earned the Jennings Randolph Award for 100 percent eligible student registration in the 2018-19 school year, another 54 high schools hosted voter registration drives throughout the year attempting to win the award.

A list of the 27 Jennings Randolph Award winning high schools for the 2018-19 school year can be found below.

2018-19 Honorees

27 High Schools at 100% for the 2018-19 School Year

Jennings Randolph Award – 25th Anniversary

            Berkeley Springs High School – Morgan County

            Braxton County High School – Braxton County

            Clay County High School – Clay County

            Fayetteville High School – Fayette County

            Frankfort High School – Mineral County

            Hannan High School – Mason County

            Hedgesville High School – Berkeley County

            Hundred High School – Wetzel County

            Independence High School – Raleigh County

            Logan High School – Logan County

            Man High School – Logan County

            Meadow Bridge High School – Fayette County

            Midland Trail High School – Fayette County

            Mount View High School  – McDowell County

            Nicholas County High School – Nicholas County

            Oak Hill High School – Fayette County

            Poca High School – Putnam County

            Ravenswood High School – Jackson County

            Richwood High School – Nicholas County

            Roane County High School – Roane County

            Scott High School – Boone County

            Shady Spring High School – Raleigh County

            Summers County High School – Summers County

            Trinity Christian School – Monongalia County

            Van High School – Boone County

            Valley High School – Fayette County

            Williamstown High School – Wood County

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon City Council to amend noise ordinance after complaints about persistent generator use

Buckhannon City Council will hold a special meeting to begin amending its noise ordinance after residents complained about persistent generator noise, aiming to clarify existing rules and address a potential loophole regarding fuel-powered generators.

Cam Brown

Cam Brown, a beloved West Virginia native and dedicated truck driver known for his adventurous spirit and devotion to family, passed away on May 2, 2025, leaving a legacy of strength, kindness, and community.

Buckhannon Water Board Agenda: May 8, 2025

My Buckhannon published the agenda for the upcoming City of Buckhannon Water Board meeting, which is set to take place on May 8, 2025.

Annual Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle returns to Buckhannon River May 24

The 23rd Annual Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, featuring races, clinics, music, food and community activities, will take place May 24 on the Buckhannon River to honor Jack Barker and support local clean water efforts.

Storybook-themed West Virginia Strawberry Festival returns May 10 with new attractions

The 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival kicks off May 10 with a storybook theme, new attractions like Arestov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza, expanded vendors, themed downtown decorations, and singer Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. as parade marshal.

Help Wanted: Community Corrections Board hiring part-time case aide

The 18th Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Board is seeking applicants for a part-time Case Aide position in Upshur and Lewis counties.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 2, 2025

Buckhannon’s recent community news highlights include a new HealthNet helicopter, discounted Strawberry Festival carnival armbands, local events like FFA face painting, library reading programs, swim lesson registration, and the opening of The Snack Shack.

Baseball Bucs struggle at the plate in losses to East Fairmont and Morgantown

The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneers extended their losing streak to five games after collecting only two hits in each of back-to-back losses to East Fairmont and Morgantown, dropping their record to 7-13.

Softball Lady Bucs fall in outings to University and Lincoln

The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs softball team suffered heavy home losses to University and Lincoln, falling 19-1 and 10-0 respectively, despite recognizing their seniors during the second game.

Highland Landscaping widens lead in men’s golf league standings

Highland Landscaping extended its lead atop the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League standings after a decisive win, while John Moss claimed top individual honors for both Low Actual and Low Net scores.

MEC announces 2025 football schedule

The Mountain East Conference announced its 2025 football schedule, featuring eight conference games per team, opportunities for night games, and institutions set to release full schedules including non-conference opponents and game times soon.

Track and Field ‘Cats run third at MEC Championships

The University of Charleston secured its fifth straight Mountain East Conference men’s outdoor track and field title, outpacing Point Park and West Virginia Wesleyan, while individual and coaching honors highlighted outstanding performances throughout the three-day event.