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

Women’s Leadership Circle Awards Scholarship

Glenville, WV – Junior Elementary and Special Education major Jessica Smarr is the first recipient of the Glenville State College Women’s Leadership Circle Scholarship. The Scholarship, totaling $500, was open to all female students at Glenville State College.

Smarr is from Grove City, Ohio, but currently lives in Braxton County with her husband Nate, two sons Drew and Austin, and daughter Bre. “I am grateful to the ladies of the women’s leadership group for recognizing and celebrating qualities of leadership in women,” said Smarr. “As I continue my journey, I aim to lead and inspire by sharing kindness, acting with compassion and love, and encouraging others to succeed. Life is full of challenges. No matter what it takes, we should move forward, turning dreams into goals, and then crushing them!”

“It was difficult to pick a recipient out of so many worthy candidates,” said Committee Chair for the Women’s Leadership Circle Karen Lay. “Jessica demonstrates perseverance in obtaining her educational goals while meeting her family and community commitments.”

The Women’s Leadership Circle was founded on the basis of fellowship, opportunity, and philanthropy and envisions a community of female givers who provide opportunities and support to female students at Glenville State College. In addition to aiding projects on campus, members will help create a culture of female empowerment on the GSC campus and surrounding community, helping women to prepare for and grow in their careers and leadership positions.

For more information on the WLC or starting a scholarship, contact Director of Fundraising Ashley Knight at Ashley.Knight@glenville.edu or by phone at (304) 462-6382. To become a member of the Women’s Leadership Circle, click here.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur welcomes new members, new president for 2025-26

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur installed Sandi LaRosa as its new president for 2025-26 after a year marked by 1,500 service hours, significant membership growth, and numerous community grants.

Kyle and Judy Lane to celebrate 60th wedding anniversary this weekend

Kyle and Judy Lane will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a gathering at Kesling Mill Lions Club on June 21, inviting friends and family to join in marking the milestone.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes Valorie Richardson as surgical services manager

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has appointed Valorie Richardson, a veteran surgical nurse and leader, as Manager of Surgical Services, citing her extensive experience and dedication to patient-centered care.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 17, 2025 podcast

This week’s Upshur Update podcast covers a new school cellphone policy, a hospital leadership hire, local student achievements, a DUI arrest, community outreach for houseless residents, a job opening, and record attendance at the Strawberry Festival.

Mother, son both earn degrees from WVWC School of Nursing

Mother and son Valerie and Noah Jordan both graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College’s School of Nursing during Commencement Weekend, celebrating their shared family tradition and commitment to nursing education and leadership.
Upshur County Courthouse

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 17, 2025

This week’s local highlights include a scholarship for the Class of 2026, a free Soulful Energy Festival, temporary service changes at Fish Hawk Acres, and open youth soccer registration for the fall.

Celebrate the summer solstice with an evening paddle hosted by the Buckhannon River Watershed Association

The Buckhannon River Watershed Association is inviting the public to a free, all-level Summer Solstice paddle and ice cream social on June 21, promoting community and river stewardship along a gentle four-mile river stretch.

Robert John Taylor Jr.

Robert John Taylor Jr., a devoted family man, avid outdoorsman, dedicated professional, and beloved community member, passed away at 71, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and resilience.