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

WVWC Invisible Illness Team hosting Light of Hope luminary display against sexual assault April 2

(Photo courtesy WVWC)

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Two student groups at West Virginia Wesleyan College are raising awareness against sexual assault which one in six women and one in 33 men experience in the United States.

On Tuesday, April 2, there will be a luminary display on the Wesley Chapel steps called Light of Hope with a ceremony beginning at 7:30 p.m. WE LEAD’s Invisible Illness team is hosting the ceremony for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. WV FRIS (West VIrginia Foundation for Rape Information Services) has designated April 2 as the state-wide day of action to raise awareness about sexual assault and promote discussions around preventing it in our communities. 

The WE LEAD Invisible Illness Team would like to invite the greater Buckhannon community to join us for the Light of Hope luminary display and ceremony as we raise awareness, bring hope and healing to victims, and pledge to make our community safer.  

Jessica Vincent ‘12, Director of the Center for Community Engagement, remarked, “As our students work to tackle issues affecting individuals within the Wesleyan community, it’s disheartening to know that this issue transcends boundaries, affecting individuals from all walks of life. It’s imperative that this event is shared with our greater community and serves as a beacon of hope and healing for everyone involved.”

Amy Kittle, Title IX coordinator, will offer words opening the ceremony and the Centers Against Violence will be available with resources and for people to take a pledge against sexual assault. In preparation for the luminary display, local elementary students are decorating bags around the theme of bravery. 

To take the pledge against sexual assault online, click here. 

Leading up to the ceremony, the Brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi will hold their annual 24-hour Stand Against Sexual Assault starting on April 1.

Jay Coping-Smith ‘25, the Philanthropy Chair of Alpha Sigma Phi, said “This event makes me proud to be a part of my fraternity. I hope it continues to spread awareness for RAINN and the sexual violence we hope to stop.” RAINN stands for Rape Abuse Incest National Network and is one of five philanthropies the fraternity supports.  

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon man charged with stealing package from ex-wife’s building, stalking

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly stealing a package and contacting a woman against her will. Thomas Summers, 36, faces charges including entering without breaking, stalking, petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.

Those pretty red leaves? They’re lying to you: The surprising truth about poinsettias

aoinsettias’ bright red “petals” aren’t flowers at all — they’re modified leaves called bracts, with the true flowers in the tiny yellow center. Learn about the plant’s Aztec roots, how it became a holiday staple, and simple tips to keep it thriving.

Buckhannon man charged with felony domestic battery after altercation over car keys

A Buckhannon man was arrested on a charge of domestic battery, third offense, after allegedly striking a woman when he was “extremely intoxicated” and they refused to give him his car keys.

West Virginia State Parks announces First Day Hikes for New Year’s Day

Twenty-one state parks and forests — including Audra and Canaan — will host free guided hikes on January 1 to help visitors kick off 2026 outdoors.

Mountain CAP to host free workshop for dads in January

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free Key Behaviors Workshop for dads and male caregivers on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Buckhannon.

The Thread Lab opens Main Street storefront in Buckhannon for custom embroidery and apparel

The Thread Lab has opened a Main Street storefront in Buckhannon, giving customers an easier way to shop and order custom embroidered and personalized apparel. General manager Ashley Marple said a grand opening is planned after the holidays.

WVU doctors warn of whooping cough surge in West Virginia, highest in 15 years

West Virginia is experiencing its highest number of whooping cough cases since 2010, with WVU doctors warning about symptoms and risks. Untreated, the infection can linger for months.

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley

Thomas “Tom” Jesse Riley, 71, of Buckhannon, WV, a longtime trucker and owner of Riley Trucking and Repair, died December 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Mary Ann, five children, grandchildren and siblings.

Michele Lynn Mellon

Michele Lynn Mellon, 78, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and Hallmark employee who loved faith, family and handwritten cards, died peacefully at home after an injury and subsequent stroke.