Three local teachers named Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year recipients

WHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of the 2024 Teacher of the Year awards for the elementary, middle, and high school levels: Mia Huck, Abby Reeves, and Betsy Knorr.

According to Wheeling Chamber’s the three recipients will be recognized at the Belmont Savings Bank Steak Fry on Thursday, August 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport.

Kurt Zende is the President of the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce. “These recipients truly exemplify the high standards and excellence in education that Wheeling values, and we are fortunate to have dedicated educators that shape the children of our community,” he said.

Mia Huck works at Ritchie Elementary and teaches children with autism from kindergarten to second grade. Huck graduated from West Liberty University in 2017 with a BA in Elementary Education with minors in Special Education and Autism Endorsement. Upon graduation, she worked at Ritchie as a substitute teacher before becoming a full-time autism teacher in 2020.

Huck devotes time outside of teaching to the elementary school. She has served the last four years as the Social Chair for the Faculty Senate, manages the “Flower Fund” that supports staff and families during times of loss, is active in the Parent Teacher Organization and is involved in the planning for Ritchie’s Annual Block Party.

“Without a doubt, Miss Mia deserves this recognition. She always goes over and beyond to give her students the best education and school experience possible. Because of Miss Mia’s efforts, her students can perform basic life skills without assistance in their adult lives,” said Ritchie Principal John Jorden.

Abby Reeves teaches seventh-grade English at Triadelphia Middle School. Reeves graduated from West Liberty University with a BA in Secondary English Education and recently obtained her master’s degree in Literary and Cultural studies from West Virginia University. She has worked for Ohio County Schools since 2020.

Reeves serves on the TMS Local School Improvement Council, TMS Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Team, TMS 7th Grade PLC Team and TMS ELA Team. She also serves as the director of the Royal Raiders Annual Play, the TMS Forensics and Debate Coach and the TMS Head Cheering Coach.

“Abby Reeves epitomizes an engaging and inspiring presence that profoundly motivates and impacts her students, colleagues and the wider community. Many of her students attribute their accomplishments, academic or extracurricular, to the guidance and mentorship provided by Ms. Reeves,” said Andrew Seals, Triadelphia Middle School’s Principal.

Betsy Knorr is in her 11th year teaching English at Central Catholic High School. Knorr obtained her BA in Secondary English Education from West Liberty University and her master’s degree in educational leadership: School and System from Wheeling Jesuit University.

Knorr is the chairperson of the English Department, Calendar Committee, class moderator, student council moderator and High O’Brian Youth Leadership Faculty Coordinator.

“Mrs. Knorr is a great example of a teacher who shares her passion and love for her content area and learning to inspire her students. Her instructional practices are designed to meet students where they are and develop their skills and appreciation for literature,” said Rebecca Sancomb, Central Catholic High School’s Principal.

This year’s steak fry was possible due to the support of the title sponsor, Belmont Savings Bank and the Gold Sponsor, RED Partner.

The 2024 steak fry is a family-friendly event. For more information regarding the event and ticket prices, click HERE .

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