4 students from southern West Virginia chosen for prestigious teaching scholarship

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — 24 high school seniors who recently graduated this year have been selected as West Virginia’s fifth cohort of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars.

The students will get the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship of up to $10,000 per year, which is $40,000 total for their college education. These scholarships will be used to prepare them so they can become teachers in West Virginia.

“I’m incredibly proud of these young scholars, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the next four years and beyond. We worked with the Legislature and Governor Justice to create a preeminent scholarship that would produce new generations of strong, committed teachers for years to come in the Mountain State. With a remarkable five cohorts of scholars now pursuing their teaching careers right here at home, we are well on our way to reaching that goal,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education.

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program addresses the ongoing need for teachers during the teacher shortage in the following subjects, which are math, science, special education, and elementary education. Individuals in this program must commit to teaching in one of these fields for at least five years after graduation. For help and success, each of these students will be paired with a practicing classroom teacher mentor, who will provide their guidance throughout.

The 2024 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars beginning their studies in West Virginia this fall are:

• Keci Armstead from Cabell Midland High School will be studying elementary education at Marshall University.

• Danielle Bailey from Oak Hill High School will be studying elementary education at Marshall University.

• Emma Broce from St. Marys High School will be studying elementary education at Marshall University.

• Lily Campbell from Martinsburg Senior High School will be studying elementary education at West Virginia University.

• Teylah Carson from Bluefield High School will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State University.

• Caitlyn Clendenin from Mauldin High School will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State University.

• Emma Cremann from Moorefield High School will be studying elementary education at West Virginia University.

• AnnaKay Dean from Spring Valley High School will be studying elementary education at Marshall University.

• Taylor Dempsey from Oak Hill High School will be studying math at Marshall University.

• Taylor Foster from Scott High School will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State University.

• Jordan Groves from Bridgeport High School will be studying elementary education at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

• Jillian Huffman from Wheeling Park High School will be studying science at West Liberty University.

• Karlee Jozwick from Doddridge County High School will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State University.

• Allie Kerby from Wirt County High School will be studying science at West Liberty University.

• Anna Lantz from Buckhannon-Upshur High School will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State University.

• Rachel McClung from Parkersburg Catholic High School will be studying elementary education at West Liberty University.

• Caleb Messer from Scott High School will be studying elementary education at Marshall University.

• Olivia Rupe from Herbert Hoover High School will be studying Math at Fairmont State University.

• Jada Sanders from Keyser High School will be studying elementary education at West Virginia University.

• Rosaline Shackleford from Buckhannon-Upshur High School will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State University.

• Jack Stanislawczyk from Keyser High School will be studying elementary education at Fairmont State High School.

• Katie Stephenson from Liberty High School will be studying elementary education at Concord University.

• Lily Taylor Whittaker from Sissonville High School will be studying elementary education at Marshall University.

• Lydia Wamsley from Tygarts Valley High School will be studying elementary education at Davis & Elkins College.

Throughout the month of August, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Facebook page will be featuring scholars highlights.

For any high school seniors who want to become a teacher in West Virginia, applications are now open for the 2025 cohort. Visit College for West Virginia for more information and to fill out an application.

The Underwood-Smith award has different accommodations such as financial aid. Residents of West Virginia who get the Promise Scholarship as well, which is $5,500 annually will receive $15,500 per year to help pay for college.

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