Moorefield, WV — Hardy County Schools is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February while recognizing recent statewide honors for outstanding student achievement and workforce preparation.
The district received two Pinnacle Club Awards from the West Virginia Department of Education for excellence in Work-Based Learning hours and the number of CTE-certified teachers. Hardy County Schools also earned a 100% score on the most recent CTE Accountability Report, reflecting high performance in program quality, instruction, and career readiness.
CTE programs in Agriculture, Business, Tourism, Education, ProStart, and skilled trades provide students with hands-on learning, college and career preparation, and strong community partnerships.
The first featured program in CTE Month is the Grow Your Own (GYO) Pathway to Teaching, offered at Moorefield High School and East Hardy High School and coordinated by Hollie Lindale and Michelle Wolfe. Through partnerships with Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, students earn dual credit, gain classroom experience, and receive mentorship.
Students participating in GYO are gaining experience in K–6 classrooms while studying instructional strategies, school culture, educational law, assessment, and child development. Students also explore how home and community environments impact learning.
GYO students report meaningful experiences in the classroom.
Chloe D’Amico said, “Nothing makes my day better than when I walk into my classroom and the kids jump with joy to see me. What I’ve learned will help me become a better teacher and parent.”
Jonathan Self shared, “Working with elementary and special education students has been very rewarding and has helped me grow as a leader.”
Madison Cowgill added, “My favorite thing is being with the kids and helping them feel safe.”
“These programs ensure our students graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and credentials needed for today’s workforce,” said Jessica Markwood, Hardy County Director of Programs.
Hardy County Schools remains committed to strengthening career pathways that connect classroom learning with real-world experience and support the local workforce.
For more information, visit www.hardycountyschools.com/page/career-and-technical-education.
