Student Spotlight: Molly George

Andrew Pennybacker, Editor in Chief

February 19, 2026

Photo courtesy of Molly George

Swimming is a sport at Wheeling Park that doesn’t get talked about a whole lot, but when you do hear people talking about it, it is likely in reference to Molly George. She just recently earned her 1,000th point, which you earn based on how well you do in your swim meets, with usually the top six earning points. She also recently became a four time OVAC champion, winning the 100 butterfly and backstroke.

Molly has many valuable memories that have been made throughout her high school career, and not just in the pool, but in the classroom as well.

Photo courtesy of Molly George (Andrew Pennybacker)

“My favorite swim memory would have to be states in general. I have qualified to go to states for my individual events and relays all four years of my high school career, and it is just so much fun. It’s like you’ve done all the hard work, and now you get to have a little bit of fun and be successful at the same time,” said George. “My favorite high school memory is being able to make so many meaningful connections in all of my classes and extracurriculars. Some friendships have taken me by surprise, which is really what makes high school special”.

Molly is also a great teammate and team leader and has been someone that Head Swim Coach Mr. Cook says will be missed after this season.

“The big thing that I have enjoyed about coaching Molly is that she is always dialed in when it is time to race. No matter what the situation is, I can always count on her to deliver in big moments. She has been a huge asset to our team and we are really going to miss her next year,” said Cook.

Molly also touched on how Wheeling Park swimming has helped make her who she is today.

“Wheeling Park swimming has honestly shaped my high school experience so much. I have been able to make lifelong connections and learn many skills in the process. I have gotten to be captain my last two years, and that has given me many experiences that will honestly benefit me for the rest of my life,” said George.

Molly George is accomplished in and out of the pool, with many academic accomplishments as well to go along with her wins in the water.

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About the Contributor

Andrew Pennybacker, Editor in Chief

Andrew is a senior at Wheeling Park High School and the Editor in Chief for the 2025-2026 school year. He was a Copy Editor for the last two years and he has been a staff member at The Park Press since the first day of freshman year. He was also Editor in Chief his 8th grade year in middle school for the Viking Voices. In fifth grade, he was a finalist for the young writers contest. Andrew is an avid golfer, and has played a few of the country’s best golf courses. He was a member of the 2022 West Virginia State Championship winning golf team. Andrew is the self proclaimed Park Press’ resident golfer. In addition to this, he became a Freshman Mentor at the start of his junior year. From Kindergarten to 5th grade, Andrew only missed 5 words on all of the spelling tests combined.