At the Park

SMART Centre

Gabrielle Contraguerro, Staff Writer

December 4, 2024

The Smart Center’s new location is close to Wesbanco Arena, Table 304, and the Artisan Center.

SMART Centre stands for Math, Science, Arts, Research, and Technology. The SMART centre is located on 1410 Main Street and is able to expand a part of their business elsewhere.

The SMART Centre has better visibility of Wheeling as a whole because of the location change.

“Wheeling waterfront and Wesbanco arena events are close by our new building. We have been able to restore a significant historic building to use for inspiring this generation.” said the SMART centre owners Robert and Libby Strong.

The main disadvantage was the disruption of the business due to closing temporarily for renovations. Which led to the idea that they had shut down for business since they were established at their original location for 14 years.

“We are hoping that Gideon (the T-rex) marks our new location for past and future customers!” said Strong.

The start of the SMART Centre occurred because all science stores in West Virginia had all been closed. They discovered a large interest in items that were used in school programs. The SMART centre has conducted education programs since 1994.

“We will expand in 2025 to add a hands-on science center on the second floor of the building. We encourage young (and old!) by creating an interactive environment where everyone may safely ask questions, do science, and then purchase all sorts of science and nature related items.” said Strong.

The owners of the SMART centre are both former teachers with masters degrees. They both collectively enjoy sharing science with the community.

The importance of science at an early age is that it lays a positive foundation for success in later education such as high school or college classrooms according to the National Science Teaching Association.

Mr. Brandon Porter, an earth and space teacher at Wheeling Park high school, gives his opinion on creating an educational environment with younger students such as his children.

“I mainly focus on teaching my children how to approach problems and figuring out things almost like the scientific method.” said Mr. Porter.

Mr. Porter likes to inspire younger students by pointing out the questions in the world.

“If you can that spark, the fascination and lead them into science with it and explain why it is the way it is. It allows them to understand what is happening then apply that understanding to whatever they are fascinated with.” said Mr. Porter

Be sure to check out the SMART centre if you have any science related questions!

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About the Contributor

Gabrielle Contraguerro, Staff Writer

Gabrielle Contraguerro is a sister, a daughter, and most importantly a singer. Gabrielle has been singing for four years. She was a member of St. Michael's Schola for two years and a member of Wheeling Park concert choir. Musical theater has been a big part of her life. She was casted as the role of Deloris in Sister Act, Maui in Moana, and Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors. She started her singing career when she was in middle school and is planning to continue after high school. Besides singing, Gabrielle is an Allstar Cheerleader. She has been cheering since she was a little girl. Singing is her number one passion, but cheering comes as a close second. Gabrielle has done a plethora of singing events. In March 2021, she was asked to sing at the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. She sang the National Anthem. The following year, she was asked to sing at the wrestling OVAC. That is when everything started to go well for her. Musical Theater has been encouraged by her friends, family, and teachers. Gabrielle did her first play in the fifth grade and hasn’t stopped since. Her favorite show she has been in was Little Shop of Horrors. She was awarded as the best actress two years in a row at St. Michael’s. Gabrielle is proud of the work she has put in. With balancing academics, choir, theater, and sports, she has become a better person. Singing has changed Gabrielle’s life and she couldn’t have done it without her friends and family supporting her.