Arguably, education is the most vital necessity that an individual needs in their life. West Virginia has 683 schools, but in our county three major high schools show that more is better. The real question is what makes them all different from each other? Is it the way they are teaching? The communities? The staff? Representatives from The Linsly School, Wheeling Park, and Wheeling Central Catholic all give their opinions.
Mr. Justin Zimmerman, The Linsly School Head of School, said that Linsly promotes academic excellence, lifelong, learning, and character development
“Linsly stands out through its commitment to both academic rigor and character development,” said Mr. Zimmerman. Not only is Linsly a school, it’s a community with students from diverse backgrounds that emphasizes growth, integrity, and leadership.
“Students in our region have the opportunity at Linsly to experience a college- preparatory education with a holistic focus on character and leadership,” said Mr. Justin Zimmerman.
Jess Lehrke, a senior at The Linsly School, chose Linsly for the opportunity to prepare for college.
“Personally, I have found college representative speakers, talking with our college counselor, and taking offered AP classes to be extremely helpful. Being a student at Linsly is like being a part of one big family.”
Jess also says she has seen a significant amount of personal growth during her time at The Linsly School.
Wheeling Central Catholic Principal Mrs. Rebecca Sancomb said that Wheeling Central Catholic focuses on their mission, how they want their students to learn and grow, and what tools to give to be prepared beyond high school.
“Our school’s mission is rooted in our Catholic faith. We are a college preparatory high school, education through the lens of gospel values,” said Mrs. Sancomb.
Central strives to educate each student to reach their potential in their God-given talents.
“Ultimately we want our students to feel challenged to maximize their academic ability, feel loved and supported in growing their faith, and feel called to serve others in the example of Jesus Christ,” said Mrs. Sancomb.
Gianna Konkle, varsity soccer captain at Central, wanted to go to Central because it is a smaller school and she preferred smaller classes rather than bigger classes.
“It is a college prep school so its purpose is to prepare us for college by offering harder classes than most schools and the wide amount of opportunities given to excel,” said Konkle.
A teaching staff and mentorships can also be a guiding factor for choosing a school.
“Central definitely formed me into the person I am today because it made me find the people that I keep close by in my life. The teachers at Central definitely pushed me to be the student that I am today as well as encourages me to succeed in life,” said Konkle.
Wheeling Park High school is always trying to find new ways to encourage students. Wheeling Park also works with outside organizations across the community.
Mrs. Adrienne Richards, the Wheeling Park High School Associates Principal, gave her opinion on competition in the valley.
“Our extracurricular activities cannot be matched. Everything from robotics, Stars, Key club. There is something here for everyone,” said Mrs. Richards.
Grace Mull, a junior at Wheeling Park, says what she is interested in at Park and how Wheeling Park encourages her.
“Park is helping me prepare for college by offering acting and choir classes to help me with my major (theater) but also offering SAT prep classes,” said Grace.
Grace is a singer, acting, and playing an instrument. Grace says that Wheeling Park is a tremendous help to succeed her goals.
“Park has transformed me into the person I am today because of the friends I’ve made here and the teachers I’ve had are all supportive and encouraging,” said Grace Mull.
As you can see, Wheeling, West Virginia cares deeply about education and is always trying to work harder to be the best and most accommodating for students. In a valley where schools are plenty, the students win.
