Clay County Students Graduate from Hidden Promise Program

Two Clay County Glenville State College Hidden Promise Scholars (HPS) were recognized as graduates of the Hidden Promise program at a ceremony held shortly before the end of the spring semester. The students, Casey Burdette and Allison Taylor, were part of the group of 11 Scholars who completed their GSC degrees at the conclusion of the academic year.
GSC President Dr. Peter Barr welcomed the students and congratulated them on their accomplishments. “We acknowledge the hard work and stamina that will entitle your membership in an exclusive and privileged society of college degree attainment. I say ‘exclusive’ because in central West Virginia only one-in-ten residents holds that membership and in the nation barely four-of-ten is a member. I say ‘privileged’ because that degree will entitle added opportunities. Over a lifetime you will earn more, enjoy greater job satisfaction, stay healthier, and live longer – that’s what the data shows. I would hope that the Hidden Promise program has been instrumental in your achievement,” said Barr
Following a special dinner in their honor, the students gave brief remarks recalling their times at GSC and in the Hidden Promise program.
Burdette, from Clay, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies Education. In his comments he expressed thanks to President and Mrs. Barr and the faculty and staff in GSC’s Education Department. He counted the trip he and other scholars took to Cincinnati as one of his favorite memories of his time in the program. After leaving GSC he plans to teach at a middle or high school and pursue a Master’s Degree.
Taylor, from Bickmore, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science. During her time at GSC she served as Student Government President and was secretary of the Art Club. She also participated in the ROTC program. Taylor said her favorite part of the program were the cultural trips, the pizza parties, and making many new friends. She now plans to attend Marshall University and obtain a Ph.D. in psychology.
In addition to accepting a plaque and commemorative class ring, the new graduates also inscribed the Hidden Promise Book. In signing the volume, graduates commit to ‘always accepting the obligations and the challenges of guiding the young to education, knowledge, and love of the human spirit; to demonstrate respect for all people, and cultivate the trained, yet free, minds appropriate to sustaining and advancing a democratic way of life; and to striving to become knowledgeable, ethical, caring citizens who embody the qualities that the Hidden Promise program fosters.’ The students became official GSC graduates on Saturday, May 7 after GSC’s Commencement Ceremony.
The Hidden Promise Scholars program is a component of GSC’s Hidden Promise Consortium. The program is an alliance between Glenville State College and county school districts throughout West Virginia and in Ohio and Connecticut aimed at improving communication between higher education and teachers, staff, and students in grades eight through 12. Other goals include increasing the number of high school and college graduates as well as aligning the curricula of K-12 and higher education.
Students are often inducted into the program while still in high school after being chosen by their school counselors, teachers, and principals. The scholars mentor with current college students and take part in campus visits and annual summer camps. Upon high school graduation, HPS students who opt to attend GSC receive a $1,000 scholarship which is renewable annually throughout their enrollment as a full-time student.