By Jeffrey Krauklis
Charleston, WV native, actress, early education advocate, and Save the Children board member Jennifer Garner made a surprise visit to Clay County last week. She arrived at the Clay County Schools Auxiliary Gym around 9 a.m. on Nov. 21 where she joined representatives from the Mountaineer Food Bank, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, Save the Children, Clay County Schools’ Communities in Schools team, and several Clay County High School students to help package meals for the Extra-Mile food delivery program.
After taking time to pose for a photo with every person in attendance, Mrs. Garner joined the Extra-Mile team to deliver meals throughout the county.
Her next stop was Clay Elementary School, where she visited the Save the Children In-School Literature classroom led by teacher Rebekah Holcomb and aide Cherri Burdette. There, she observed and participated in a literacy lesson with several enthusiastic Panther Kindergarten students. Together, they practiced vowel sounds and learned how to write both the upper- and lowercase letter “I.” Ms. Garner cheered on each child, celebrating every correct answer with genuine excitement. While every adult in the room recognized her instantly, the students simply saw someone who loved learning just as much as they did. Only years from now will they realize that they spent half an hour learning alongside one of the most beloved and recognizable West Virginians in history.
Following a game of Roll and Read to wrap up the lesson, Ms. Garner took a short walk down the hallway, where Assistant Principal Mistie Legg and School Psychologist Felisha Nutter presented her with a Clay County gift basket filled with local favorites—including items from Ordinary Evelyn’s, TC Treats, Legacy Foods, a CCMS blanket, and a CCHS hat.
To conclude her visit, she participated in a round-table discussion with Mrs. Holcomb, Principal Jacee Huffman, Clay County Save the Children Director Crystal Gibson, and other Save the Children representatives. The group discussed the successes of the In-School Literature program, the after-school and summer learning programs, and the continued impact these opportunities have on Clay County students. Ms. Garner also shared her ongoing commitment to advocating for early learning across West Virginia, especially in rural communities where school often serves as a safe space and critical support system for children facing difficult circumstances.
Clay County Schools would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Garner for spending her morning making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families, and for highlighting the incredible organizations working together to support our community. Today, our students and staff didn’t see her as Elektra, Jenna Rink, or Sydney Bristow—they saw her as a proud West Virginian dedicated to ensuring our children have the same opportunities as students anywhere in the country.
We also offer sincere thanks to the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation for their continued support. And finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to Save the Children—without their tireless efforts, many of the transformative programs offered throughout the year simply would not be possible.
