The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) welcomed 540 students to the 2025 West Virginia State Social Studies Fair (WVSSSF) today in Charleston. Students in Grades 3-12 representing 43 counties submitted 349 projects showcasing individual and group work.
These projects featured content in anthropology, economics, political science, U.S. history, psychology, sociology and more. Students earned their way to the WVSSSF as first-place winners at their school, county and regional fairs. Projects were critiqued based on a student-led oral presentation, research methods, theme, overall design and an abstract.
The WVSSSF allows students to apply hands-on knowledge of concepts taught in social studies classrooms to projects of interest. This requires they conduct historical analysis, ask thought-provoking questions, recognize behavioral patterns, while also building their civic engagement and geographical understanding.
“The State Social Studies Fair is a highlight of the year for students across the state. It showcases their passion for deeper exploration of topics that resonate with them,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “Ours is one of the longest-running fairs of its kind in the country, and our success is built on the dedication of families and teachers and the creativity and curiosity of our students.”
The WVSSSF dates back to 1977 and was established by the WVDE in partnership with Marshall University. Several West Virginia social studies teachers were involved in the initial planning and organization of the fair that was first held in Huntington and later moved to Charleston.
The competition field featured three divisions, with a total of 90 first-place winners, 96 second-place winners and 94 third-place winners. Sixty-one students were recognized with an “honorable mention.”
Clay County student Benzley Champ received Honorable Mention in the Division I, Political Science, Individual category for the project “I Dissent.”
