Webster County High School Students Recognized For Earning Prestigious Governor’s Workforce Credential
Four exceptional students from Webster County High School (WCHS) have been honored with the annual Governor’s Workforce Credential (GWC), the highest recognition within West Virginia’s Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Maggie Cochran, Makayla Delaney, Amber Short, and Jessica Short received this esteemed credential, highlighting their comprehensive understanding of their program content within a Simulated Workplace environment.
The GWC, endorsed by the West Virginia Governor, celebrates the top CTE completers in the state for their excellence in academics, technical training, and work readiness. These students were formally recognized for their remarkable achievement at the Webster County Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 24th, by Superintendent Joseph Arbogast, Webster County CTE Director Mrs. Stacey Williams, Mrs. Beth Roberts, and the Webster County BOE members.
Mrs. Stacey Williams praised these students’ success, saying, “Each of these young ladies has demonstrated exceptional capability and determination throughout their CTE studies. Earning the Governor’s Workforce Credential showcases their proficiency and readiness for the professional world. We are extremely proud of them as they represent the top 10% in state-level CTE student excellence. This achievement is a significant milestone, not just for them, but for our entire community.”
The Governor’s Workforce Credential was established to ensure that West Virginia’s emerging workforce possesses industry-ready skills that meet high-quality business and industry standards. Graduating seniors who complete a state-approved CTE program must meet stringent criteria in five key areas to earn the GWC: Academics, Attendance, Industry Certifications, Drug Screenings, and Technical Skills.
Mrs. Beth Roberts, the Highlander Health Science Instructor at WCHS and mentor to Maggie Cochran, Amber Short, and Jessica Short, also expressed her pride in her students' accomplishments. “I am incredibly proud of all of these students. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off. This credential is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their readiness to enter the healthcare or business workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge.”
This credential is a collaborative initiative involving the Governor, the State Board, and the State Superintendent, designed to prepare students for the workforce with the necessary skills and abilities that align with business and industry expectations. The GWC allows employers to quickly identify potential employees who are prepared to meet the demands of the modern workplace. The State Superintendent annually awards the GWC to senior students who fulfill the requirements set forth in State Board policy. By recognizing these students, the credential underscores their capability to meet or exceed the rigorous standards of their Career and Technical Education programs.
The achievements of Maggie Cochran, Makayla Delaney, Amber Short, and Jessica Short, reflect not only their individual dedication and hard work but also the quality of the CTE programs at Webster County High School. Their success brings immense pride to the school and the community, showcasing the strength of WCHS CTE Programs’ commitment to fostering a skilled and ready workforce. As these students move forward, the GWC will serve as a valuable asset, distinguishing them as top candidates for a variety of skilled job openings and paving the way for their future professional endeavors.