MATEWAN, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice traveled to Matewan Grade School (PK8) in Mingo County today, presenting students and staff with a $100,000 check as winners in Round 3 of the “Do it for Babydog” vaccination sweepstakes.
The Governor and First Lady brought along their pet English Bulldog and sweepstakes mascot, Babydog, and threw a party for the entire school to celebrate.
“We’re so proud to be here today, it's unbelievable,” Gov. Justice said. “We had one school in the whole state – one school out of all the schools – that was selected and won a grand prize of $100,000. And you know who won? You won.”
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The Governor, First Lady and Babydog then presented school administrators with the check for $100,000.
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“Mr. Governor, First Lady, we are honored to have you here,” said Superintendent of Mingo County Schools Dr. Johnny Branch. “This is a great school, a great community. Our administration, our teachers, and all the staff do such an awesome job, and we have great kids.”
Also during the ceremony, several students surprised West Virginia’s First Family with Christmas gifts, including a basket full of “Mingo County treasures” and a bone for Babydog.
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During the ceremony, First Lady Justice took time to talk with students about Communities In Schools, the First Lady’s not-for-profit education initiative that is active in dozens of counties across the state, including Mingo County, which forges community partnerships and brings resources into schools to help remove barriers to student learning with a goal of keeping all students in school and ultimately graduating.
“You have the opportunity to do anything that you want to do in your life,” First Lady Justice said. “If you think ‘I can’t do this’ because I’m from Matewan, West Virginia, that’s not true. You’ve got to believe in yourself, because I believe in you. You have so many people in your corner.”
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The event also included remarks by the director of the Mingo County Health Department to talk about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
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Earlier in the day the health department hosted a vaccination clinic at the school.
As a show of confidence in the vaccine, Matewan Mayor Matt Moore received his booster shot from MCHD staff in front of the crowd at the event.
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This is the fourth and final school visit as part of Do it for Babydog: Round 3.
Earlier this week, 126 young West Virginians were also announced as individual winners in the final week of Round 3.
Emma Brumfield of Paden City won a $100,000 Educational Savings Fund, while an additional 25 young West Virginians each won a prize of a $10,000 Educational Savings Fund. All Educational Savings Fund prizes will be in the form of a 529 plan, managed by the State Treasurer’s Office, which will be invested and grow over time. The fund can be used for any educational-related expenses, not just higher education.
Another 100 young West Virginians won a Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License.
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DO IT FOR BABYDOG: ROUND 3 WINNERS
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DO IT FOR BABYDOG: SENIOR CENTER EDITION
Although Do it for Babydog: Round 3 has come to a close, registration is still open for Do it for Babydog: Senior Center Edition.
Individuals ages 50 and older who have been fully vaccinated and who choose to receive their booster shot on or after Dec. 7, 2021 are eligible to receive a $50 prepaid visa gift card as an additional incentive to continue protecting themselves from COVID-19.
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Additionally, four senior centers across the state with the highest overall vaccination rates will win a $100,000 grand prize and receive a visit from the Governor and Babydog.
More information is available at DoitforBabydog.wv.gov.
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GET VACCINATED!
Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available and approved for everyone ages 5 and older. West Virginians interested in being vaccinated or having their children vaccinated are encouraged to visit Vaccinate.wv.gov or call the West Virginia Vaccine Info Line: 1-833-734-0965.
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The FDA and the CDC both recommend booster doses for all Americans ages 18 and older, provided that at least six months have passed since receiving their two-dose Pfizer/Moderna vaccine series or that at least two months have passed since receiving their one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
West Virginians can go to any location offering COVID-19 vaccines with their vaccination card to receive their booster.
If your card has been lost, you can request a new one from the DHHR.
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