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Recognizes five students for committing to WV National Guard and US Marine Corps
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LINDSIDE, WV – Gov. Jim Justice joined students, teachers, and other staff members at James Monroe High School for a Military Signing Day ceremony honoring five JMHS and Monroe County Technical Center students who committed today to serving their state and their nation in the West Virginia Army National Guard and the United States Marine Corps.
“I am unbelievably proud of each and every one of you today,” Gov. Justice said. “All of you who are signing are taking a step toward a future that your family and friends will be proud of, and that our nation will be grateful for.”
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As part of the Month of the Military Child, the West Virginia Department of Education and the Common Ground Partnership recently designated this week – April 25-29, 2022 – as the state’s inaugural West Virginia Military Signing Week.
Enlisted students who participated in the ceremony were as follows:
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WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD
- Ayla Cameron
- Jacob Craft
- James Sneddon
- William Sneddon (missed ceremony due to illness)
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
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Pictured: Ayla Cameron (top left), Jacob Craft (top right),
James Sneddon (bottom left), Chad Sizemore (bottom right)
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“In addition to these incredible kids who are going into the armed forces, this is also an important day for every single student at this school,” Gov. Justice said. “Many of you are blessed to be able to do whatever you want in your life – text your friends, get a sandwich somewhere, visit your family and friends – how are you able to do that? Your classmates, who are going forward and committing themselves to the service of our nation, are the ones who give us the freedom to do everything we enjoy in our day-to-day lives.
“You need to know in the bottom of your heart, these people – your friends – you owe them and you owe all the ones that came before them,” Gov. Justice continued. “This country is so great and wonderful it’s off the charts. The opportunities we have are unbelievable, and we want that forevermore. Strength brings peace and we’re strong because of the young people here today. We can never thank you enough.”
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Gov. Justice was joined for the ceremony by Monroe County Schools Superintendent, Joetta Basile.
“Graduates, I thank each of you for your willingness to serve our country and to protect our freedoms. Thank you for your bravery, your dedication, and the sacrifices that you will make for each of us,” Basile said. “Governor Justice, we thank you for being here with us. It was an honor to have you.”
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West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch, State Board of Education President Miller Hall, and West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Bill Crane also provided remarks during the ceremony virtually.
“These students have the opportunity to learn values, skills, and leadership that embody military service,” Burch said. “West Virginia is bound to be impacted by these military leaders who are dedicated to their service and security of us all. I want to thank each and every one of you for your selfless commitment to serving our country.”
“It is a great privilege to speak with you today and celebrate the first military signing week in West Virginia,” Hall said. “Military service is an excellent option for after high school. I am proud and impressed in your dedication to the future of our nation.”
“Congratulations on joining a group of less than 1% of Americans who make the choice to serve their state, and their country, and what a great commitment it is,” Maj. Gen. Crane said. “Service to others is a calling. We in West Virginia have a proud history of service to our state and country, and you’re joining that elite group and that is something you ought to be really proud of. Thank you so much for being a dedicated West Virginian.”
Today’s event at JMHS was one of 10 Military Signing Day ceremonies across the state this week. Events were held at schools in Cabell, Kanawha, Lewis, Monongalia, Monroe, and Putnam counties.
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Before the military signing ceremony, another JMHS student was recognized. Ninth grade student Will Boggess was awarded a certificate of distinguished community service by West Virginia Division of Highways Monroe County Administrator Shannon Brim. Boggess went out of his way to contact Brim after noticing overgrowth of brush and trees on two major roads in the county. The roads have since been fixed.
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