Raleigh County Academy of Health Sciences and Technology hosts local graduation
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – On the evening of Thursday, May 9, local high school students throughout Raleigh County had their first graduation experience.
Held at the WVU Tech building on Neville Street, the ceremony included members of the Raleigh County Health Sciences and Technology academy.
Parents and friends lined up to support graduates of the academy, which focuses on the importance of STEM-related fields.
One of the guests present was Rob Rappold, the Mayor of Beckley.
It was a bittersweet moment for Rappold, who said this will be the last time he will attend as mayor of Beckley.
“In three simple words, I love HSTA. Vickie Webb invited me about 12 years ago to join a Saturday morning group and I was at a training. From that moment on, the parents and children were there and I thought this was where I wanted to be.”
Rob Rappold, Mayor of Beckley
More than a hundred people showed up to support the 11 different graduates.
After presentations by alumni, guests were treated to live music.
Graduates were then treated to a speech from WVU Tech President T. Ramon Stuart.
Stuart has been a part of HSTA since the 1990s and is happy to see people participating in STEM-related fields.
“These young people are stars and have a light that shines brightly. They have a light that shines so brightly that it not only illuminates a path for them, but also for future generations.”
T. Ramon Stuart, president of WVU Tech
The event ended with students receiving cords and closing remarks from President Stuart.
It was an emotional night for the graduates and academy member Vickie Webb, who is retiring as Field Coordinator.
Webb wants to remind everyone that despite his retirement, tonight was about the future of these students.
“I’m really happy they’re okay. Sometimes when you see this and after all the chit-chat, it’s time to move on to something different in life.”
Vickie Webb, Raleigh County HTSA Field Coordinator
