CHARLESTON — West Virginia Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R-Randolph) has introduced House Bill 4720, the Creating Opportunities for Academics in Rural Schools (SOAR) Act, co-sponsored with State Senator Patricia Rucker.

The SOAR Act removes barriers to high-quality academic programs in rural schools, supports innovative learning models, and helps rural districts better access resources and talent so every West Virginia student — especially in rural areas –can receive an excellent education, according to a press release.

“West Virginia’s rural students deserve the same opportunities as those in urban areas,” said Coop-Gonzalez in the release. “The SOAR Act will help close the gap and give more of our kids the tools to succeed.”

Coop-Gonzalez also recently participated in the Sojourn Flag ceremony at the West Virginia State Capitol, where he was honored to hold the Sojourn 250 Flag — a special 8Ö5-foot American flag traveling to every U.S. state and territory to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Launched on Flag Day 2025 by the National Flag Foundation and America250, the flag has already flown over all 26 American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries overseas, honoring more than 200,000 fallen service members, before beginning its domestic journey carried reverently through each state.

The flag’s visit to West Virginia — marked by a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda and House chamber — served as a powerful symbol of national unity, remembrance, and West Virginia pride, the release states.

“It was a profound honor to hold the Sojourn 250 Flag and stand with fellow West Virginians celebrating our shared history and the sacrifices made for our freedom,” Coop-Gonzalez said.

“This flag reminds us of the enduring spirit that unites our nation,” the delegate concluded.