Submitted photo Randolph County high school students taking part in Leadership Ready 2025 pose for a photo at 4-H Camp Pioneer in Beverly.

ELKINS — During the week of June 9-13, students from Randolph County high schools completed a week of leadership training and career exploration through Leadership Ready, a brand-new program of the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and Randolph County CLIMB.

The program included five packed days of presentations, round tables, panel discussions, team-building activities, and outdoor recreation at various points throughout Randolph County. Davis & Elkins College provided the space for the morning classroom sessions. Afternoons were spent enjoying outdoor activities all around the county.

Kris Wilmoth, lead counselor for RC CLIMB stated, “Throughout the week, we had the privilege of working with an exceptional group of young people. Watching them discover the many opportunities available right here in their own community and seeing their excitement to get involved was both inspiring and rewarding.

“This initiative beautifully aligns with the mission of RC CLIMB: empowering youth to recognize their potential and inspiring them to become the best version of themselves.”

Lisa Wood, lead counselor for the Chamber, added, “After three successful years of Leadership Randolph, the Chamber was ready to partner with RC CLIMB to bring this new leadership program to our high school youth. In its inaugural year, it was more than we even imagined!

“Both the Chamber and RC CLIMB are grateful to every business, organization, and individual that stepped up and helped to make the week an overwhelming success.”

In addition, the students spent the week with Chamber Executive Director Karrah Washington and volunteer videographer Blaine Bishop.

Each day focused on a different career field, and each morning started with a Leadership & Team Building Activity with Roy Schneider. Monday was “Emerging Technology” Day. The session’s facilitators were Adriana Channel and Dr. Shawn Dilly. Following their morning team-building activity with Roy Schneider and presentations from technology/marketing professionals, the students enjoyed fly fishing at Elk Springs Resort.

On Tuesday, the students focused on “Becoming An Entrepreneur.” This session was facilitated by Lisa Wood and Karrah Washington.

It included a walking tour of downtown businesses. A few of our local entrepreneurs shared their entrepreneurial stories as well as a presentation from Elkins Randolph County Tourism. That afternoon the students traveled to Laurel River Club and enjoyed a falconry lesson.

Wednesday was “Manufacturing and Trades” Day. Facilitators Kris Wilmoth and Jennifer Morgan brought together trade folks from plumbing, pipefitting, electrical and heavy equipment, as well as conversations with the Randolph Technical Center and the Fred Eberle Technical Center. During the afternoon, students hiked a trail off of Corridor H before splashing around at Stuart Park.

On Thursday, facilitator Mike Bell focused the group on healthcare. The students enjoyed a panel discussion, then focused on hands-on skill building that included checking for a pulse, spotting heart attack symptoms, administering CPR, and more. Thursday afternoon was spent “string painting” on the terrace at D&E and taking a campus tour.

On the students’ final day, facilitators Hannah Fincham and Katy Dillon lead the students through a special session entitled “Being a Community Champion.” Guest presenter Heidi Bray of the Mountain State Forest Festival got plenty of questions, then the students enjoyed a round of “Family Feud: Volunteer Edition!” Guest panelists Marsha McAtee, Lucy Godwin, and Phillips Kolsun shared their inspiring stories of why they choose to be community champions. Friday afternoon, the students spent their time volunteering and canoeing at Camp Pioneer.

The week concluded with a Celebration Dinner inside the Seneca Mall. Students’ families filled the space, and, after eating, the students were presented with certificates and words of encouragement by program counselors, Kris Wilmoth and Lisa Wood.

The students will continue their connection to Leadership Ready throughout their high school years. Each student will be matched with a community mentor in their career field of interest. The counselors will stay in touch to help the students through their career exploration and post-high school education journey. The students will also be invited to apply for a position as a junior counselor for the Leadership Ready Class of 2026 next summer.