FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2015

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV - Nine Glenville State College Hidden Promise Scholars (HPS) were recognized as graduates of the Hidden Promise program at a ceremony held on December 2. The students, Courtney Cutlip, Elizabeth Jackson, Sarah Lane, Michael Livesay, Patricia McCourt, Corri Phillips, Nicole Smith, Samantha Wolford, and Amara Yoak, are all scheduled to complete their GSC degrees at the conclusion of the fall semester.

GSC President Dr. Peter Barr welcomed the students and congratulated them on their accomplishments. "These graduates represent a critical step toward fulfilled potential; they will soon hold a Glenville State College diploma. With that sign of documented perseverance, they are joining an exclusive society, and with that membership comes broad recognition of their energy, commitment, stamina, focus, and ambition. I salute them on earning this high distinction," said Barr.

Following a special dinner in their honor, the students gave brief remarks recalling their times at GSC and in the Hidden Promise program.

Courtney Cutlip, from Clendenin, West Virginia, will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management. After graduation she hopes to work in the oil and gas industry doing land surveying.

In her speech, Cutlip spoke about first being inducted into the Hidden Promise program when she was in eighth grade. "At the time I wasn't concerned with college or scholarships but enrolling in the natural resource management program at GSC was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has been an honor to be a part of the Hidden Promise program too and I wish all of my fellow scholars the best," she said.

Elizabeth Jackson, from Frametown, West Virginia, will graduate with an associate's degree in business. During her time at GSC she was a member of Student Support Services and was named to the campus honor roll several times. She plans to seek a secretarial position following commencement.

"Hidden Promise takes a special interest in each student. It is comforting knowing that you are around other students who are going through the same struggles and being a Hidden Promise Scholar made my college experience more enjoyable," said Jackson.

Sarah Lane, from Grantsville, West Virginia, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Early Education. During her time on campus she was a member of the Early Education Student Group, Kappa Delta Pi, and Chi Beta Phi. After graduation she will take a position as a middle school teacher in her native Calhoun County before beginning work on a master's degree.

During her speech she reflected on attending previous graduation dinners and hearing what other graduates said. "It's hard to believe that I'm on this side of the podium already. I encourage everyone to appreciate what we have here at GSC; I don't know where else you can find such kind professors and caring staff members. Make this the time of your life," said Lane. She also counted the multicultural trips as her favorite part of the program, including the visits to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Michael Livesay, from Buckhannon, West Virginia, will graduate with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time at GSC he participated in the marching band, choir, and chamber singers. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master's degree in public affairs.

"I want to express my thanks to Dr. Barr and his wife Betsy and to the staff of the Hidden Promise program. They foster hard work and really push you toward success," said Livesay.

Patricia McCourt, from Centralia, West Virginia, will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. During her time at GSC she was an active member of the sorority Delta Xi Rho and participated in Student Support Services and the Behavioral Science Club. After graduation she hopes to become a corrections counselor at Huttonsville Correctional Center.

Her remarks during the dinner touched on the new people that she met through the Hidden Promise program. "I've made so many new friends and made memories that will last forever thanks to being a Hidden Promise Scholar. I encourage the other scholars to not be afraid of making new friends. Life is so much better when you have friends to celebrate it with," said McCourt.

Corri Phillips, from Glenville, West Virginia, will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science. During her time on campus she was a member of the Lady Pioneer Volleyball team, women's golf team, and the track and cross country teams. After graduation she plans on relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina.

"The people in this program are the ones who make things go smoothly. They care and they are the team that is behind you, rooting for you. I also encourage other scholars to become a mentor for the incoming HPS students. It's fun and I'm glad that I was able to help them transition into college life," said Phillips.

Nicole Smith, from Elkview, West Virginia, will graduate with an associate's degree in business. After graduation she hopes to work for the State of West Virginia.

"Being here at GSC has given me the confidence to be up here today, speaking to you all. Thanks to being a Hidden Promise Scholar, I got to go to New York City. It has been a blessing to help other students realize that going to college isn't something that's unachievable. Time flies, so be sure to get out and enjoy it while you can," said Smith.

Samantha Wolford, from Buckhannon, West Virginia, will graduate with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. During her time as a Pioneer she was a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Guild and Alpha Psi Omega. She also spent time on stage and behind the scenes for GSC Theater. After graduation she plans on pursuing a master's degree and eventually a doctorate.

"You make a lot of memories here with the people you're in the program with. The thing I remember the most are the trips, the ones to New York City and Myrtle Beach. Go and see places and be open to those experiences," she said.

Amara Yoak, from Grantsville, West Virginia, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and General Math-Algebra I Education. During her time at GSC she was a member of the academic honor society Kappa Delta Pi.

"I extend a gesture of gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Barr and to all of my professors who gave me so much guidance. I also thank HPS Coordinator Stacy Adkins for always making her time available to help us. Being part of this program has introduced me to new hobbies, new interests, and new ideas," said Yoak.

In addition to accepting a plaque and commemorative class ring, the new graduates also inscribed the Hidden Promise Book. In signing the volume, graduates commit to 'always accepting the obligations and the challenges of guiding the young to education, knowledge, and love of the human spirit; to demonstrate respect for all people, and cultivate the trained, yet free, minds appropriate to sustaining and advancing a democratic way of life; and to striving to become knowledgeable, ethical, caring citizens who embody the qualities that the Hidden Promise program fosters.' The students will become official GSC graduates on Saturday, December 12 after GSC's December Commencement ceremony.

The Hidden Promise Scholars program is a component of GSC's Hidden Promise Consortium. The program is an alliance between Glenville State College and county school districts throughout West Virginia and in Ohio and Connecticut aimed at improving communication between higher education and teachers, staff, and students in grades eight through 12. Other goals include increasing the number of high school and college graduates as well as aligning the curricula of K-12 and higher education.

Students are often inducted into the program while still in high school after being chosen by their school counselors, teachers, and principals. The scholars mentor with current college students and take part in campus visits and annual summer camps. Upon high school graduation, HPS students who opt to attend GSC receive a $1,000 scholarship which is renewable annually throughout their enrollment as a full-time student.

For more information on the GSC Hidden Promise Scholars Program, contact Program Director Teresa Sterns at Teresa.Sterns@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6100.