KINGWOOD — Your education is your future, WVU President Gordon Gee told students at Preston High Wednesday.
Since 2008, 13 million jobs have been created in the U.S., but only 800,000 of them required only a high school education, Gee told the crowd in the school auditorium, during his first visit ever to the school.
“In other words, if you only have a high school education, you’re not going to get work,” he said.
PHS guidance counsellor Kim Metheny said that 70 of the 273 seniors in the Class of 2018 have applied to WVU. The assembly included those 70 students, the entire junior class and sophomores enrolled in honors English classes.
Guidance Counselor Jane Layne said the visit was important for students. “It gives them a connection before they get there. They feel like they’re already a part of something, and hopefully it will keep them there for four years.”
Also, Metheny said, it gave students a chance to see which of their classmates have applied to WVU.
“I think WVU is such a big school, having the president come helps personalize the school for them,” said guidance counselor Shelly Pyles. “It helps make it feel like it could be their home for the next four years.”
Clay-Battelle High grad and WVU freshman Abby Sine shared her impressions of the university with the students. Sine touted the academics, clubs, sports and social aspects of attending WVU.
“Don’t worry about the money, because you can go and get a better job,” Sine said, and the university offers many scholarships.
“Undecided” may be the most important major for freshmen, Gee said, because it allows them to “shop” for their future career. Gee asked PHS students what majors they are planning at WVU?
Abbyrose Sisler said she will be entering graphic design and is attending WVU because her Mom did. Tabitha Sigley said she plans to enter forensics and get a Ph.D. before applying to the FBI.
Class President Isaiah Hardy said WVU wasn’t his first choice for college, but the school changed his mind with its financial package and the quality of the theater program.
Two students said they will be living at Bennett Tower, and Gee said that’s near his home and invited them to supper.
President Gee said he hopes the students understand the importance of furthering their education. And he hopes they take a serious look at WVU.
“It’s a great institution, it’s in their neighborhood, and so they have a real opportunity,” Gee said. He feels that it’s important for him to see high schools and high school students, and learn what
WVU should be doing to improve relationships with those schools.
In addition to PHS, Gee stopped Wednesday at Trinity High and Clay-Battelle High in Mon County.
After his speech and talking with the crowd, Gee took one of his trademark selfies before posing for a group photo with PHS seniors who have applied to WVU. The cell phones came out then, as students posed for individual shots with the president.
