Two experiences I had this weekend provided encouragement about West Virginia’s young people and our leaders for the future.
As a judge for a Future Farmers of America (FFA) project I meet nine outstanding young people from various parts of our State. Each were articulate, several held FFA office, had educational goals and were charting a life course. Most impressive were the contributions they are making to their communities.
The second was the Underwood Internship program. Shane Wilson a 2009 college graduate conceived the idea to give his peers experience in the political process. Ten students have spent the summer gaining valuable work experience, observing the operation of a political party, offering new ideas and interacting with party leaders.
There has been a void of civic engagement in recent years. Looks like that is about to change.
