Government Class Holds Graduation Ceremony

By Mike Krafcik

The State Journal

BUCKHANNON -- The Buckhannon-Upshur Citizen's Leadership Institute of Governmental Affairs held its inaugural graduation Wednesday evening.

Twenty nine students received their certificates Wednesday night, for completing a unique 10-week program focused on teaching participants the ABCs of local government.

'What they're getting, you don't get in a textbook. When you look at government-- It's like a lava lamp, it changes every day, it changes very slow," said David Taylor, West Virginia Wesleyan University director of the Office of Extended Learning.

More than 30 elected officials contributed to the class discussions.

Some of them were even on-hand to wish the graduates their best. Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito was the guest speaker for the graduation.

"These are the movers and shakers of the community. They set policy, they came out and had face-to-face contact with the class," Taylor said.

Organizers said they were happy with the turnout. They say graduates came from all walks of life.

"We have a retired doctor, we have people that work in real estate, corrections officer. Just a dynamic group of people," Taylor said.

In addition to receiving certificates, the city of Buckhannon and the county drafted a proclamation -- making all of these graduates -- Upshur County ambassadors.

Organizers said these graduates are walking away with something invaluable.

"You're seeing people walk away that have so much of a wealth knowledge of government and a strong supporters of Upshur County government. They've learned so much," said Taylor. The organization is planning another leadership institute next summer.