MORGANTOWN – When the West Virginia Chamber convenes in Charleston in September for its annual “Champions of Learning” awards ceremony, three local educators will be there.
Kim Greene, who is principal of University High School and her counterpart Samantha Peaslee, who is the top administrator at Kingwood Elementary School, have both been nominated for Principal of the Year by the chamber’s foundation.
Miriam Mason, a counselor at Mylan Park Elementary, is also in the running for the organization’s state Counselor of Year award.
“Public education is the cornerstone of progress,” chamber president Steve Roberts said.
“The business community is eager to support the success of our students and those who work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals.”
“Support” is the watchword, State Schools Superintendent Michele L. Blatt said.
“We are showcasing additional team members who support learning and academic achievement in the Mountain State,” the superintendent said.
“It takes all of us to support our public schools,” she continued, “including the business community.”
Kim Greene
Greene is an alumna of the school she now leads as principal.
Under her direction, University High has become a ranking school with marked proficiency in reading, science, English and math.
Her policies have reduced chronic absenteeism by 20% while establishing a downward curve of disciplinary incidents – which have dropped by more than 1,000 cases under her tenure.
Greene has logged more than 30 years in education.
She earned degrees in secondary education and educational leadership from West Virginia University – with an additional certificate in educational leadership from Salem International University.
Samantha Peaslee
Peaslee’s approach at Kingwood Elementary takes in student growth, high-quality instruction, and the fostering of relationships which encourage lifelong learning.
Her lesson plan netted national recognition in 2024, when Kingwood Elementary was named a Model School at a conference that drew in teachers and administrators from across the country.
Kingwood Elementary has also been lauded by West Virginia with a Positive Behavioral Interventions ranking.
Maintaining the emotional health of her students is a mission.
Peaslee is a product of WVU, with degrees in multidisciplinary studies and elementary education, including a language arts endorsement for grades 5-8. She also holds a certificate in educational leadership from Fairmont State University.
Miriam Mason
Mason’s job description within the confines of Mylan Park Elementary and outside is multitiered.
She’s there for students as a counselor and is also the school’s wellness coordinator.
The veteran counselor also has a private practice where she sees clients of all ages in her work that takes in a holistic, wellness-based approach to care.
Her prowess at Mylan Park earned Counselor the Year accolades from Monongalia County Schools.
She also mentors graduate counseling interns at WVU, where she earned a master’s degree in counseling. Mason holds several certifications in her field as well.
Visit https://wvchamber.com/ for more information on the state chamber and its educator recognition.
