Pathways in Action

Lilly Reisenweber, a 2023 graduate of Martinsburg High School, is continuing to rise in the field of broadcast journalism after being selected as one of just two Main Anchors for the Spring 2026 WVU News Capstone—West Virginia University’s flagship, student-run newsroom that mirrors a professional broadcast environment.

Lilly's journey began in the MHS Broadcasting program, where she studied under Mrs. Hockensmith. Although Lilly initially planned to pursue biochemistry, her experience in broadcasting as a junior shifted her path. She credits Mrs. Hockensmith with igniting her passion for journalism by building her confidence and comfort on camera and providing opportunities to work with community business owners and local leaders—experiences Lilly describes as some of the most valuable of her high school career. “She pushed me to try new things,” Lilly shared, “and that changed everything.”

Selection for the WVU News Main Anchor role required a competitive tryout process. Lilly auditioned by writing an original script, recording an on-camera segment, and undergoing critiques from 12–16 industry professionals, whose feedback was reviewed by WVU faculty before final decisions were made.

This role marks Lilly's second capstone experience at WVU. Her first was with WVU Today, where she worked on projects highlighting West Virginia tourism and direct admissions initiatives with Shepherd University for Jefferson and Berkeley County Schools students. She also currently serves as a Creative Content Intern with WVU Athletics, further expanding her skills in multimedia storytelling and production.

After graduation, Lilly plans to enter the field as a Multimedia Journalist, combining reporting, writing, filming, and editing across platforms. Her advice to current high school students is simple but powerful: “You’re at a point where you can explore new things. Use this time to find your passion, navigate difficult moments, and follow what truly makes you happy.”

Lilly Reisenweber's success reflects the lasting impact of CTE broadcasting programs, demonstrating how early exposure, mentorship, and hands-on learning can open doors to professional opportunities.

During National School Counseling Week (February 2–6, 2026), the Hedgesville High School Baking & Pastry and Agriculture CTE programs demonstrated the power of hands-on learning paired with meaningful service.

Students in Ms. McDonald’s Baking & Pastry classes prepared a variety of breakfast and lunch items, while Mr. VanDyne, Ms. Puffenburger, and the HHS FFA program created beautiful floral arrangements to help school counselors feel appreciated and celebrated.

National School Counseling Week honors counselors for their vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional success. Within CTE, their impact is especially significant—often working behind the scenes to schedule students into programs, ensure completion of all four required courses, facilitate NOCTI testing, and support diploma transcription.

We extend our sincere thanks to both the CTE students and teachers who made this recognition possible, and to our school counselors, whose dedication and advocacy are essential to student success. This celebration reflects CTE at its best—where education meets industry, and service meets skill.

This CTE Month, we proudly celebrate the approximately 50 Career & Technical Education teachers who inspire, challenge, and support students across Berkeley County Schools, from middle school through high school. Representing 11 diverse career clusters—from Manufacturing and Health Science to Arts, A/V Technology & Communications and beyond—these educators bring learning to life through passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication.

Our CTE teachers create dynamic, real-world learning environments where students don’t just learn about careers—they experience them. Through simulated workplace, classrooms are transformed into professional spaces where students collaborate in team structures, participate in authentic hiring and interview processes, and develop habits of punctuality, dependability, and professionalism. Instruction emphasizes workplace culture and safety, encourages innovative design thinking and problem-solving, and reinforces growth through ongoing feedback and performance reflection.

Beyond the classroom, our CTE teachers open doors to meaningful opportunities through strong community partnerships. They host alumni banquets, take part in county fairs and parades, welcome local business and industry leaders into classrooms, and create pathways to internships, including hands-on experiences with local broadcasting partners. These connections help students see their potential, build confidence, and envision their future success.

Berkeley County is deeply grateful for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to students, proving each day that education meets industry through innovation, collaboration, and heart.

On February 3, representatives from CMC Steel visited Mr. Engle’s Building & Maintenance class at Musselman High School to speak with juniors and seniors about career opportunities in the skilled trades and manufacturing industry.

During the visit, CMC highlighted the wide range of careers needed to support the region's growing population, including roles in electrical work, engineering, and transportation. Students gained insight into how these careers directly connect to the technical skills they are currently developing in class.

CMC representatives emphasized two essential qualities of an ideal employee: safety and soft skills. Students were encouraged to prioritize safe work practices while also building employability traits such as strong attendance, discipline, dedication, and dependability—qualities that employers value just as highly as technical ability. Students interested in pursuing careers with CMC were encouraged to continue mastering their technical coursework, noting that the skills learned in Building & Maintenance classes provide a strong foundation for entry into the industry.

We extend our sincere thanks to CMC Steel for taking the time to invest in our students, share industry insight, and reinforce the skills and work ethic needed for success in today’s workforce. Partnerships like this help ensure our students are prepared, informed, and inspired as they plan their next steps.

Students in the Millwork & Cabinetmaking program at Spring Mills High School took on a real-world challenge facing educators across the district: preventing accidental Raptor alert activations. Under the guidance of their instructor, Mr. Hazlett, students were tasked with designing a practical solution to reduce false alerts while keeping staff safety tools accessible.

Working through the design process, students collaborated to think objectively about function, usability, and durability. The project required critical thinking, creativity, and trial and error, as students evaluated how teachers wear the alert devices—often on lanyards—and identified design flaws that could lead to accidental activation.

In early February, students 3D printed their first prototype in 2 sections and then plastic welded them together, marking an important milestone in the project. Through testing and reflection, students identified opportunities for improvement, including the addition of an ID badge pocket and a wider lanyard ring opening to improve comfort and ease of use. The long-term vision for the project is to produce a staff-wide set of reusable, numbered holders that can be redistributed annually—providing a sustainable, student-designed solution to a districtwide need.

This project exemplifies CTE at its best: students applying technical skills to solve authentic problems, collaborating with purpose, and creating solutions that have a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

As a senior and Vice President of the Hedgesville High School FFA Chapter, Holden Custer has grown into a confident leader through hands-on learning, competition, and service. A third-generation 4-H member, he joined FFA as a freshman after learning about the organization in middle school and quickly stepped into leadership roles, serving as Treasurer last year and now Vice President for a chapter of 46 members.

Holden has earned his Greenhand and Chapter Degrees and is working toward his State Degree, with aspirations of achieving the American FFA Degree. His Supervised Agricultural Experience includes raising hogs through the Tri-County Meat Curing program, where students care for animals, meet industry requirements, and participate in processing and competition.

He has also excelled in livestock judging and showmanship, earning 3rd place Senior Hog Showmanship and Overall Rabbit and Poultry Showmanship at the Berkeley County Youth Fair. Holden credits his growth to the many opportunities FFA provides and to mentors like Mr. VanDyne, whom he describes as a strong advocate who maximizes hands-on learning through facilities like the hog barn, greenhouse, and chicken coops, especially for students who don’t live on farms. “No matter what,” Holden shared, “there is something for everyone in FFA.”

Currently dual enrolled at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Agribusiness, Holden is considering a future in Agrifinance, focused on building sustainable and profitable operations. Through FFA, he has gained confidence, leadership skills, and a clear sense of purpose for what comes next.

During FFA Week, schools across Berkeley County came together to celebrate the impact of the National FFA Organization while educating peers about the many opportunities FFA provides for students of all interests and career goals.

At Musselman High School, students brought agriculture to life during lunchtime with barrel racing and lassoing demonstrations, while also giving back by creating handmade dog leashes for the local Humane Society. Spring Mills High School hosted a staff appreciation breakfast and, alongside Martinsburg High School, welcomed students and staff to a petting zoo for hands-on agricultural experiences. Meanwhile, Hedgesville High School and Musselman High School proudly displayed tractors on campus, highlighting agriculture’s role in modern industry and innovation.

Did You Know?

• The letters FFA originally stood for Future Farmers of America — a name rooted in tradition and heritage that will always remain part of the organization’s identity.

• In 1988, the organization changed its name to the National FFA Organization to reflect the growing diversity of careers in agriculture — from teachers and scientists to doctors, engineers, and business owners.

• In 2003, the “Only Blue Will Do!” campaign restored the iconic national blue and corn gold jacket colors that symbolize pride and professionalism across the country.

• The American FFA Degree is the highest honor an FFA member can earn, recognizing dedication to their chapter, leadership growth, community service, and commitment to their supervised agricultural experience.

FFA Week across Berkeley County was more than a celebration — it was a powerful reminder that FFA builds leaders, strengthens communities, and prepares students for success in a wide range of careers.

The MUHS Marketing class is selling more than midday snacks and accessories—they’re cultivating school spirit. The student-run school store has become a staple of Musselman High School culture, featuring student-designed and student-produced apparel, including shirts, sweatshirts, pants, and hats, along with a wide variety of spirited accessories. From headbands and tutus to bow ties, glasses, and necklaces, students can find everything they need to show their Applemen pride.

One of the store’s newest offerings is the Spirit Pack—a $15 bag filled with spirited essentials such as a headband, water bottle, glasses, and pompom, making it easy for students to gear up for game day in one purchase.

Beyond the merchandise, the store reflects the heart of a tight-knit school community. Designed with mood-enhancing lighting, soft music, and quiet seating, the space offers a welcoming environment where students can relax, socialize, and connect during the school day.

By lunchtime, the store is buzzing with activity as students stop in for the essentials—whether it’s a slushie, a snack, or freshly pressed spirit wear. Through hands-on experience in design, production, merchandising, and customer service, Marketing students are building real-world business skills while strengthening school culture—one sale at a time.

The Musselman High School Athletic Department recently extended a sincere thank-you to Senator Jason Barrett for his instrumental support in helping upgrade the school’s scores table, enhancing the game-day experience for students, athletes, and fans.

Following the upgrade, the MUHS Broadcasting team took the lead in bringing the multimedia features to life—programming, managing, and operating the new system. On February 13, the team officially debuted the scores table during a thrilling matchup between the Applemen and Wheeling Park, where Musselman secured a 44–42 victory.

The upgraded scores table has elevated the athletic atmosphere by incorporating dynamic graphics such as “traveling” and “basket,” adding a professional broadcast feel to home games while giving students authentic, hands-on experience in live production.

Next time you’re at Charlie Cline Court, be sure to check out the new scores table—and the students behind the scenes who make it all happen.