Smith, who has visited nearly a dozen high schools across West Virginia and Kentucky, met with students at Martinsburg High School and Musselman High School, sharing a message centered on ambition, perseverance and the importance of taking the first step toward a successful future.
“Don’t let your circumstances define your possibilities,” Smith said. “Your dreams can take you places you haven’t even imagined, but you have to take the first step.
“You don’t have to have your entire future figured out today. You just have to be willing to learn, take chances, work hard and keep moving forward.”
The visit is part of Marshall’s ongoing efforts to connect with students across the region and expand awareness of the educational opportunities available at the Huntington school.
Berkeley County Schools officials welcomed the opportunity to introduce students to Marshall’s academic programs, career-focused training and other resources.
“Our students are often exposed to schools and programs in this region, so it’s nice to have Marshall travel here to showcase its offerings and share some of the amazing opportunities for our students here in the Eastern Panhandle,” said Dr. Ryan Saxe, superintendent of Berkeley County Schools.
Marshall also is the sponsor of Friday night’s football game between Musselman and Morgantown High School in Inwood, W.Va. Marco, Marshall’s bison mascot, will participate in the game’s coin toss.
Information on undergraduate education at Marshall University is available here.
Today’s special event is the second partnership between the university and Berkeley County Schools. Announced earlier this year, the AviationX career pathway provides students with a free, two-year career and technical education experience that combines hands-on training with real-world exposure to the aviation industry.
The program is designed to help students explore aviation careers while developing skills and knowledge that can prepare them for further education and employment in the field.
The partnership reflects the broader value of connecting K-12 education with higher education and workforce opportunities, helping students discover career paths and gain experience before graduating from high school.
For more information about Marshall’s aviation programs, visit Aviation Explorers – Marshall University Aviation.