WVVA Hosts First-Ever Voter Registration Drive: A Commitment to Civic Engagement

West Virginia Virtual Academy believes in the power of education to shape not only careers but also future citizens. On October 1, WVVA hosted its first voter registration drive, an exciting milestone for the school and the broader K12 network. This inaugural event focused on encouraging civic participation and saw 143 high school juniors and seniors come together to learn about the importance of voting and how they can play an active role in their communities.

Lee Dean from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office led the event, channeling the spirit of Jennings Randolph, the “Father of the 26th Amendment.” His engaging performance captivated the students, bringing history to life while emphasizing the significance of voter registration and participation. Randolph’s legacy, rooted in the belief that young people should have a say in their government, resonated with the students who are about to step into their roles as voters.

“I thought that the voter’s drive was cool,” said Marley Jouver, a student at WVVA. “I especially liked Mr. Dean’s presentation. Seeing him in that bright white suit and him retelling the story of how West Virginia made it so 18-year-olds could vote from Jennings Randolph’s point of view made me more interested than I thought I would be.

“West Virginians are usually ignored in politics so it was fascinating to hear about one that made such a great impact in the government by fighting for the younger generations,” said WVVA student Ethan Goddard. 

WVVA has set an inspiring goal: to ensure that 100% of eligible students are registered to vote. Executive Director Doug Cipoletti and Board President Bryan Holyman attended the event, showing strong support for this initiative. Cipoletti expressed the academy’s mission to empower students beyond academics, encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to society.

“This is about empowering our students to use their voices and make an impact on their communities,” said Cipoletti. “Voting is one of the most direct ways to influence change, and we want every eligible student at WVVA to be part of that.”

“We were thrilled to see our students actively engage with Mr. Lee Dean’s presentation and work toward 100% voter registration. This event truly showcased their leadership and commitment to civic engagement, reflecting the spirit of democracy that defines our state,” said Jon Kostival, WVVA social studies teacher. “It gives me great confidence to know that the next generation is ready to step up and participate in our democracy.”

This voter registration drive is just the beginning. WVVA is dedicated to fostering a culture of civic involvement and can’t wait to see the positive impact these future voters will have. Be sure to follow along as WVVA continues to champion education that extends beyond the classroom.