Manchin Skypes with students | The Journal

The Careers of Education class at the school is for any student who is interested in any aspect of a career in education, such as administration, counseling, teaching, etc.

Seniors Kristin Williams, Kylee Cook, Kristy Rodgers, Carmen Rodgers, Kayla Barnes, Haelly Ramirez and Jacob Shuff, along with juniors Brooke Smoot and Allison Schwartz, were the nine students who were able to partake in the session.

Each student was able to ask one question to Manchin. Students asked about the coal industry, casinos and horse racing, gun violence, sexual assault cases in schools, among other topics that affect West Virginia.

Careers and Education teacher Marsha Hardman said she was excited that her students were able to experience something like this because they are the future.

"I think it's important because most of these students want to be educators and most of them are going to be eligible to vote in the fall, which is exciting for them. So, this is an opportunity for them to be able to hear first-hand from our senator," Hardman said.

Shuff said it is nice to know Manchin wants to be involved with high school students from the Eastern Panhandle.

"It's a good experience to see who is actually representing us. And to see that he actually cares, to take the time to come and see what our opinion is and what we would like to see changed. I think it's great for us and some of our younger high school students who look up to political figures," Shuff said.

Ramirez said she was excited for the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Manchin.

"It's such a great opportunity to actually be able to get some of our questions answered from such a high-up official. I am honored he is taking the time to speak to us," Ramirez said.

Manchin has Skyped with a couple of other schools from the area, and his office's representatives said he will continue to take the time to interact with the community's youth.

Staff Writer Katiann Marshall can be reach at 304-263-8931, ext. 182 or at Twitter.com/kmarshallJN.