Manchin talks to TVHS via Internet | Elkins Inter-Mountain

Often politicians don't take into account the concerns of teenagers - perhaps because they're not old enough to vote. That's not a mistake Joe Manchin is willing to make, however.

Sen. Manchin, D-W.Va., made time Wednesday for a long-distance meeting with the younger generation as he addressed concerns and questions from Tygarts Valley High School students.

The senator fielded questions via Skype, a popular videoconferencing website, from a group comprised of juniors and seniors currently enrolled in advanced placement and dual credit courses for approximately 30 minutes.

The students asked Manchin questions concerning environmental protection and water safety, female representation in the federal government, minimum wage, affordable energy and state education.

"The voices of our students are so important, and that's why I host weekly Skype sessions while I am in Washington," Manchin said in a press release. "The students at Tygarts Valley were thoughtful and came prepared with impressive questions. I thought our discussion was very productive, and I look forward to visiting with them again soon."

Tygarts Valley High School Principal Steve Wamsley said the discussion gave the students an opportunity to actually put a face to a name with Manchin.

"They're able to look at him and they know now that he is someone that cares about them, cares about their education and cares about West Virginia," Wamsley said.

We applaud Manchin's efforts to get in touch with the younger generation, and we are proud of how prepared and mature the TVHS students showed themselves to be during the event.

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