BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WDTV) – Governor Jim Justice announced Thursday that he has appointed First Lady Cathy Justice to the West Virginia Board of Education.
First Lady Justice will take the seat previously occupied by Dr. Danial Snavely and will serve a nine-year term, officials said.
The hallmark of its service is the Communities In Schools program, which has expanded to all 55 counties and provides basic needs, resources and mentoring to at-risk students, Governor Justice said. She also pioneered the Friends With Paws program after placing 42 therapy dogs in schools statewide, providing additional comfort and support to West Virginia students, he said.
In the past, First Lady Justice taught in Raleigh County schools and has continued to use her background and experience in education to build pillars of support for children, strengthening community support that meets the ever-growing needs of students and families, Governor Justice said.
“Through our Communities In Schools program over the past eight years, we have been able to provide hundreds of children with the basic essentials to succeed in school by providing food, clothing, shelter and medical services. Without these necessities, our children cannot compete on a level playing field. We want them to feel good about themselves, both personally and academically, and to be proud of where they come from. We want them to succeed in life,” said First Lady Justice. “I am honored to take on this role and continue working to support our incredible students, teachers and families. Every child in West Virginia deserves a safe, welcoming environment in which they can thrive. I look forward to contributing to governance and helping our education system become stronger for all.”
You can view the appointment letter below.
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