West Virginia Department of Commerce Come Home to WV Essays

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Come Home to WV Essays



My dad has lived in WV all of his 92 years and could never dream of living anywhere else. His family settled in WV in the 1700s. Dad wants all of his children to live in WV and constantly encourages me to return to WV. When I talk about jobs and economics my dad tells me there is always a way when we want to find a way and the quality of our lives is more important than the financial aspects of our lives. Dad is a true mountaineer.
~Joan Sites, Ashland, VA
(Nominates: Leo Clyde Sites, father)
Leo C. Sites
Marsha Chwalik

When your birthday's in a Bible here. Or your pictures in a frame. If you walk down your hometown road - someones bound to know your name. Or stop to talk about your kin, helping you remember when -- And shake your hand on Sunday morn in a church, just like back then. When thoughts of home draw you here and haunt your dreams at night. Even if you've been away awhile, come back, it's still alright. If your homeplace is standing or a distant memory -- The warmth that calls you still remains, Mountaineers we'll always be.
~ Marsha Chwalik, Inwood, WV
(Nominates: self)

I was born in Clarksburgin 1980, the ninth generation to live within West(ern) Virginia. My Welsh and Swiss ancestry ingrained a love for the mountains and my culture that I couldn't fully understand until I left. After graduating from WVU, my wife and I left, our hearts in our throats, for Ohio. We foolishly believed the stories that young people couldn't find rewarding careers in the mountain state. After two years, the hills and hollers called us back. With a little work, we have established ourselves in great careers in West Virginia and finally feel at home.
~ Christopher Forinash, Morgantown, WV
(Nominates: self)

Christopher Forinash
Shamia Lewis

Mysterious wonders and Mystic beauty makes this beautiful state I love. It moves beyond racism merging families alike and different. Here we do not have separate neighborhoods we live together regardless of race. We live in neighborhoods not divided divisions. WV holds my secrets passions and pain. Family is not defined by blood friends arent limited and children can be kids. WVU vs. MARSHALL is a national event, Halloween is mysterious, Christmas is magical and birthdays are the biggest event of the year. Where else will u find such security? WV is not just a state, it's my home!
~ Shamia Lewis, Charleston, WV
(Nominates: self)

To give an image to others of my beautiful home state, I would say this: Almost Heaven West Virginia. Where adventure meets the rocks the sky and the water. Where a wild life is truly wild and beautiful. Where wild flowers outshine any greenhouse ones and are as pretty as a picture. Where the scenery takes your breath away and all roads lead home. West Virginia where craftsmen abound and glassmaking is an art form. Where the past meets the present and theres no place like home. West Virginia: where time stands still to enjoy the view.
~ Marsha Blankenship, Barboursville, WV
(Nominates: self)
Martha Blankenship
William L.J. Groves After graduating from WVU, I left the state looking for greener pastures only to have Country Roads bring me home. West Virginia is the place for me because I love it here. West Virginia is the place for me because I like affordable housing, short commutes and friendly neighbors. West Virginia is the place for me because I enjoy mountain lakes whitewater rafting golfing in the hills and game day in Morgantown. Most importantly, West Virginia is the place for me because my family is here, my roots are here and this is where I belong.
~ William L.J. Groves , Hurricane, WV
(Nominates: self)

Nikki Bowman, a WV native, recently returned home to launch WV LIVING Magazine. WV LIVING (www.wvlivingmagazine.com) is a highly acclaimed statewide lifestyle magazine that celebrates modern-day life in WV. Too often, WV's treasures are overlooked by visitors and natives alike. So Nikki is traveling to all corners of the state to showcase the states towns, artists and craftsmen and vibrant local businesses. Nikki and WV LIVING epitomize all that is positive about our state. Her story is an inspiration. The magazine brings WV home to everyone and encourages those who've left to return.
~ Gregory Bowman, Morgantown, WV
(Nominates: Nicole Bowman, spouse)

Nicole Bowman
Jack Tolbert

I felt like Dorothy following the yellow brick road as I came home to the WV mountains on Christmas Eve 2005 on I-64. In the twenty years I had been gone I had raised two sons, lost a wife, made many wonderful memories, experienced many disappointments and ministered two churches. But, I was always a native West Virginian. I soon settled in and got to know WV again. My 91-year-old mother welcomed me back and I met my new wife here. We live in an 80 year-old Victorian house and I pastor a church here in Richwood...the place I first saw on Christmas Eve 2005 and made my home.
~ Jack Tolbert, Richwood, WV
(Nominates: self)

I have lived many places in my life. Although I wasn't born here, West Virginia is the only place I call home. My birthplace originally is the Midwest, but growing up, we traveled and lived in North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and New York. West Virginia has my heart and has been home for 30 years. It's just never felt like home anywhere else. Myself, My husband and our two sons live on a farm surrounded by mountains and it is truly "Our small piece of Heaven." As an artist, the breath taking beauty of our state is truly an inspiration.
~ Linita Chapman, Cool Ridge, WV
(Nominates: self)

Linita Chapman
David A. Couto At home with his surroundings, whether it be in the city or the stillness of a quiet forest glade, my bother is enthusiastic about West Virginia. He ever extolls the warmth of her people and her wonderous natural beauty. He is a modern man with the same heart, wisdom and deep appreciation for her as did those who first gazed upon her yet unsettled territory. He is quick to relate her history, tell of her opportunities and introduce you to her people. His twinkling eyes and ready smile say it all, "This is my home... Almost Heaven West Virgina."
~ Mary Duff, Stonewall, OK
(Nominates: David A. Couto, brother)

My sister moved to Mississippi in the 1980s. She never, however, left in WV spirit. She bought a house in Weston in the 1990s and came home every holiday and summer. With one bold stroke of nature in 2005 Hurricane Katrina blew away her home, car and all of her possessions. Her Weston "summer home" became her permanent residence. From there she has practiced law and supported everything she loved in West Virginia with the renewed vigor of a mountaineer. Because of her love and enthusiasm Lewis County elected her to the House of Delegates in 2008. Welcome home sis!
~ Peggy Donaldson Smith, Weston, WV
(Nominates: Patty Smith, sister)

Patty Smith
Alfred Williams I am born and raised in WV. I attended High School in Chaleston WV at Geaorge Wasington High School. In High School I was a drug store delivery boy so I got to know Charleston WV well. I later attended Marshall Uninversity where I obtained my Associate degree then my Bachelors in Business Administration. Enough about me -- the greatest WV greatest assest is the people. They are ethical hard working and caring about others. I was a salesman for 10 years and traveled all over the state and what I found the people are the most kind and freindly.
~ Thomas Williams, Charleston, WV
(Nominates: Alfred Williams, father)

Born at St. Francis Hospital in 1955, I left West Virginia as a teenager living in Florida and Georgia. I had my daughter and knew to raise her right I need to come home. I wanted a career in radio so I could make a difference. I have. I work for WQBE and life is better, life is happier, life is more empowering. Not only did I come back, but so did part of my family. You can make life better, happier and more empowering all you have to do is come home to West Virginia.
~ Lenora Holley, Hurricane, WV
(Nominates: self)

Lenora Holley
Dreama Pritt

I came home today and a mountain made me cry. The air is sweeter here than anywhere Ive been. My life has taken me many places, but my heart is always here. All of nature sings with my heart and it is a joyous song. A song of rivers and mountains and hollers and trees. A song of walks in the winter and green in the spring. A song of family beside me and memories awakened. Its good to be home again.
~ Dreama Pritt, Hurricane, WVV
(Nominates: self)

Kathleen Panek grew up in Northern WV and returned here in 1995 after a 35 year "sentence" in Illinois. Kathleen opened a bed and breakfast in Shinnston, where she customizes exciting tourist packages for her guests. She's been actively involved with rails to trails and tourism throughout the State. Serving as Shinnston's volunteer "Tourist Information Center," Kathleen has been a valuable asset to Shinnston, serving on Council, the Blueprint team and various boards and organizations. Kathleen is a vocal and excited advocate for the state and all the wonderful things it has to offer.
~ Debra Herndon, Shinnston, WV
(Nominates: Kathleen Panek, friend)

Kathleen Panek
Rick Fleming

I was born and raised in Longacre WV, left when I was 38 yrs old worked as a Sous chef up to an Executive Chef. I have worked in South Caroline, Louisana, Texas and Florida. Left because there was no good paying jobs in the state. I missed being home, Mountains and family so I came back and found a good paying job here in Charleston and if you say there is nothing here then you are as wrong as I was. I am glad I came home and will never leave so come home to where you belong.
~ Rick Fleming, Cross Lanes, WV
(Nominates: self)

I love WV. It's a part of my heart. It's beautiful mountainous views. I love WV. I's a part of my soul. Will be til the day I grow old. Its rivers, valleys and fresh water streams, camping with family and friends. A wild and wonderful experience. WV your in my fond memories. White water rapids, New River Gorge all adventures in one. I sit back to take it all in. My passion takes over again. I've been around this great big world city to city through time. Nothing captures hy heart like this state. WV's one of a kind.
~ Sidney Davis III, Charleston, WV
(Nominates: Deborah Davis, wife)

Deborah Davis
Kaitlyn Pytlak As an eighteen year old, I had the opportunity to vote in the 2008 Elections, which helped me realize my goal in life: to become the first female governor of WV. Not only do I have the determination to strive to earn this position, but I will work vigorously to promote everything WV has to offer. Throughout my life, WV has provided me with a great education, which I plan to continue next year, and also a great life. If I do become governor, I hope to show everyone the greatness that a small state like WV has to offer.
~ Kaitlyn Pytlak, Glen Dale, WV
(Nominates: self)
Gina Dahlia's story is a true example of someone who decided to come back home to pursue and achieve her dream. The West Virginia native is the Broadcast Journalism Chairperson and assistant professor at WVU's Perley Isaac Reed School Journalism. Prior to that she worked as an anchor/producer for WDTV in Bridgeport, helped run Governor Joe Manchin's successful camaign for Secretary of State in 2000 and directed the Marion County YWCA "Y-Teens" program. But aside from her many accomplishments and accolades, she is a humble mountaineer who has become an inspiration to her students and her community.
~ John Dahlia, Cross Lanes, WV
(Nominates: Gina Dahlia, wife)
Gina Dahlia
Kara D. Dense

Kara is the perfect spokesperson for your campaign. The granddaughter of two coal miners, she moved to TN in 1997 to pursue a career in tourism, but always longed to come home and promote the beautiful state and county she loves. As Executive Director of the Greenbrier County CVB, she has dedicated herself to not only promoting it as a great place to visit, but also a great place to live. Her excitement about the future of the state, its people, its natural beauty and the perfect place to raise her daughter, makes me wish I could come home, too.
~ Jean Yates, Maryville, TN
(Nominates: Kara D. Dense, aunt)

Sweet home West Virginia. As an entertainer I have performed over 500 shows in more than 24 states while sharing the stage with musical stars: Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins Charlie Daniels etc. Honestly after all my travels there is no place like home. I continue to live in WV. Being a spokesman for such a great state would be such an honor and something I would be very good at. I have been completely drug and alcohol free my entire life. I have raised nearly $10,000 dollars for schools in WV& OH with my drug awareness and motivational concerts. Lastly I would make my home state very proud and would do my best to attract those from all over to come here and be a witness to its beauty and quality people.
~ Adam Tucker, Sissonville, WV
(Nominates: self)
Adam Tucker
Steve Nestor

Growing up in West Virginia has made for some fond memories. I spent the first eighteen years of my life here, until I enlisted in the military in the early part of 1970. I soon found myself Stationed in Southern California, a real culture shock for this naive Mountaineer. I recall driving my 63 Chevy Impala down Highway 101 when I first heard "Take Me Home Country Roads." I fought back tears as I reminisced. Twenty years later, with many places under my belt, I would return to find the same thing you will find when you come back HOME.
~ Steve Nestor, St. Albans, WV
(Nominates: self)

Coming from a WV heritage and knowing that WV is "home" is the reason that Lynn Hartz returned to WV. in 1971 after the death of her husband. "Almost Heaven, WV came out that year and brought me home " she smiled. She finished a doctorate, opened a business counseling women and has continued her work as a W.Va. woman by writing books stories and poetry on Appalachian life and "home." She has been featured in newspaper, magazine and TV articles as a spokeswoman for W.Va. women and as an example for hope for people returning home to WV.
~ Betty Lovejoy, Charleston, WV
(Nominates: Dr. Lynn R Hartz, friend)
Dr. Lynn Hartz
Kara D. Dense

When we met 10 years ago in Tennessee, I knew Kara's dream was to someday return home to WV and make a difference to the people and the place that she loved. When the opportunity of CVB Director in Greenbrier County arose just 8 month's after our daughter's birth, we knew it was the right thing to do for our family. She is now living her dream of telling the world what a wonderful place WV is to visit and live. It didn't take her long to convince me and I know she could do the same for others.
~ Brian Dense, Lewisburg, WV
(Nominates: Kara D. Dense, wife)

Greg is a native West Virginian, father and tech writer who grew up in the nurturing mountains, traveled and found that no place offered the same opportunities or inspiration as WV. Not only has he had a successful career in WV's growing Information Technology sector, but he's won awards for his Appalachian fiction due to the unique combination of natural beauty and opportunity in West Virginia. Once Greg got a standing ovation in a DC business meeting for touting our state as an ideal place for investment to those wishing to escape the hectic urban crush of the cities.
~ Barbara Leatherman, Fairmont, WV
(Nominates: Gregory Leatherman, husband)
Gregory Leatherman