Manchin Tells Students to Share Their Knowledge
By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff WriterArticle Photos
Gov. Joe Manchin believes in the potential of Pocahontas County. During his tour of The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Cass Scenic Railroad Monday afternoon, Manchin shared his enthusiasm for the research and development happening in the county.
To the knowledge of NRAO workers, Monday's visit was Manchin's first as governor. His stop in Green Bank was to address students attending the West Virginia Governor's School for Mathematics and Science (GSMS). Before speaking to the students, he and First Lady Gayle Manchin ascended nearly 400 feet to the top of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the world's largest fully steerable single aperture antenna.
After experiencing the unique telescope, Manchin told approximately 60 students they are learning at a facility that is the "finest in the world."
Manchin said he and the first lady are strong supporters of math, science and the arts as a part of his partnership with 21st Century Education. He plans to continue funding camps, such as GSMS because of the return for West Virginia.
"I want you to grow with your knowledge," Manchin told the group of high school freshmen. "I hope you stay in West Virginia, but I know you will make the state look good wherever you go."
Maggie Jones and Farha Kahn of Randolph County said their first week of the camp allowed them to experience steering the GBT and other facets of science and nature with others who share similar interests.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Jones said.
"It's nice to see people walking around without cell phones plastered to their ear," Kahn said.
The two were selected from more than 300 applicants from around the state, according to NRAO staff.
Gov. Manchin encouraged the students to share what they learned during the GSMS and the opportunity they had at the NRAO with their classmates.
"That's how we grow in West Virginia - by sharing with others," Gov. Manchin said.
"If you're educated in West Virginia, you don't have to stand second to any country in the world."
After leaving the NRAO, the Manchins traveled to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The governor and first lady missed their scheduled train ride, but that gave them the opportunity to spend time meeting visitors and hearing about the future of the facility from Park Ranger Dave Caplinger.
While Gov. Manchin purchased milk shakes for he and his wife in the company store, Caplinger said he is happy to see the governor's interest and energy level for the state park system, which Caplinger described as one of the best in the United States.
"It's encouraging to see his interest and vision for the future," Caplinger said.
