BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — George Washington High School rising senior Kaycee McCoy is the winner of the 2023 MetroNews West Virginia Scholar Program.
Her name was announced at a Wednesday luncheon at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.
“I was not expecting it,” McCoy, one of 15 finalists for the full-ride scholarship, said. “My first thought was that I was very proud for all of things I have done up to this moment have really paid off.”
The scholarship is valued at approximately $160,000 and includes tuition, fees, and room and board.
McCoy is a top student. She’s member of the Honor Society and other organizations. She also plays volleyball at GW. She said having college paid for is a relief.
“I was very happy because of the financial aspect and to be able to stay close to home and go to Wesleyan,” she said.
McCoy is no stranger to the Wesleyan campus, her brother is a former student there.
McCoy, who lives in Ripley, said she’s looking forward to her senior year at George Washington.
“I’m part of the volleyball team so it will be nice to not have to worry about college and really focus on getting to the state tournament in volleyball, hang out with my friends and really enjoy it,” she said.
McCoy said she wants to own her own physical therapy business one day.
Wesleyan President James Moore said the West Virginia Scholar Program is “transformational.”
“It really is. My favorite part of the day is seeing the look on that student’s face. The other part that I love is those students who aren’t selected, lots of them still choose to come here,” Moore said.
First runner-up Kyndall Perry of Nitro High School and and second runner-up Ronald Greer of Ripley will receive partial scholarships to WVWC.
The sponsors for the 2023 West Virginia Scholar Program include title sponsor Greer Industries along with the West Virginia Hospital Association, ZMM Architects & Engineers, Friends of Coal and the West Virginia Farm Bureau.