HSTA awards ceremony slated for Nov. 17, members to celebrate successes and recognize efforts

The West Virginia Health Sciences and Technology Academy is set to honor individuals’ efforts and build on the vision that’s been empowering West Virginia’s youth through its transformative programming during the group’s annual Stephen Rhon Starks Leadership Legacy Award Luncheon.

University officials, alumni, educators and community board members will gather on Monday, Nov. 17, in Flatwoods, West Virginia to honor the program’s past achievements while envisioning its bright future.

“Every year I am encouraged and deeply inspired when we’re able to gather and affirm our shared mission to change lives and give hope to West Virginia’s youth,” said Catherine Morton, Ed.D., HSTA director. “When people unite with purpose, remarkable things happen. HSTA brings hearts and minds together to expand opportunity, strengthen communities and carry forward a legacy that our members exemplify daily.”

During the ceremony, the Stephen Rhon Starks Leadership Legacy Award, which honors his memory and visionary leadership, deep community connections and unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, will be awarded to Feon Smith, Ph.D., from Marshall University.

Dr. Smith has championed the HSTA program for more than 25 years, and currently serves on the Cabell, Lincoln, and Boone counties HSTA local governing board and is vice-chair of the HSTA statewide joint governing board.

HSTA, implemented through West Virginia University Health Sciences, is a one-of-a-kind mentoring program that supports underserved middle and high school students, connecting them to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine – STEM+M – undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

For more information about HSTA, visit: health.wvu.edu/health-sciences-and-technology-academy.