On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Wise County Public School division was honored with a certificate of appreciation during a ceremony celebrating the 10th Anniversary of DePaul Community Resources in Big Stone Gap, as well as the recent expansion of sponsored residential services into the Big Stone Gap area, and surrounding region.
School social workers Jennifer Fox and Lora Smith attended the event and accepted the certificate on behalf of the Wise County Public School division. The DePaul Community Resources Big Stone Gap office was established in 2016 to provide foster care services for youth in need of stability, support, and healing following experiences of abuse and neglect. Over the past year, DePaul served 97 children and teens in foster care, ensuring each received compassionate care and support within a family home environment.
Wise County Public Schools extends its sincere gratitude to DePaul Community Resources for this meaningful recognition, and for its continued dedication to serving children and families throughout the region.
Thank you for your dedication, patience, and the life-changing support you provide to help students communicate, connect, and succeed. Your work truly makes a lasting impact!
Happy Speech-Language Pathologist Day!
Season 2, Episode 8 of The Pulse podcast, with WCPS Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth, features two students, Bronston and Easton from St. Paul Elementary.
Podcast Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNtJmSPfdsc
Important Graduation Information from UVA-Wise:
It's a wonderful weekend to celebrate graduates from Eastside, Union, and Central High Schools. UVA-Wise will be hosting the graduations for each of our 3 county schools on Friday, May 15th, and Saturday, May 16th. With that being said, make sure you arrive early as traffic might delay your arrival time as everyone attempts to get into the Prior Center. All graduations will be live-streamed from the Prior Center YouTube page, which you can find in the link below. Please be aware that the link will go live approximately an hour before each ceremony begins. You can select which graduation ceremony you want to watch from that page/link. Here are a few reminders for you and some more detailed information regarding each particular graduation:
• A drop-off lane will be placed in the road in front of the facility, so if you have family members who can't quite walk long distance from the parking lots, you can drop them off at the front door.
•ADA seating will be available around the rim of the concourse. A table is set up near the front door where you can request seating. Prior Center Staff will take NO MORE than 2 chairs for your family member(s) to set with each person with ADA requirements, to the location of your selection around the concourse.
•The Lower Level parking lot is closed and must only be used for Prior Center Staff, school administrators, and school board members.
EASTSIDE GRADUATION - Friday, May 15 @ 7pm
• Doors open at 6pm
UNION GRADUATION - Saturday, May 16 @ 11am
• Doors open at 9:30am
CENTRAL GRADUATION - Saturday, May 16 @ 4pm
• Doors open at 3pm
Link for the Prior Center YouTube Page:
https://www.youtube.com/@davidj.priorconvocationcen7460
We look forward to seeing everyone here to celebrate a lifetime achievement for these students. Congratulations, Graduates!
The WCPS May 2026 Newsletter is now available for viewing.
You may access the newsletter by clicking the following link:
https://wisecova.edurooms.com/engage/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/may-2026-newsletter
After years of dedication, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community, we proudly recognize and celebrate the Spring 2026 retirees of Wise County Public Schools.
Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom and school walls. You have inspired students, supported colleagues, and helped shape the future of our division through your hard work and compassion.
Thank you for the countless lives you’ve touched and the legacy you leave behind. We wish you happiness, relaxation, and exciting new adventures in retirement! 💙🍎
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 retirees! 👏
Huge congratulations to Union High School’s very own Addison Mullins! On March 28th, Addison showcased incredible talent and took home the VHSL Class 2 State Championship in Speech (Storytelling)! 📖✨
The celebration continued today, May 11th, 2026, as the Wise County Public School Board officially honored Addison for this remarkable achievement. We are so proud of her hard work, creativity, and the way she represents the Bears! 🐻💪
Join us in the comments by dropping a "Congratulations!" for our State Champ! 👇
Today, the Wise County Public School Board officially honored Union High Senior Canaan Spears for a wrestling career that will be talked about for years to come!
On February 21st, Canaan secured the 2026 VHSL Class 2 150lb Wrestling State Championship, marking his THIRD state title! 🥇🥇🥇
Check out these stats:
✅ 3-Time State Champion
✅ 48-3 Senior Season Record
✅ 175-11 Career Record
Canaan, your dominance on the mat and your dedication to the sport have been an inspiration to the entire Bear Nation. We can’t wait to see what you do next! 🐻💪🔥
Join us in the comments by dropping a "Congratulations!" for our State Champ! 👇
Huge congratulations to Central High School’s very own Aria Taylor Wolford! On March 28th, Aria took the stage and was crowned the VHSL Class 2 State Champion in Humorous Interpretation! 🎭✨
The celebration hit another high note today, May 11th, as the Wise County Public School Board formally honored Aria for this incredible milestone. We are so proud of the talent, wit, and hard work she brings to Central! ⚔️💪
Join us in the comments by dropping a "Congratulations!" for our State Champ! 👇
🤼♂️ STATE CHAMPION ON THE MAT! 🏆
A massive shoutout to Central High Junior, Brayden Owsley! Back on February 21st, Brayden left it all on the mat to become the 2026 VHSL Class 2 138lb Wrestling State Champion! 🥇
The hard work didn't go unnoticed—today, May 11th, the Wise County Public School Board officially honored Brayden for his grit, determination, and state title. We are incredibly proud to have this champion representing the Warriors! 💪
Join us in the comments by dropping a "Congratulations!" for our State Champ! 👇
🎓 Graduation Week has arrived!
As Graduation Week begins, we celebrate the Class of 2026 for their perseverance, achievements, and unforgettable memories made along the way. From classrooms to competitions, performances to service projects, the Class of 2026 has left a lasting legacy across Wise County Public Schools.
Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and honor this important milestone with family, friends, staff, and our community. We are proud of all our graduates and excited for the bright futures ahead!
Eastside High School
📍 Graduation Ceremony Venue: UVA-Wise
📍 Location: Wise, Virginia
📅 Ceremony Date & Time: Friday, May 15 @ 7:00pm
Union High School
📍 Graduation Ceremony Venue: UVA-Wise
📍 Location: Wise, Virginia
📅 Ceremony Date & Time: Saturday, May 16 @ 11:00am
Central High School
📍 Graduation Ceremony Venue: UVA-Wise
📍 Location: Wise, Virginia
📅 Ceremony Date & Time: Saturday, May 16 @ 4:00pm
Congratulations to all of our seniors, families, teachers, staff and administration who helped make this milestone possible!
🚍 For 26 years, Heather Lane has dedicated her career to serving students and supporting public education. Beginning in January 2000 as the bookkeeper at Appalachia High School, she transitioned to a division-level role in 2005 and has faithfully served in that position for the past 21 years.
Heather’s responsibilities include payroll, billing, transportation reporting, discipline secretary duties, and helping manage the daily operations that keep the division running smoothly. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt throughout the entire school community, especially work involving transportation.
When asked what she enjoys most about her job, Heather shared that she loves knowing her work benefits students who are very special to her. Thank you, Heather, for your years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to our schools and students! 🍎
Thank you for everything you do to keep our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. From offering a comforting smile to handling emergencies with skill and compassion, your impact reaches far beyond the nurse’s office.
Happy School Nurse Day! We appreciate you today and every day.
This week's alumni spotlight features Tanner Kennedy, Class of 2018, from Union High School.
Wise County Public Schools is eager to learn about and share alumni highlights from its graduates! Please click here to complete a submission form: https://forms.gle/ADQAbVxjGmieZA6R9.
