WV Chamber Foundation Announces 2027 Champions of Learning

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Chamber Foundation®, the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) are proud to announce the 2027 Champions of Learning: Lisa Cook, School Service Personnel of the Year; Miriam Mason, School Counselor of the Year; Alicia Riggleman, Principal of the Year; and Laura Presley, Teacher of the Year. West Virginia Chamber Executive Director Elizabeth House, State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt, WVBE members, county education leaders, business partners and special guests attended the inaugural event.

Previously named the Celebration of Excellence in Education, the expanded event includes the school counselor, principal and business partner of the year recognitions, in addition to the teacher and school service personnel of the year.

Meet the Finalists

Lisa Cook

Lisa Cook is a Boone County Schools bus driver known for creating a safe, welcoming and positive environment for students. She goes beyond transportation by building meaningful relationships with students, encouraging positive behavior and helping them start each school day with confidence and support. Cook is recognized for her reliability and willingness to assist others by mentoring new drivers, volunteering at school events and contributing to her community through service initiatives such as the Special Olympics, local school organizations and community outreach programs. Through her commitment to safety, student well-being and service, she exemplifies what it means to be school service personnel.

Miriam Mason

Miriam Mason is a school counselor at Mylan Park Elementary School in Monongalia County. She serves students in a Title I setting and leads wellness initiatives as the school's wellness coordinator. Mason earned her Master of Arts in Counseling, holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, is a Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Clinical Specialist and is also an active member of both the West Virginia School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association. She uses data-informed strategies to support student outcomes in attendance, behavior and academic achievement while advocating for equitable access to mental health services. Mason implements the school’s comprehensive counseling programming through the American School Counselor Association framework and The Regulated Classroom: Bottom-Up, Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices. In addition to her work in the school setting, Mason provides counseling services in private practice, where she supports clients across all ages and integrates a holistic, wellness-based approach to care. She also supervises graduate counseling interns from West Virginia University and mentors fellow counselors within her county. She has presented at professional conferences and collaborates with community partners to expand access to resources for students and families.

Alicia Riggleman

Alicia Riggleman is a dedicated educational leader currently serving as the principal of Musselman High School in Berkeley County. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Shepherd University, a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Marshall University and a School Principalship Certificate from Marshall University. With more than 20 years of experience in education, Riggleman has served Berkeley County Schools in a variety of roles, including teacher, school counselor and assistant principal. Throughout her career, she has remained focused on building strong relationships and creating environments where every student feels supported, challenged and inspired. Her leadership is grounded in high expectations paired with meaningful support, ensuring each student can succeed personally and academically. At Musselman High School, Riggleman has led initiatives that have significantly improved outcomes, including increased attendance, higher graduation rates and a strengthened school culture, earning the school multiple recognitions for excellence in culture, climate and achievement. She is also committed to innovation, aligning curriculum with state standards, expanding dual-enrollment opportunities and strengthening career pathways.

Laura Presley

Laura Presley has developed innovative student engagement opportunities—the district’s Bookapalooza literacy event and thecountywide Academic Bowl—and coordinated local and national partnerships, including programs with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Southern West Virginia GEAR UP. A recognized NBCT mentor statewide, she serves as an ambassador for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and presents for the WVDE’s mentorship program. Her commitment to advancing education extends beyond the classroom through her service as student council and homecoming coordinator, where she deliberately connects the students to their community. Presley’s career reflects a passion for literacy, cultural understanding and empowering both students and educators to reach their highest potential.

“The West Virginia Chamber Foundation is honored to join the West Virginia Board and Department of Education to honor the exceptional individuals and businesses that are committed to our schools and students. The Champions of Learning Gala reflects the belief that preparing the next generation is a shared responsibility, and one that we all must support as an investment in the future of our state. We are grateful for this partnership and the impact it will have in the years to come.”

Elizabeth House, West Virginia Chamber Foundation Executive Director

“The inaugural Champions of Learning Gala honors excellence and celebrates the spirit of our collaborative efforts. We not only recognize the phenomenal educators and staff who serve selflessly, but also the partners who understand that our public education system is key to the future of our state. Building and sustaining these partnerships while also creating opportunities and innovations for schools and students will benefit communities throughout our state as we move toward a brighter future.”

Michele L. Blatt, State Superintendent of Schools

Learn about the business partners recognized during the Champions of Learning Gala.
 
Photos from the event can be viewed in the WVDE’s Flickr album.