The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) hosted 566 students during the 2026 West Virginia State Social Studies Fair (WVSSSF) – the largest student participation since the Fair began in 1977. Students from Grade 3-12 represented 44 counties and presented 357 projects.
Project topics ranged from world history, U.S. history, anthropology, geography, economics, sociology, psychology and state and local studies. In celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial (America 250), 32 projects focused specifically on the lasting impact of U.S. founding principles.
Through hands-on application, the WVSSSF prepares students for future careers by developing their public speaking and critical thinking skills, strengthening their ability to encourage independent thought and boosting their self-confidence. Additionally, the Fair provides a deeper knowledge of the social sciences, equipping them to be effective members of West Virginia’s economy.
“The State Social Studies Fair is a highpoint on the academic calendar for our schools, counties and for the WVDE. It allows students to explore topics independently and also showcase their ability to conduct meaningful research,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “The success of the WVSSSF is built on the determination of the students who dedicate themselves to these pursuits, and the educators and families who provided encouragement, guidance and support. As a result, the West Virginia State Social Studies Fair is among the most successful and largest in the country.”
The competition field featured three divisions, with a total of 94 first-place winners, 99 second-place winners and 86 third-place winners. Additionally, 70 students were recognized with an “honorable mention.” The divisions were categorized by grade.
The following students from Greenbrier County placed at the competition:
Division I, Sociology, Group: 3rd Place – Berkeley Wooton and Collins Herndon, First Class Ticket to Survival
Division I, U.S. History, Group: 3rd Place – Freya Richmond, Sophia Masters, and Lydia Gwinn, Fantastick Softball
Division I, World History, Individual: 2nd Place – Anna Ward, A Hero in Space
Division I, Special Topic – America 250, Individual: 3rd Place – Will O’Brien, West Virginia Salt
Division II, Anthropology, Individual: 3rd Place – Vitale DeRouen, You Gotta Hear This Song!
Division II, Economics, Individual: 1st Place – Jackson Isenberg, Trails to Prosperity
Division II, Political Science, Individual: 1st Place – Tayton Martin, Dorie Miller and His Effect on Politics
Division II, Psychology, Individual: Honorable Mention – Conrad Laird, Mind Over Batter
Division II, Special Topic – America 250, Individual: Honorable Mention – Emily Conaway, The Founding Mothers
Division III, Psychology, Individual: 2nd Place – Nathan Conaway, Are Leaders Born or Made?
Division III, Sociology, Group: 1st Place – Nathaniel Vincent and Emma Vincent, Are We Cooked: Does Brainrot Rot Your Brain?
