2026 West Virginia Academic All Star Winners
State of Minds
•
52m
On this special edition of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval celebrates the 2026 West Virginia Academic All-Star winners—four exceptional students whose achievements extend far beyond the classroom.
Supported by WVRC Media and proudly sponsored by Greer Industries, this program highlights some of the brightest young minds in the Mountain State.
This year's honorees are Gianna Fragman of Lincoln High School, Andrew Harris of Elkins High School, William Northey of Bridgeport High School, and Katie Tran of University High School.
Selected from outstanding nominees across West Virginia, these students were recognized for excellence in three key areas:
Classroom – Demonstrated academic achievement and commitment to learning
Community – Service, leadership, and involvement within their schools and communities
Character – Consistent exhibition of integrity, responsibility, and strong personal values
Join us as we hear their stories, celebrate their accomplishments, and recognize the bright future they represent for West Virginia.
Up Next in State of Minds
-
Dave Green: Coal Mine Rescuer & Astro...
Hoppy Kercheval talks with Dave Green for a powerful and inspiring conversation. By day, Dave works in mine rescue. By night, he captures breathtaking images of the Milky Way, Orion, and deep space from some of West Virginia’s most iconic landscapes. What started as an unexpected assignment turne...
-
Redd Kross: Jeff & Steve McDonald
Redd Kross joins Hoppy Kercheval on State of Minds, diving into their new self-titled double album, life on the road, and the creative evolution that has defined the band for more than four decades.
While not a West Virginia band, Redd Kross made a notable stop in the Mountain State—performing a...
-
Arden Cogar Jr.: STIHL Timbersports W...
Arden Cogar Jr., a record-setting competitive lumberjack and practicing attorney who embodies the relentless work ethic of West Virginia. From his roots in Webster County to the global stage of STIHL Timbersports, Arden shares how his family’s legacy—built on "sweat equity" and Depression-era sur...