Home About Reporting Features Gallery Contact

Blog

News and Sentinel •

Faith in Motion: Jayla Pomroy weighs career in occupational therapy

LOWELL – Jayla Pomroy is enjoying her final high school summer before entering her senior year at the Washington County Career Center.
At 18-years-old, Pomroy will complete her final year of high school in the sports medicine and exercise science program.
"I've always been drawn to helping others, and I knew that I wanted to incorporate that in my future career," she said. "I've always had a passion for moving the body and learning about the body."
Pomroy said she plans to use the skills she's...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Nathan McElroy prepares for a summer of traveling before final year at Washington County Career Center

Nathan McElroy plays soccer for Marietta High School during a game in Devola on Oct. 5, 2024.
(Photo provided by Nathan McElroy)Nathan McElroy poses for a photo in Cincinnati on May 24, 2025. (Photo provided by Nathan McElroy)Nathan McElroy plays soccer for Marietta High School during a game in Devola on Oct. 5, 2024.
(Photo provided by Nathan McElroy)Nathan McElroy enjoys a day at Fontana Lake in North Carolina while on vacation March 2024. (Photo provided by Nathan McElroy)Nathan McElroy wit...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Dorothy Clark wins seventh out of nearly 200 students at speech and debate nationals

Dorothy Clark, front, as storyteller for Island by Candlelight with fellow ballet dancers Lily Sundstrom, top, Gabby Schall, middle left, and Sophie Yoke, middle right, at Blennerhassett Island October 2025. (Photo provided by Dorothy Clark) Columbus ZooAide Dorothy Clark, left, talks with guests about Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s partnership with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation organization at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus August 2025.
(Photo provided by Dorothy Clark)Dorothy Clar...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Madison Lauer juggles academics, sports, and volunteering

A group photo with all of the 2025-26 Washington County Career Center Student Ambassadors taken last fall.
(Photo provided by Penny Jenkins)Madison Lauer catching during a Belpre High School home softball game vs. Fort Frye at Civitan Park in April.
(Photo provided by Madison Lauer)Madison Lauer gets ready to kick the soccer ball during a Belpre High School soccer game vs. Point Pleasant in September.
(Photo provided by Madison Lauer)During Belpre High School basketball media day last year, Mad...
News and Sentinel •

Kate Congleton reflects on her high school career

NEWPORT - Kate Congleton will graduate from Frontier Local Schools with her high school diploma and an associate's degree from Washington State College of Ohio.
Born and raised in Newport, Congleton, 17, looks back on years of academic success, club and volunteer participation and athletic excellence.
"I've been taking classes there (WSCO) since my sophomore year," she said. "I've been working on an associates of science, so last year and this year I've been doing a lot more science-related cl...
News and Sentinel •

From the midwest to LA: A ballerina’s journey

Sarah Yoak during a performance at the Indiana University Ballet Theater in December. The photo was taken by Victoria Bastian Photography.
(Photo provided by Sarah Yoak)Sarah Yoak, middle, flanked by Taurin Janes, left, and Graham Wissinger, right, during a performance at the Indiana University Ballet Theater. The photo was taken by Victoria Bastian Photography in December.
(Photo provided by Sarah Yoak)A professional photo taken by Maximillian Tortoriello Photography of Sarah Yoak at a studio...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Frontier’s Payton Tyler prepares for legal career

Janessa Ross, left, speaks to Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, middle, and Payton Tyler, right, during a discussion about Washington County high schools in 2025. (Photo provided)Members of the 2025 Summer Law and Trial Institute pose for a photo on the steps of the Patton College of Education at Ohio University. (Photo provided)Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner, left, and Payton Tyler, right, pose for a photo together during the 2025 Summer Law and Trial Institute program. (Photo pro...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Cline plans to join Air Force, pursue a career in law enforcement

In October, Briceson Cline sits on the brick basketball state championships monument at Waterford Elementary which he completed for his Eagle Scout project. (Photo provided by Briceson Cline)From left, Briceson Cline, Luke Hvizdzak, Braun Doak, Reese Lang and Brock Hurley, pose for a photo at the state golf tournament in Columbus in October. (Photo provided by Briceson Cline)Briceson Cline celebrates his 100th win for the Waterford Wildcats wrestling team at a competition at Wellston High School...
News and Sentinel •

Beyond the Valley – Entertainment: Parkersburg native Luke Colombo receives ‘American Idol’ golden ticket

Luke Colombo practices before his “American Idol” audition in Nashville in the fall of 2025. (Photo provided by Mark Colombo)Luke Colombo waits for his “American Idol” audition in October in Nashville. (Photo provided by Mark Colombo)Luke Colombo holds his guitar and “American Idol” golden ticket after returning from auditions at the end of last year. (Photo provided by Mark Colombo)Christian Brown, Trew the Star and Luke Colombo, front, hold their “American Idol” golden tickets during the Octob...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Fort Frye’s Parker Burris eager to explore career in foreign service

From left, Kallie Boley, Harrison Miller, Reiley Miller, Hannah Weiker and Parker Burris at the Cliffs of Moher on June 13, 2025. (Photo provided by Parker Burris)Parker Burris poses for a photo with his mom Malisa Whiteley after earning his Ohio FFA State Degree at the 2025 Ohio FFA State Convention May 2, 2025. (Photo provided by Parker Burris)Reagan Witten, left, and Parker Burris pose for a photo after placing top four in their respective proficiency areas at the 2025 Ohio FFA State Conventi...
News and Sentinel •

Beyond the Valley – Health: Alternative medicines, medical marijuana piping into the MOV

Greenlight Dispensary offers a selection of THC and CBD products like edibles, gummies, vaporizers, and honey. Each product can contain different amounts of THC and CBD and have different effects depending on the individual’s needs. (Photo Provided)Avexia tinctures containing THC and CBD at Greenlight Dispensary. (Photo Provided)Wana flavored gummies containing various amounts of THC and CBD for purchase at Greenlight Dispensary. (Photo Provided)WYLD THC gummies sold at Greenlight Dispensary in...
News and Sentinel •

Beyond the Valley – Education: Local programs and competitions that go beyond the Mid-Ohio Valley

Washington County Career Center alumni Coen Fouss competed in BPA Nationals held in Orlando, Fla., in 2025. He competed in desktop publishing and is now attending Ohio University as a graphic design major. (Photo Provided)Washington County Career Center students Hannah Greathouse and Sophia Parlin qualified for the BPA State Leadership Conference in 2024 and competed at the competition in Columbus winter 2025. (Photo Provided)Photos of Washington County Career Center students who competed in BPA...
News and Sentinel •

Beyond the Valley – Communities: There and back again – a basketball player’s tale

WATERFORD -- Born and raised in Waterford, D.J. Cunningham traveled across borders and seas to pursue a career in basketball before returning to the familiarity of his hometown to raise a family.
Before Cunningham was the head coach for the Waterford Wildcats boys basketball team, he was seeing how far he could go professionally in the sport. Cunningham comes from a long line of farmers and basketball enthusiasts.
"I was actually the third generation to play and my kids coming up through schoo...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Waterford’s Adie Mitchell seeking a career in physical therapy

Adie Mitchell, top right, posing with the Washington County Career Center student council in 2025. (Photo Provided)Adie Mitchell smiling for a photo during her sports medicine and exercise science class in January. (Photo Provided)Adie Mitchell showing her market hog at the Waterford Community Fair in August 2025. (Photo Provided)Adie Mitchell won Market Class Winner for her show hog at the Waterford Community Fair in August 2024. (Photo Provided)Adie Mitchell poses for her Waterford golf photo...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Aryana-Marie Allen studying phlebotomy, psychology

Christian Friese, left, and Aryana-Marie Allen, right, smile for a photo together in November. (Photo provided by Aryana Allen)Aryana-Marie Allen, left, and her mom Noelle Allen, right, smile for a photo together. (Photo provided by Aryana Allen)Christian Friese, left, and Aryana-Marie Allen, right, pose for a photo with their dog Baxter in November. (Photo provided by Aryana Allen)Christian Friese, left, and Aryana-Marie Allen, right, smile for a photo together in November. (Photo provided by A...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Jake Stiers pursues dream career as an electrician

John, Elaina, Jake, and Susan Stiers pose for a photo while on a hike at Audra State Park in November. (Photo Provided)From left, Max Himmeldirk, Sam Miller, Ben Kelly, Jake Stiers, and Clay Perry pose for a picture for Warren High School’s senior prom in April. (Photo Provided)Jake Stiers secures a piece of PVC conduit during his electricity class at the Washington County Career Center in September. (Photo Provided)John, Elaina, Jake, and Susan Stiers pose for a photo while on a hike at Audra S...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Brody Garvin eager to save lives as a flight paramedic

Brody Garvin, second from front, stands at attention in the Fort Frye High School color guard during the regular marching band season September 2024. (Photo provided by Brody Garvin)Brody Garvin stands in front of the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C., during his time on the Sandy Hook Promise National Youth Advisory Board trip in 2024. (Photo provided by Brody Garvin)Brody Garvin holds his certificate for the National Technical Honor Society during the induction ceremony in March. (Photo provide...
News and Sentinel •

Teen of the Week: Hannah Greathouse has a passion for rock music and photography

Hannah Greathouse at the age of 8, photo taken in 2015. (Photo provided by Hannah Greathouse)A photo taken by Hannah Greathouse during Bridge Day at the New River Gorge Bridge in October 2024. (Photo provided by Hannah Greathouse)Hannah Greathouse poses for a photo with her best friend, Alex Jack, in November. (Photo provided by Hannah Greathouse)Hannah Greathouse smiles for a picture with her boyfriend, Jacob Daughtery, in August. (Photo provided by Hannah Greathouse)Hannah Greathouse poses at...