Success Stories

Success Story: As a freshman in college and recently graduated high school student, I am very familiar with just how stressful preparing for college can be. I remember seeing the cost of just one year of school and worrying about how I would be able to afford it without accruing severe debt. I knew that scholarships were my best bet and I started applying. Through my senior year, I dedicated a lot of time and effort to my applications and applied for everything I could. By the time graduation came around, I had earned enough scholarship money to pay for my entire first year and I even got some money back to keep for myself. Thanks to my dedication in my senior year, I’m debt free and have money left over for books or supplies or even just to spend on myself. My advice for current seniors is to keep applying. Every little bit helps. Debt-free education is possible!

Scholarships Awarded: 8

Success Story: Hey guys, my name is Wayne and I am a proud Liberty graduate. Never let anyone and I mean ANYONE tell you how to go about your future. There was a lot of discouragement when it came to moving across the country and going into education, but it truly was a phenomenal opportunity. If you are able to make it work, definitely find a college you like out of state and see what there is, even if you go back to live in West Virginia. Do NOT limit yourself, there is a lot of financial opportunity to get you wherever you want to go. Mrs. Burnett has great resources so please bother her constantly about scholarships like I did. Now is the time to make connections at your young age and that can also really help with your future career and financial opportunities. I worked my hardest and moved across the country to go to a private college and only owe $1,300 a semester so it is definitely possible. Whatever you do, know that you will always be supported by the staff and faculty of Robert C. Byrd High School. Goodluck 2026 seniors!

Scholarships Awarded: 3 (1 Full Ride)

Success Story: As a result of all of these scholarships (most of which I was automatically considered for), I received considerable amounts of money as a refund that I used to purchase books/other supplies, rent for my apartment, and all the things that come up in college that you don't think about until you get there. By the time I walked across the stage with my diploma, I had $0 in student loans. I graduated debt-free. As I am beginning to my career as a band director in Pocahontas County and all the difficulty that comes with that, I do not have a $350+ loan payment that I need to worry about, which is incredibly freeing in this day and age. 

Scholarships Awarded: 7