Zach White. If you don’t know him personally, I bet you’ve seen him. It might have been on social media. Or out and about with the local 4-H groups. Or maybe you’ve heard your kids talk about this energetic, over the top excited STEM instructor that visited their classroom. Or maybe you’ve been lucky enough to attend one of his informative adult classes in conjunction with the Hancock County Extension office. Or maybe you've seen him put in guest appearances at Lynn Murray Memorial Library events. Zac is everywhere and Hancock County is lucky to have such a dedicated individual in our midst.
Zach recently graduated from West Virginia University with a Master of Public Administration degree. He is the County Program Coordinator and 4-H & Youth Development Agent for West Virginia University Extension, Hancock County. (That’s a pretty long job title, right?) Is it a job, or is it a calling? Was the role made for him, or was he made for this position? It’s a perfect fit. He puts his whole heart and energy into his job. Others are recognizing and appreciating his hard work. He was recently named West Virginia’s Make It Shine Environmental Teacher of the Year. Shining a light on Science education and environmental awareness in the elementary classrooms. For the past three years he has been working with the students of Allison Elementary, New Manchester Elementary and Weir Elementary. His focus has been STEM related: representing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Zach says his favorite part is getting to see students build confidence. He says: “We’ve just really seen them grow and learn to better understand not only science, but better understand what they are capable of doing, and that it’s okay to make mistakes.” His passion for environmental education and sustainability practices shines brightly. Stand back. Because Zach has even more exciting things planned for the upcoming school year.
By his own nature, Zach is a positive person. When asked what his favorite advice would be, Zach had no hesitation for the answer. He said, “to always try and appreciate what is around you. When you are feeling negative, name 10 things that are positive in your life.” He practices this positiveness each morning and challenges himself to list new things each day. Even on the days, when the hours are long, he reminds himself of the difference he is making. That outweighs any tired feeling.
The positive impact that Zach has made with the youth of Hancock County can be seen and felt. He has a natural ability to teach and to mentor. He has worked with youth all over our county, and state to help students find their ‘spark’ and grow their interests. Most importantly, he teaches that mistakes are okay to make. Kids seldom hear adults say that. Helping kids grow their confidence in not only science, but in their selves and their identities is so important. It’s the fundamental reason that Zach wants to continue doing what he’s doing.
Zach knows firsthand what it feels like to be left out, excluded and made to feel like you are less than. He uses those experiences to make sure that everyone, children and adults alike, feel special, included, wanted and welcomed – no matter who they are. Zach says: “We are only on this earth once. We should not take it too seriously. We are here to have fun, enjoy life, and be ourselves.”
We are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant serving our county. Zach’s dedication, integrity, and deep care for our community is not just commendable. It’s inspiring. His work is not for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to make things better for all of us. And because of that, Hancock County is stronger, more compassionate and better prepared for the future. Let us not take for granted the kind of service that uplifts a community. It’s not just about doing a job; it’s about doing it with heart, with energy, with vision. Coupled with an unwavering commitment to the youth, as well as the adults, who call Hancock County home.
So . . . if you see Zach out and about, take the time to wave a Hello. Shake his hand. And say Thank you!
