Alumni

SCampbell

Sara Campbell is a 2002 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Bridge Elementary and Clendenin Middle. After graduation, she received a RN BSN. Sara currently works as a Clinical Assessor for Kepro.

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Sara said, “I was chosen to join Sigma Theta Tau. I also graduated Magna Cum Laude.”

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Sara said “They provided the knowledge to make it through nursing school without any difficulty.”

Sara also has some advice for current students. “Follow you dreams. Don’t let anyone deter you from following your dreams. You’ll regret it later in life.”

She finished by saying, “You’ll fall behind if you don’t have good attendance.”

SCoiner

Shonette Coiner is a 2009 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Malden Elementary and Elkview Middle. After graduation, Shonette received post-high school education and certifications from the U.S. Army, Kanawha County Schools, the Board of Governors and AAS Process Technology. She currently works as a Chemical Operator for Dow Chemical Company and a Secretary for Kanawha County Schools.

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Shonette said “I’m a mother of one daughter and am adding a second one in September of this year. I served six years in the United States Army and am now employed at Dow Chemical as an Operator. I am also a secretary for Kanawha County Schools. I attended Herbert Hoover High School and was involved in show choir and cheered for the Huskies! I’m loving life as a girl mom and love my community.”

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Shonette said “I had some of the best mentors at Herbert Hoover High School that pushed me to be a better version on myself daily.”

Shonette also has some advice for current students, “It’s so hard to catch up after falling behind. Do your best now and it will help you tremendously after high school. Push yourself to be successful because you’ll be surprised how far you can go!”

CConnelly

Christianne Connelly is a 2011 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Pinch Elementary and Elkview Middle. After graduation, Christianne received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling, (both from West Virginia University) and a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. She currently works as a Licensed WV Counseling Psychologist for Fremouw, Sigley & Baker Psychological Associates, PLLC.

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Christianne said, “I am currently an independent practitioner in a private practice that serves about 40 counties in WV. My areas of expertise include providing counseling and assessment services to individuals of all ages, particularly rural populations. I specialize in treating individuals affected by trauma and addiction. I have worked with various underserved communities including adult and adolescent offenders, uninsured individuals, veterans, and individuals affected by homelessness. Once I successfully completed my doctorate, I returned to WV to give back to my home state and serve populations in need. I also study clinicians from rural areas across the country to aid in finding the best treatment methods for clients through a project with the American Psychological Association.”

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Christianne said “I think block scheduled classes was the best thing that prepared me for college and something that made it an easier transition. I was also able to obtain about nine credit hours from local colleges to advance my studies during high school- one of which was psychology 101 which solidified my interests in the field. The culture of students I went to school with also shaped my career interests as I identify as rural, and so having that background helps me better serve my clients of similar backgrounds.”

Christianne also has some advice for current students. “I think students today have so much pressure to be successful in classes and involved. I would say to take each day at a time, and explore opportunities for potential careers, whether that is vocational training or attendance at college. And most importantly, believe in yourself and ask questions. Talk to your counselors and use all your resources while you have them. I’d also tell students to have fun and to remind them that after high school, if there were any problems socially or if they struggle with mental illness, it’s normal, it’s temporary and things will get better.”

She continued, “Attendance is especially important in rural areas as many students may not have caregiver assistance at home to learn. School can be hard socially and academically, but it will ultimately pay off to keep going, so that folks can find passion in careers they want to help them be successful in the future so they can live the life they really want.”

Christianne finished by saying, “A huge insight for me came from transitioning from attendance at Pinch Elementary to attending Geary (Roane County), where my mother worked as an educator. In the 4th grade, I became aware of my own economic privilege for the first time, attending school with students predominantly living in poverty. I felt compassion for these individuals and learned more culturally on what growing up in rural and low-income areas is like. I transitioned back to Elkview Middle so that I could make friends before going to high school as Roane County High was a bit of a drive from my home. But that always stuck with me and has greatly shaped my life, my career, and the work that I do.”

ACooper

Amber Cooper is a 2003 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Elk Center Elementary and Elkview Middle. After graduation, she received a Regents Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University. Amber currently works in Senior Finance Business Support for Aetna Better Health of WV.

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Amber said “I graduated Hoover with honors and was part of the National Honor Society. I went to college right out of high school, but I just wasn’t ready for it. I ended up going back to school in my 30s and getting my degree with 3 children while pregnant with my 4th and working full time at a law firm. I graduated six days after having a baby. I am proud of not letting life stop me.”

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Amber said “We were offered several options and learned a lot about both college and vocational life.”

Amber also has some advice for current students, “You don’t have to have it all figured out at 18. Don’t feel like a failure if your big break comes later in life. It’s never too late.”

JDolin

Justa Dolin is a 1995 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Pinch Elementary and Elkview Middle. After graduation, she received a BS in Therapeutic Recreation, MA, Elementary Education, and an Ed.S. In School Psychology.  Justa currently works as School Psychologist for Kanawha County Schools.

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Justa said, “I have two daughters aged 17 & 9 who currently attend Herbert Hoover and Pinch Elementary. I have been working as a school psychologist for 15 years and I have been a majorette coach for the middle school for over 20 years.”

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Justa said “I always knew that I wanted to further my education after high school and that it was important for my future.”

Justa also has some advice for current students. “Find your path and follow it. Work hard for the future you want! Show up, get involved and take it all in! A student without good attendance misses out on so much and will fall behind. Having good attendance now as a student in school will prepare you for a good work ethic as an adult.”

EGray

Eddie Gray is a 1987 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. He also attended Pinch Elementary and Elkview Middle. After graduation, he received an associate degree in applied science (Advertising/Sales) from West Virginia State College, a bachelor’s degree in education (Physical Education K-12) from West Virginia State College, and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Salem University. Eddie currently works as a teacher, athletic director, and coach for Elkview Middle School.

Eddie has several personal and professional accomplishments, including:

  •       Played College Basketball at Davis and Elkins College (1 year)
  •       Coached Elkview Middle School Archery to a State Championship in 2021
  •       Head Coach of Herbert Hoover High School 2021 State Champions Golf Team
  •       Named West Virginia Middle School Athletic Director of the Year in 2018
  •       Named West Virginia High School Golf Coach of the Year for 2021-2022
  •       Named Mid-East Region High School Golf Coach of the Year 2022 (out of 8 States)
  •       Owner of Gray’s Sporting Goods and Trophies business
  •       Married for 18 years to his wonderful wife, Raquel.

When asked how KCS prepared him for life after graduation, Eddie said “KCS provided the foundation and framework for my educational achievements and the confidence to operate and run a business.”

Eddie also has some advice for current students, “If you work hard and dream big you can achieve any goals you may have.”

BLooney

Brian Looney is a 2011 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. He also attended Elk Center Elementary and Elkview Middle. Brian now works as a Lead SSA for the US Postal Service.

When asked about his personal and professional accomplishments, Brian said, “I have a son and run my own post office.”

Brian has some advice for current students. “Teach yourself and ask questions about real world problems. Also don't focus on thinking college is the only option. You can still make good money and live a happy life taking a different path.”

He finished by saying, “If you can't attend school on a regular it will transition to you not showing up to a job where you won't be able to hold a job. Enjoy the life you have because once school is over, you can never go back.”

TMahan

Trace Mahan is a 2017 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. He also attended Pinch Elementary and Elkview Middle. After graduation, he received a BS in Nursing. Trace currently works as a Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Registered Nurse at Mount Carmel East.

When asked about his personal and professional accomplishments, Trace said, “After graduating high school, I attended Marshall University in Huntington, WV where I earned my BSN. While in college I was a part of the Marching Thunder Color Guard. During my time in the Marching Thunder, I was able to experience many travel opportunities including performing in the London New Year’s Day Parade in London, UK. Along with performing I was able to be a leader and advisor during a year of being a Resident Advisor for the Marshall University Housing Department. Towards the end of my college career, I was able to create a capstone with my closest nursing friends where we presented a research project on managing post operative pain in surgical patients. In that project we obtained a nursing award after our presentation. I graduated in 2022 with Cum Laude with my BSN and minor in psychology.”

When asked how KCS prepared him for life after graduation, Trace said “Herbert Hoover had an exceptional selection of educators who not only taught, but were integral part of raising young adults like me. It was a tight knit community where our educators were also our best coaches/instructors who put in just as much time in extracurricular activities as they did in the classroom. Our education at Hoover was exceptional. We were rewarded with our hard work, time and time again, making us work hard. We had educators who took the time out of their breakfast/lunches to give us the attention we needed and assist in the tasks we were struggling with. Each educator was personable and malleable and adapted to our learning which I think Prepared me well for my future.”

Trace also has some advice for current students. “Small town people can do big things. Punctuality is part of everyone’s life, and accountability starts young. Attendance shows discipline. Good attendance rewards you in the long run in a professional career. It uncovers raises, promotions, leadership roles and increased your personal portfolio in life.”

He finished by saying, “Stick up for yourself, make your voice heard, and never look at someone and say ‘I wish I could do/be that person’ because very quickly you can find yourself in that position.”

SOsbourn

Shawn Osbourn is a 1994 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. He also attended Clendenin Elementary and Clendenin Jr. High. After graduation, he received a master’s degree in business administration. Shawn currently works as a fleet supervisor for Pepsi in West Virginia and Kentucky.

When asked about his personal and professional accomplishments, Shawn said, “After high school graduation, I enlisted in the USAF where I spent 23 years living in multiple countries (South Korea, Japan, and United Kingdom). Through all this time was married to my high school sweetheart Carrie Osbourn (Ryan). We have two children, Sam who graduated in 2018 and Sawyer, who will graduate this year.”

When asked how KCS prepared him for life after graduation, Shawn said “Kanawha County schools made sure I was prepared for life by offering classes that will help you later in life not just in school.”

Shawn also has some advice for current students, “Work hard and do your best! Attendance starts in school and carries over as you become a member of the working world. Be on time and remember on time is late you should always be 15 minutes early.”

He finished by saying, “Reach for your goals and never let yourself be held back. Anything is possible if you work hard.

CPerrine

Cierra Perrine is a 2018 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Elk Center Elementary and Elkview Middle. Cierra is the owner for Practically Perfect Nanny in Charleston.   

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Cierra said “I have slowly built my own business. I am now officially licensed and made it my full-time job.”

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Cierra said “KCS helped me develop the skills I needed to persevere, to face hard times, to overcome, and to never back down.”

Cierra also has some advice for current students, “Take school seriously, graduate, have a plan for your future well before you graduate. Also know that things will change along the way, and it’s okay for things to not go 100% to plan.”

She continued, “Attendance in school isn’t just showing up to work. It’s also showing up to play sports, to attend clubs or academic teams, socialize with friends, and to build connections - all of which pushed me to get through school when things were tough after the flood. My relationships with people, learning, attending DECA meetings all helped me get to the finish line. It wasn’t always easy, but important enough to make it happen. Great attendance in school will also help with your future attendance for work, college, trade school, and so on.”

CScalise

Courtney Scalise is a 2004 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Bridge Elementary and Clendenin Middle. After graduation, Courtney received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She currently works as a registered nurse for Charleston Area Medical Center.

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Courtney said “I've worked in the NICU at Women’s and Children’s for 16 years.”

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Courtney said “I was able to choose a career pathway in high school which allowed me to take extra anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry classes to prepare for nursing school.”

Courtney also has some advice for current students, “Listen to the calling on your life when choosing your career. Don't pick for the college experience, the money or for anyone but yourself. If you find something you feel called to do, you'll find so much happiness and you'll bless others with your gift.”

She continued, “Good attendance in school is a building block for success in your career. It's so important to be dependable in your profession.”

ASmith

Amber Smith is a 2005 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Clendenin Elementary and Clendenin Middle. After graduation, Amber attended some college courses, and is now working on her elementary education degree. She currently works as a PreK assistant teacher for Kanawha County Schools.

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Amber said “I was well prepared. It has allowed me to learn more about myself.

Amber also has some advice for current students, “Do your best. As we go on in life things will become harder and to get through, we will have to learn how to work with what we are given. The better attendance you have the best chance you have at not falling behind in your studies or projects.”

MSteenburgh

Micah Steenburgh is a 2000 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. She also attended Shoals Elementary and Elkview Middle. After graduation, Micah received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She currently works as a Registered Nurse and Manager of Trauma Services for WVU Thomas Health.

When asked about her personal and professional accomplishments, Micah said “I graduated from WVU Institute of Technology in 2008.  Nursing has been a lifelong passion of mine. In 2022 I successfully reopened St Francis ER, which I was the manager of for one year.  With the closure of St Francis in February 2023, I returned to Thomas Hospital in my current role.  I love being able to work alongside my colleagues to provide safe efficient care to the citizens of the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas.

When asked how KCS prepared her for life after graduation, Micah said “I was able to prepare for college by taking college level classes in my Senior year at Hoover.”

Micah also has some advice for current students, “Never give up - focus on your dreams and you will attain them!” She continued, “I didn’t miss a lot of school in high school, senior year became harder as senioritis kicked into full gear during the spring semester. But having good attendance in high school prepared me to be a good employee.”