2026 Incredible Kids - WV Living Magazine

We think our West Virginia kids are incredible!

Every year, you share the stories of the incredible kids in your life with us. And each year, we are blown away by the dozens of stories we read. From serving their communities to standing up and using their voices for good to fighting hard each and every day with smiles on their faces, these kids leave us humbled and awe-struck. They are creating more than a simple ripple effect—they’re making waves of change all across the state, and we are honored to shine a well-deserved spotlight on this new generation of changemakers.

Chloe

10, Bridgeport

Chloe has a heart of gold and a spirit of giving. Last year, she entered the Girls on the Run program, dug deep, and completed the challenge. Chloe now understands she can do anything she sets her mind to!

Shiloh

6, Morgantown

Anyone who knows Shiloh would attest to her ability to bring joy to everyone. She has level 2 autism, and while this can make the world difficult to navigate, she always finds a way to love every person and animal.

LOGAN

6, Scott Depot

Logan is one busy 1st grader! He is a talented three-sport athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and football. He loves being active and competing with his teams. Outside of sports, he also enjoys school and spending time with family and friends.

AQUARIA

5, Wheeling

Aquaria has a deep love for animals and nature—so much so that she refuses to step on even the smallest insect. Her gentle spirit is matched by her vibrant personality: She is outgoing, fearless, and utterly selfless.

ETHAN

5, Parkersburg

In his free time, Ethan loves to help his Papaw and play with his brother. He loves Jiu-Jitsu and his dog.

SKYLEIGH

12, Winfield

When she was in 5th grade, Skyleigh lost all of her hair to alopecia. Skyleigh finished 5th grade and her second season of volleyball completely bald with a smile on her face while being on the A Honor Roll.

LEO

11, Princeton

Training in dance five days a week, Leo shows an incredible level of discipline and passion. He also travels to Philadelphia to further his training, balancing an intensive schedule that would challenge even adults.

CARLEA

13, Sissonville

Carlea was diagnosed with epilepsy at 14 months old, but she doesn’t let it stop her from doing what she loves. She plays on her middle school soccer team and is active in many groups at her church.

Aubrey

2, Mullens

Aubrey was born at 26 weeks and spent 99 days in the NICU. She fought hard even after a diagnosis of bilateral grade IV brain bleeds, periventricular leukomalacia, and cerebral palsy. Now, she is close to walking and is celebrating every step forward.

Cole + Calan

4 & 2, Davisville

These brothers boldly show everyone the true meaning of life: Love everyone around you and live life wide open. Their servants’ hearts, generosity, and passion for life have made an impact on their world and those blessed enough to know them.

NATALIE

10, Philippi

Generous and caring, Natalie is an excellent student and loves to learn. She is always willing to lend a hand to students who are struggling in math—her favorite subject—and she is always watching out for her little sister.

HAZEL

11, Charleston

Despite a challenging start in foster care, Hazel has blossomed into a fun, creative, and amazing friend. She’s a cheerleader, recently achieved Honor Roll at her elementary school, and volunteers her time at Heart+Hand Outreach Ministries for special events.

LILY

4, Morgantown

Lily—Lilz for short—was born without a very important part of the brain, the corpus callosum. Despite what others said she may never do, Lilz is creating her own superhighway and rerouting pathways to compensate for what is not there!

RYLEIGH ANNE

9, Fairview

Ryleigh has spent years participating in fundraiser pageants to support women and children with cancer or disabilities. She also enjoys donating books to her local library, flagging graves for Memorial Day, attending events for veterans, and filling blessing boxes.

JAXON

14, Summersville

Jaxon came into this world with a little extra, and he has remained that way ever since. He underwent heart surgery at only 5 months old and has stayed resilient in so many ways. His optimism is contagious, and his smile lights up every room.

AVERY

11, Harpers Ferry

In 2022, Avery was looking to soak up the waning warmth and sunlight of a Mountain State autumn. But when she arrived at her hometown’s only public playground, The Harpers Ferry Children’s Park, she noticed it could use a little TLC.

So, she decided to write a letter to the Harpers Ferry mayor as well as the local parks and recreation committee. That letter—that one simple act of bravery and civic-mindedness—kicked off a wave of change. Avery began meeting with town leaders, plans were drawn up, and fundraising took place along with clean up efforts and construction projects to completely revitalize the park. She was even voted onto the Parks and Recreation Committee, the youngest to ever join.

Today, visitors to the park get to enjoy a new commercial-grade playground, accessible play equipment for those with limited mobility, a picnic pavilion, and more, all thanks to Avery and her letter.

BRIANNA

11, Fraziers Bottom

Each year, Brianna volunteers more than 300 hours to a wide variety of service projects. Her heart for giving also extends to animals, creating her own community project, Pennies for Puppies, to raise money for the local animal shelter.

PEDRO

4, Grantsville

At birth, Pedro was diagnosed with 22q deletion syndrome and tetralogy of Fallot and had heart surgery at just 4 months old. Now, he is thriving and even received an award at school for being noble and kind.

ELLIE

18, Hundred

Ellie was born with a rare genetic condition called biotinidase deficiency and was later diagnosed with autism. She loves to dress in cosplay and her fur suits and also loves being with animals and attending pageants.

LESEDI JANE

3, Berkeley Springs

When a pediatric clinic received a call about a baby girl—Lesedi Jane—born two months premature, it wasn’t known if she would overcome the odds. But the darkness she faced is now light: her radiant smile, her joyful laughter, and the sparkle in her eyes.

BROCK

10, Newburg

Brock loves to read. Even more, he loves to read to other people, volunteering his time even at such a young age. He also takes time out from the other things he likes so he can help other people learn to read.

GABBY

12, Hurricane

Gabby is a straight-A student who sings in the choir. She is also a great athlete and plays on JV and travel softball teams. She is active in her church and is one of the kindest, sweetest animal-loving girls.

ISABELLE

8, Wheeling

This past winter, during frequent snow days, Isabelle took it upon herself to shovel sidewalks and driveways for her elderly neighbors—without ever expecting anything in return. At home, Isabelle is equally caring, helping her mother feed and walk their three goldendoodles.

EVIE

9, Summersville

Evie developed her own community service platform, Evie J Wants to Cake Your Day. Evie creates birthday cake kits and delivers them to food pantries so that everyone gets to have a birthday cake on their special day.

JAMESON

8, Fairmont

Jameson was born with spina bifida and a “special foot,” and he was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He has handled this life-changing diagnosis like a champ and never lets it get him down, remaining courageous, steadfast, strong, and resilient.

CHLOE

14, Belington

Chloe has been in Girl Scouts for eight years and achieved her Silver Award, the highest honor for cadettes. She has been in band for four years and tried wrestling for the first time, winning second place in the state championship.

AXEL

9, Winona

Axel was in and out of the hospital with a rare blood disease called Fanconi anemia. He was not expected to live, but he did and is living his best life today—running, playing sports, and riding four-wheelers.

BRYNLEE

7, Morgantown

Brynlee has worked hard to overcome a severe speech impediment and is now close to graduating from her outside speech therapy. She is also a part of the Mavericks cheerleading squad, which won best team in their division last year.

CALEB + LINDSEY

17 & 15, Rosedale

Caleb was diagnosed with autism at age 3, but now you wouldn’t even know. Lindsey is a very creative girl with hopes to be a vet tech. Both kids are active in FFA and have bright futures ahead of them.

CHARLES

7, Bridgeport

Charlie, aka happylittlekid, has always been a creative spirit, cultivating a portfolio of thousands of drawings and a published book before his 5th birthday. Monsters are his muses. He sketches out unique and thought-provoking creatures and even brings a few to life through clay and wire.

In February 2026, Charlie was accepted to compete in Bob Ross’s America’s Most Artistic Kid, an online competition that raises funds for Blood Cancer United. Charlie had a world of support around him as friends, family, classmates, and his community voted for him. He and his “monsterous” artwork made it to the Top 20 of the competition, even holding the top spot in his group a few times.

Since the competition, he and his mother have been working hard to continue sharing his creations with the world. They’ve been turned into flipbooks, coloring sheets, pins, and more, available at local vendor shows and events.

LIAM

8, Parkersburg

Liam is 8 years old with the biggest heart. His hobbies include Cub Scouts, Jiu-Jitsu, and playing guitar. He is always willing to help someone in need.

KAEL

13, Belington

Kael is a very smart and active kid in his community. He loves coding and volunteers regularly at the Barbour County Family Support Center. He has many responsibilities at home and also participates on his county’s Special Olympics Bocce Ball Team.

KARRA

11, Belington

Karra carries compassion so naturally, it seems woven into who she is. A national wrestling champion, she reminds everyone that true strength is found not only in what you achieve, but in how you make others feel along the way.

HENLEY

9, Scott Depot

Henley was diagnosed with autism at an early age and was told she most likely would be non-verbal. Surprising everyone and beating the odds, she is an excellent student and is one of the most intelligent, kindest, and loving souls.

ZOEY

17, Charles Town

Zoey is using her voice to inspire confidence, health, and purpose in the next generation. As the founder of Fuel Your Future Teens, Zoey empowers young people to make positive choices for their minds and bodies through movement, mindset, and self-belief.

KENDALL

8, Chester

At only 8 years old, Kendall is lighting up the lives of those around her and inspiring them more than she could ever know. Since she was little, Kendall has faced many challenges when it comes to her health, challenges that have led her to several major surgeries and numerous medical procedures over the course of her short life. However, this little “dynamo” refuses to be down for long.

Kendall is an A student who loves being active, playing soccer and travel softball. When she’s not on the field, she can be found in a dance studio, taking lessons and perfecting the craft. She’s a warm light for those who know her, maintaining her bright and bubbly personality as she fights her way through each challenge laid in front of her—a smile on her face and infectious laughter ringing out each step of the way.

TALON

6, Huntington

Talon is a bright, resilient kid who inspires others. He was diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, but through multiple therapies, Talon continues to grow. He never gives up and takes pride in every bit of progress he makes.

VICTORIA

13, Berkeley Springs

Whether performing as a solo artist or alongside her ukulele band, Las Rapidaz, Victoria is a vibrant presence in her community. A talented performer, she views music as a bridge for emotional expression and community connection.

CHARLOTTE

11, Franklin

Charlotte is the 2026 IAWOS West Virginia Tri-State Young Teen! Through her platform, Charlie Gives Back, she has set her very first blessing box, and she also gives back by assisting her special needs sister, Alaska.

NICO