We think our West Virginia kids are incredible!
The future is bright and in good hands—the 2025 Incredible Kids are truly incredible! From all across the state, these kids are shining examples of what it means to be good neighbors, good volunteers, and good people. From our youngest nominees, who inspire others with their infectious positivity in the face of life’s toughest challenges, to hard-working high schoolers chasing their dreams and giving back to their communities, their stories are sure to instill hope and pride with every word.
LENNON
10, Capon Bridge
Lennon’s loved ones call him a survivor, one who has overcome many difficult challenges in life. Despite health challenges at birth, devastating loss, and learning disabilities, he has grown into a bright and talented child.
ALBI
5, Morgantown
Despite a scary entrance into the world and numerous medical interventions since, Albi’s resolve and bravery are an unending source of motivation and inspiration for those close to her.
LOGAN
8, Morgantown
Logan can light up any room. A motivated and caring kid, he plays basketball, football, track, and golf and was even a kid weatherman on the local news.
ELLIVEE
7, Nutter Fort
Ellivee loves animals! So much so, in fact, that she founded Elli’s Shelter Friends. Her first Pet Supply Drive collected almost $200 worth of items for the Humane Society of Harrison County.
GRACIE
9, Bridgeport
Last year, a close friend of Gracie’s passed away due to childhood cancer. In her friend’s memory, with the loving support of her family and classmates, Gracie shaved her own head and donated her hair.
LIAM
7, Harpers Ferry
Liam, diagnosed with several developmental delays—as well as ADHD, educational autism, and other conditions—loves numbers. He taught himself to tell time on an analog clock and loves checking the weather forecast.
JOSEPHINE
8, Granville
After spending 3 months in the NICU, Josephine works alongside WVU Medicine Children’s to help raise funds for other kids. She is also a Girl Scout and enjoys helping her community.
PAISLEE
12, Daniels
As a military kid, Paislee has lived in many places. Singing is her passion, and she is an incredible soloist involved in her school choir as well as All State Choir.
PAISLEY
1, Ellenboro
Paisley is full of bright energy! She was born at WVU Medicine Children’s and spent time in the NICU, but according to her family, her fierce and outgoing personality makes it impossible to tell.
BRAXTON
6, Ellenboro
Braxton is a little guy with big energy. Like his sister, he was born at WVU Medicine Children’s, where he had open heart surgery. He’s his family’s tiny superhero.
SILAS
11, Grantsville
Actively involved in numerous extracurriculars, including cross country, track and field, wrestling, and football, Silas is always operating at 100% effort, consistently setting goals for himself inside and outside the classroom.
JOZALYN
14, Hurricane
Jozalyn is a Disney-loving creative writer and ventriloquist who is said to be living life on her own terms. Loved ones admire her optimism as well as her eager embrace and acceptance of all of life’s experiences.
KESHAWN
16, White Sulphur Springs
Keshawn maintains a 4.0 GPA and plays multiple sports—football, track, and wrestling, in which he was named 6th place All-American in 2024, a first for his school.
RYAN
13, Mathias
Ryan is always willing to lend a helping hand, from working on his family’s farm to fundraising for Operation Christmas Child. He sent 50 boxes last year, and his goal is to send 60 this year!
IAN
11, Morgantown
Ian is an avid Scout who loves robotics—he’s even in a group at school! He also enjoys playing the drums. Loved ones describe him as smart, creative, funny, and kind.
LANDON
9, Morgantown
Smart, kind, caring, and funny is often how Landon is described. He plays the clarinet and has plans to eventually become an Eagle Scout.
MAX
12, Wheeling
Max has Malan syndrome, but that’s not what makes him and his service dog, Tyson, local legends—it’s the fearless optimism and ability to connect, bringing out the best in others.
MILES
10, Wheeling
Whether he’s volunteering, standing up for others, or supporting his older brother, Max, Miles always displays empathy, creativity, responsibility, and drive beyond his years. He’s a changemaker, plain and simple.
AUDREY
12, Calhoun County
Just a few short years ago, Audrey busted out of her comfort zone, and she has been thriving ever since. She is a fierce mental health advocate and a pageant title holder who uses her pageant platform to encourage and support those around her who may be facing unseen challenges.
“I started my platform, Power Over Worries (POW), because I wanted kids and even adults to know that it’s OK to have feelings like anxiety or other big feelings,” she says. The idea came from Audrey’s own struggles with anxiety, which developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being isolated from loved ones and worrying immensely about their health and safety took its toll. In the end, therapy was a huge help, and she was inspired to create resources that may help kids just like her.
She started with putting up positive affirmation signs around the elementary school she attended at the time. Her ideas grew into her own book, Worries Smell Like Underwear, that she reads in classrooms and shares with others. “It is about how worries can affect us all and can be triggered by simple things, but can feel really big,” she says, passion palpable. “I wanted a way to connect with other people about the journey I had with anxiety and mental health. It’s not something that is talked about a lot in kids and teens, so I wanted something to help break the ice and open up the conversation for how kids feel and how we are allowed to have those feelings, big or small.”
Although it’s her main focus, mental health isn’t the only challenge her platform addresses. Audrey also created POWer Packs—duffel bags filled with small comfort items like notebooks and markers, stuffed animals, and fidget toys—that she puts together and donates to the local office of the state child welfare system for children in foster care. “Often when kids go into foster care, they are removed from their homes with no or minimal personal items. I hope to provide them with a sense of comfort during a very difficult time.”
Full of compassion and wisdom beyond her years, Audrey is quick to encourage and lift up those around her, offering advice when needed. “You can’t be embarrassed about it or pretend it doesn’t exist,” she says about overcoming anxiety. “Face it head on. There may be good days and bad days, but you will get through it.”
JOHN
9, Bluefield
At school, John is an honor roll student and friend. Outside the classroom, he is a dedicated athlete. He also cares for a baby goat named Cowboy that he rescued this past winter.
CHASE
6, Webster County
Chase is said to have a big heart and an even bigger smile with an incredible imagination. He enjoys working with his tools and playing dress up.
MYLES
7, Webster County
Born deaf, Myles received bilateral cochlear implants at age two. Now, he speaks verbal English, is learning and uses ASL, and is a talented athlete across a variety of sports—he’s absolutely thriving!
JAXON
11, Paynesville
Jaxon was born with open myelomeningocele, or openmyelomingocele spina bifida. Add several other diagnoses, and his family was told he would never walk or talk. Jaxon fought to prove them wrong.
CECIL
10, Martinsburg
Cecil is a sweet, empathetic kid who is always there to support and comfort loved ones when they need him most. The best part, his family says, is that he has ADHD and autism!
PAITYN
14, Parsons
Paityn is an observer and leader, close with her family, classmates, teammates, and friends. She’s a member of 4-H and loves animals. She also participates in soccer and wrestling, in which she has won many awards.
ROWAN
9, Petersburg
Rowan loves school—he’s on the honor roll and even won the Young Writers Award before advancing to the county level. He loves hunting, golfing, playing basketball, and spending time with his family.
EASTON
9, Grafton
Easton doesn’t let celiac disease stop him! He is the International Black Belt Association Youth Competitor of the Year for karate, facing life’s challenges with resilience and positivity.
ADDISON
9, Morgantown
Addison has faced many challenges in her 9 years, but she has retained her kind, outgoing personality. Born with a cleft lip, she encourages others to be proud of what makes them different.
JACKSON
7, Beckley
At 25 weeks’ gestation, Jackson underwent fetal surgery and was born just a few weeks later to spend 87 days in NICU. He is an optimistic kid, excelling in school and active in local theater.
SADYE
4, Alkol
Sadye has always been a warrior. She was born prematurely and defying the odds. At 2, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. But her family says Sadye didn’t just fight—she rose.
KARTER
7, Elkview
Karter’s young life has seen many challenges, including multiple brain surgeries. Nevertheless, loved ones describe him as “such a light,” and, despite all odds, he keeps persevering.
ROBERT
13, White Oak
Robert is whiz in the kitchen! He has won three state championships as well as the bronze in a national championship. Cooking for others is a passion, and he also loves teaching younger children to cook.
ILAEA
9, Moorefield
Ilaea is a creative spirit with boundless energy. She loves to draw and makes videos on her own YouTube channel. Though shy at times, she’s always kind and friendly.
MICHALA
14, Triadelphia
Michala started out making clay bead bracelets as a hobby that she soon turned into a successful small business. She manages the company, grows customer relationships, and even mentors other young girls in Ohio County.
ROMEO
10, Clarksburg
Romeo can often be found helping the elderly in his neighborhood—carrying their groceries, shoveling snow, and helping with anything they might need that day.
ELI
16, Romney
Born to deaf parents, Eli’s first language is American Sign Language (ASL)—he signed “mama” for the first time at just 6 months old. Now 16 and a lifelong resident of Hampshire County, he is sharing his passion and skill in ASL with his community.
At school, Eli is involved in the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, focusing specifically on ASL interpreting. In fact, he can often be found interpreting the morning announcements or signing the national anthem for those in attendance at basketball games. “I basically volunteer myself because there is a lack of ASL interpreters in my community, and it only betters and helps me with my experience,” Eli says. “For my school, I get to do an internship with the interpreter program. I go over to West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in the afternoons and interpret for classes as well.”
In addition to his volunteer and advocacy work, Eli is also a student representative on the Local School Improvement Council, a student-based improvement plan for his high school. He says the council is made up of teachers, students, parents, and community members who meet four times a year to share what positive steps have been taken.
But knowing that he’s making a difference in today’s world through interpreting? That’s what really drives him. “The language is being recognized. There is more awareness of what the deaf community needs. We play a big role in an everyday world—we are the voices for the ones in need. We are the bridge between the hearing and deaf worlds. Without us, there would be a communication barrier.”
Helping to break down that barrier is one of many things Eli is great at—something others have taken note of. “Eli makes an indelible and positive impact not only on his school, but on all of Hampshire County,” says a family friend. “His dedication, passion, and proficiency in ASL exemplify what it means to be one of West Virginia’s most incredible kids.”
As a rising senior, Eli is looking forward to his post-graduation plans. “After my senior year, I will continue my education at Carolina University to complete my four-year degree in interpreting,” he says. Until then, he’ll continue to make the world a more accessible, interesting place in his own West Virginia community.
KELSEY
9, Hurricane
Kelsey has many extracurriculars, such as 4-H, the Girl Scouts, archery, dance, pageantry, and Kelsify Kindness—her idea to encourage kids to spread kindness. In her free time, she makes blankets for nearby shelters and hospitals.
MARKUS
12, Hurricane
Markus is the Most Supportive Team Member on his cross country team. He is also a member of the local 4-H, participates in Math Field Day, and assists with events and programs in his community.
PARKER
12, Clear Fork
Despite a snowy and scary start to life, Parker has grown into a kind, smart kid. He loves animals, sports, and fishing, and he recently organized a trash cleanup around his school.
AIDEN
6, Moundsville
Born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), Aiden has fought to bear the odds. He’s now a thriving, happy kiddo!
WILLIAM
6, Wayne
Will can often be found starting a conversation with someone new, leaving them a little happier afterwards. He’s had a few health issues of his own recently but is staying brave through it all.
ABBY GRACE
12, Fairmont
Abby Grace was diagnosed with leukemia at just 21 months old. Now, as the 2025 West Virginia Miss Amazing Preteen Queen, she uses her platform to “show the world that every person has value.”
MAKAYLA
16, Sumerco
MaKayla does it all: She’s captain of her varsity cheer team, a straight A student, and an upcoming participant at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
GRYFFIN
10, Winfield
In fall 2023, Gryffin went into cardiac arrest at school, which led to lifelong treatment for heart disease. Now, he advocates for children like him who may experience a similar emergency in their schools.
DECLAN
5, Keyser
Declan is autistic and has ADHD and PANS. OCD behaviors lead him to becoming fixated on learning. At age 3, he memorized all the major bones and organs in addition to the digestive process.
XYLON
16, Charles Town
Xylon is an artist, whether he’s creating on the page or the stage. You can catch him performing at The Old Opera House in Charles Town and taking dual-enrollment art classes at Shepherd University.
SOPHIA
11, Washington
As a member of the Wood County 4-H, Sophia is involved in archery, livestock judging, and conservation. She is also an active volunteer, assisting with numerous projects throughout her community.
ISAAC
6, Beckley
Isaac is known by many to march to the beat of his own drum.
JAKOB
9, Beckley
Jakob is said to have a kind soul, reminding loved ones of Peter Pan’s lost boys. They say he sees the good in everyone and is never without a smile on his face.
ISABELLA
15, Worthington
Izzy loves to learn and develop her knowledge. She plans to become a pediatric neurologist, using her compassion and professional, positive attitude to make her dreams a reality.
PERRY
13, Philippi
Perry was a quiet kid, but he found his voice with time. He’s a hard worker who is known for giving things his all, encouraging others to do the same, and offering a helping hand where he can.
JAIDA
10, Charleston
At age 2, Jaida was diagnosed with autism. She loves singing, dancing, and reading, and she participates in the nonprofit Exceptional Possibilities WV and enjoys cooking classes at South Charleston Library and West Virginia Health Right.
ATLAS
1, Hamlin
Atlas was born with tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare condition that causes benign tumors in vital organs, requiring a NICU stay and routine checkups. Family describe him as “resilient, radiant, and irresistibly jolly.”
PAIGE
13, Reedsville
Through all life’s hurdles, Paige has remained resilient and compassionate. She is an active kid who loves Hapkido and Judo, English horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and training service dogs.
CLAIR
8, West Union
At the age of 8, Clair already knows what she wants to be when she grows up—and she’s making grand strides in reaching that goal.
When she was only 5 years old, she was faced with the devastating passing of her father. Resilient and determined, Clair turned the loss into motivation to follow her dreams and make a difference. One such dream? Becoming a teacher.
“My dad was one, and I want to help kids like him,” Clair says. And she’s already getting some practice, routinely visiting her previous classrooms to share stories with the younger students as a guest reader. In her own class, she can often be found supporting her fellow classmates with a patience and kindness that would make any teacher proud.
When not at school, Clair is often bouncing back and forth to various activities. She’s a cheerleader, a gymnast, a basketball player, and a second-baseman in softball. She’s currently learning to sew through her county’s 4-H program and sold nearly 300 boxes of cookies with her Girl Scouts troop this year.
She’s also a part of West Virginia’s pageant scene, previously the 2022 Doddridge County Fair Little Miss and currently the 2024 Ephraim Bee Festival Little Miss Honey. Meeting and learning all about the other kids from around West Virginia is a particular joy of Clair’s—and wearing the pretty dresses, of course!
Managing it all seems like no problem for this energetic teacher-in-training. “I like trying out new things, and whatever one I like the most I do the next year.”
Beyond sports and pageantry, Clair enjoys giving back to the community. “I host Bingo at the local nursing home in Harrisville, and I go shopping to get prizes. Before residents come in, I set them up, and once someone shouts ‘Bingo!’ they get a prize,” she says. “I even call the numbers!”
This past November, Clair and her mother reached out to a nearby senior citizens’ home to get the names of a few people who may benefit from a warm, hand-delivered Thanksgiving meal. “Turkey, mashed potatoes, pie—all the good stuff,” she says. “I made a card for them and delivered the baskets.”
When asked what she loves most about her service projects, Clair’s response is wonderfully simple and given with a smile: “It makes my heart happy.”
We are so proud of our Incredible Kids!
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SUMMER 2025 ISSUE
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