It's #publicschoolsweek, and In Ohio County Schools, we love a good #alumnispotlight.
Meet former student, former teacher and current Wheeling extraordinaire, Riley Carpenter.
Carpenter attended Warwood Elementary School, Warwood Middle School, and graduated from Wheeling Park High School in 2010.
"I was an extremely active high school student. My first two years at Park were spent playing volleyball and basketball, while also being involved in choir, Speech and Theatre, and joining as many clubs as possible. Later in high school, I really found my "niche" and left sports behind (a future thank you to my knees), and focused on my participation in Voices of Freedom, Young Patriots, the WP Speech and Debate team (captain), theatre department (Thespian president), Freshmen Mentor, and Student Ambassador."
And in today's world?
"Ohio County Schools prepared me in ways that extend far beyond academics. Through my involvement in the activities listed above (especially the WP Speech Team),I learned how to communicate clearly, carry myself professionally, and step into any room with confidence and poise. Standing in front of judges and peers taught me how to introduce myself without hesitation and speak with clarity under pressure. That foundation built a deep sense of self-assurance that has stayed with me. To this day, I don’t feel intimidated walking into an interview or presentation or meeting with people for the first time, because I learned early on how to prepare thoroughly and trust myself. Along the way, I gained discipline and intrinsic motivation. Balancing a full schedule taught me how to manage my time effectively and follow through on commitments. And when things didn’t go as planned, which sometimes they don’t, I learned to adapt quickly and move forward with a solution-oriented mindset. That resilience continues to serve me every day. Most importantly, I learned that success isn’t just about competition. It can be collaborative. I was surrounded by peers who challenged one another to improve while genuinely wanting to see each other succeed. That mindset of lifting others up while striving for excellence yourself has shaped how I lead, how I support those around me, and how I approach every opportunity I’m given. I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences that shaped not only what I can do, but who I am."
And Riley today?
"I am living a very full and meaningful life. I spent nearly a decade teaching in public education at the elementary level in a role that meant so much to me, especially because I was serving within the same school system that helped mold me. When our family began to grow, I felt called to step into a new season that offered me a different way of showing up for both my family and my community.
I’m married to my college sweetheart, Michael, and this fall we’ll celebrate 14 years together. We have two young children, Everett Jill and Noah Paul, who make life more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
Today, I serve as the Director of Programming at Wheeling Heritage—a local nonprofit organization that is focused on being a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. I often say that the four walls of my classroom simply expanded into the community. I still approach my work with the heart of an educator, creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and see what’s possible for Wheeling’s future.
I also continue my creative work through portrait photography, which, in many ways, mirrors what I loved most about teaching; simply recognizing the beauty and potential in others and helping them see it for themselves.
I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation Ohio County Schools gave me. It continues to shape not only the work I do, but the person I strive to be."
Wheeling Heritage
#PublicSchoolProudWV