Students Gather at OUE for Annual Charlie Wilson Leadership Event
Press Release
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Regional high school students gathered Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Ohio University Eastern for the third annual Charlie Wilson Leadership Event, a daylong program focused on leadership development and community engagement.
Students from Martins Ferry, Barnesville, and Bridgeport high schools participated in interactive workshops and heard from regional leaders about initiative, service and long-term community impact.
“I signed up because I always try to take advantage of leadership opportunities like this, they lead to good things,” said Easton Mace, a student at Martins Ferry High School. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth takes initiative and a willingness to be uncomfortable. If you’re too afraid to push yourself, you’ll never see what you’re capable of. Being here, surrounded by leaders and different perspectives, helps me keep an open mind and continue growing.”
The program honors the legacy of the late U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of Ohio and his commitment to public service and education. His son, Jason Wilson, spoke to students about his father’s roots in Dillonvale, Ohio and the importance of investing in future leaders.
“The Charlie Wilson Leadership Program is important first to students, but also to the community,” Wilson said. “My father started in a rural community surrounded by coal miners and railroad workers, but he educated himself and built a life of service. He believed in giving young people goals, opportunities and a vision for the future. We want students to see that they can grow this community, be part of Appalachia in a positive way, raise their families here and start that circle again.”
Johna Metcalf, AmeriCorps program manager with Rural Action, returned for her third year leading interactive leadership activities.
“I keep coming back to this program because I see myself in these students,” Metcalf said. “I grew up in Yorkville, and I remember hearing the same narrative that nothing happens here and you must leave to find opportunity. That mindset still exists in many small towns. It’s important to remind our future leaders that there are good things here and there are people who care deeply about their communities. That’s why I continue to be part of this event.”
Diana Vargo, president of Wheeling University and the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized the broader impact of leadership education.
“Leadership is about empowering others to discover their own ability to lead,” Vargo said. “When we provide opportunities like this, we are supporting students’ goals and helping them become difference makers in their own lives and in their communities. True leadership creates more leaders, and that is why events like this matter.”
Students said the opportunity to connect with peers from different schools was one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
“My favorite part was hearing from all the different speakers and the unique perspectives they shared,” said Kennedy Little, a student at Barnesville High School. “They showed us how we can apply what we learned in our everyday lives, whether that’s going to college or entering the workforce. It was really helpful to learn how to be more interactive and confident when working with different kinds of people.” “At first it was a little intimidating because we didn’t really know each other,” said Adelyn Canter, a student at Bridgeport High School. “But as the day went on, we came together and realized that we can all be leaders in our own way. We may not be the same, but we can collaborate and use our different strengths to work together.”
Richard W. Greenlee, interim dean of campus and community relations at Ohio University Eastern, said the event reflects the campus’ commitment to regional partnerships.
“This program reflects our responsibility as a regional campus,” Greenlee said. “We are investing in the young people of the Ohio Valley. When students step onto our campus and begin to see themselves as leaders, they also begin to see a future for themselves right here in this community.”
Now in its third year, the Charlie Wilson Leadership Event continues to bring together students, educators and community leaders with a shared goal of preparing the next generation to lead and serve in the Ohio Valley.
(OUE press release)
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