photo by: Shelley Hanson

John Marshall High School art teacher Elaina DePetro holds a certificate of achievement in recognition of her winning the West Virginia Education Association Art Teacher of the Year award. Behind her, from left, are Marshall County Board of Education members Christie Robison, John Miller, Dr. Duane Miller, Lori Kestner and Brenda Coffield.

Marshall County Board of Education members recognized the winner of the West Virginia Education Association Art Teacher of the Year award during their meeting Tuesday.

John Marshall High School art teacher Elaina DePetro was honored during the meet with a special certificate for receiving the state award.

DePetro, who lives in Wheeling and is originally from Pittsburgh, was excited to receive the award.

“It means a lot because this is only my third school year teaching,” she said. “To be recognized already for the work I do at John Marshall but the state level and my work as an adjunct at WVU, it’s really meaningful that people noticed and put me up for the award.”

DePetro earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a master’s degree in art education from West Virginia University.

The board also recognized JM’s school counselors for recently receiving the Champions for College Access and Success award for their efforts to help students determine their college or career paths after graduation. One of the counselors, Gavin Hartle, was on hand to accept a special certificate of achievement from the board.