Acceptance is a hard thing for a lot of people, but it’s time for many adults in our community to accept the fact that there is NO MORE Williamson High School and sadly, it will never exist again due to all the economic and political events that are taking place in our area.

There is no reason someone should sit at home and say, “Well, I hate Mingo Central because it closed my old school and I won’t support it”. That has absolutely nothing to do with the argument at hand. The point is, we ALL need to get behind our local high school and support it 110%. If we all would do this, we could have a “great” school (maybe even up to the “standards” of what some of you all thought Burch, Gilbert, Matewan, and Williamson High Schools were).

I can’t wrap my mind around the fact of why someone would not support our kids, isn’t this what its all about? Making the FUTURE of Mingo County even better. It seems though for those of you who want to remain in the past, you’re hurting the entire situation even more. Sure we all, myself included, miss our old schools. We should certainly take pride in our past and be very proud of where we come from but I think it’s a shame that there are so many adults in our town that do not support the kids in our community. Supporting Mingo Central in no way diminishes the pride one feels for an old school, it should actually enhance the support by bringing the Blue, Purple, Green and Maroon together.

I was one of the biggest supporters of WHS when it existed (I attended there from 2008-2011), but as soon as I walked through the doors of MCHS on August 26th 2011, I took the passion I had at Williamson and used it for the betterment of bringing our four families together as one at MCHS. I served as the first student body president at MCHS and personally witnessed an incredible transformation during my senior year. Over the course of 11 months, I watched rivals come together and be the best of friends and I for one can say, I would not be where I am today, without my experience and family I made at Mingo Central High School.

Saying I was blessed to attend there would be an understatement. The memories I made and friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime. I can promise you “doubters” though that the “bridge” has been gapped between the kids at the school, but until the adults fully come together and realize, there is no more “Burch, Gilbert, Matewan or Williamson High Schools”, something is missing in the bigger picture.

One of the best examples that comes to my mind at MCHS is the fact we still lack Softball, Baseball, Track, Soccer Fields, and Tennis Courts for our sports teams. Keep in mind, all these teams currently exist but are forced to play games and practice at locations all over the county. If we had more local businesses that would support the school both academically and athletically, the kids would have an overall better high school experience but that all comes down to those individuals.

It’s sad that some people (actually a lot of people) choose to not support the incredible facility we have at Mingo Central because of the mere fact it exists. I guess the world has changed though and now the maturity of 750 students at MCHS outdoes many of those “mature” adults we have in our communities.

It is my hope and prayer that soon, the day will come that people I haven’t seen EVER come out to an athletic event, or even go the campus of the school will do so, because until then, I promise you that you’re missing out on something simply incredible for our kids, our area, and most importantly our future.

Sincerely,

Wes Wilson