WHEELING, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today welcomed National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson to West Virginia for visits to New Martinsville School in Wetzel County and Madison Elementary School in Ohio County. During the day, Senator Capito and Dr. Whitson met with third, fourth, and fifth grade girls as part of Senator Capito’s West Virginia Girls Rise Up program to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders in West Virginia.
“Women should be inspired and encouraged every day to work toward their goals and achieve their dreams, and they should know that it’s never too early to start,” Senator Capito said. “That’s exactly why I launched this program—to empower young West Virginia girls to achieve their dreams, and most importantly, build each other up to succeed. I am so glad to have Dr. Whitson with me today in New Martinsville and Wheeling to show her a wonderful part of our great state and the next generation of West Virginia female leaders. I hope the young women at New Martinsville School and Madison Elementary feel inspired more than ever after today’s event to overcome their fears and reach for the stars.”
“Inspiring young women to dream big is so important to me,” Astronaut Whitson said. “I remember when NASA selected the first female astronauts, and that’s when my dream really became a reality. I hope sharing our experiences will have a similar impact on these young women today. The core components of the West Virginia Girls Rise Up program send a clear message to these young women that you can do anything you set your mind to, and I hope they will.”
“New Martinsville School was very honored today to have Senator Capito and Dr. Peggy Whitson present the Girls Rise Up challenge to our fifth grade girls” said New Martinsville School fifth grade teachers. “We appreciate their inspiring message to encourage all of our girls to dream big.”
“Madison Elementary School would like to thank Senator Capito and Astronaut Whitson for including Madison Elementary in the Girls Rise Up program,” Madison Elementary School Principal Andrea Trio said. “Inspiring young girls to dream big is common practice at Madison. It is our hope that our girls will always know that the sky is the limit when it comes to their future. When they believe in themselves and always try their best, they will reap the rewards of a bright and successful career that one day lies ahead.”
Senator Capito helps New Martinsville School students identify personal goals related to education, physical fitness, and self-confidence.
Astronaut Whitson listens to New Martinsville School students discuss their goals for the future.
Astronaut Whitson and Senator Capito help New Martinsville School students share what they learned during today’s presentation.
Astronaut Whitson and Senator Capito talk with student leaders and Principal Trio at Madison Elementary School.
Madison Elementary School students show off their Girls Rise Up challenge cards following today’s presentation and discussion.
Senator Capito launched the West Virginia Girls Rise Up mentoring program in 2015 to instill confidence in young West Virginia women and empower them to be strong, confident, and kind female leaders. Today’s visits marks the 13th and 14th Girls Rise Up events Senator Capito has hosted since launching the program. Her most recent Girls Rise Up event occurred in January with members of the West Virginia University Women’s Gymnastics Team.
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