WVU Extension Honors Harrison County Staff Trio
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on October 03, 2025
West Virginia University Extension took time at its annual meeting in Jackson’s Mill to honor three members of the Harrison County office.
Beth Skidmore, a program assistant in the 4-H & Youth Development unit, received the Fundraising Champion Award for going above and beyond to raise funds for Extension programs in Harrison County and for ensuring that programs continue to grow and thrive in the community.
“The work of WVU Extension is made better through the generous support of donors and friends,” her nomination stated. “Beth has been a driving force in making sure every young person has the chance to experience 4-H camp. She works tirelessly to ensure campers receive 
scholarships and helps keep camp running smoothly summer after summer. Alongside her family, she has played a key role in establishing the Fraser-Skidmore Greatest Needs Endowment, creating opportunities that will benefit 4-H youth for generations to come. Beth’s dedication, care for the kids, and commitment to fundraising make her an outstanding fundraising champion.”
John Wickline, a program assistant in the Family & Community Development unit, received the Individual County Staff Award of Excellence for significantly enhancing the outreach, effectiveness, and community development programming, including the creation and statewide delivery of original lessons that celebrate West Virginia’s history, identity, and sense of place.
“John’s work is important to the State of West Virginia because it is grounded in cultural preservation, service to vulnerable populations, and the practical education that drives effective Extension outreach and engagement,” his nomination stated. “His audiences range from children at 4-H camps to senior citizens in CEOS clubs; from kinship caregivers to state-level Extension stakeholders. His programs and communications consistently result in increased participation, enriched content, and broader understanding of Extension’s role in community well-being. He has made extraordinary contributions to the visibility, relevance, and he exemplifies the values and purpose of a land-grant university: access, service, research, and education delivered where people live and work.”
Jennifer Friend, an Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, was honored for being named as a National Finalist for Event Promotion by the 
National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
Since the inaugural year of the 4-H and Future Farmers of America Livestock Show and Sale in Harrison County, Friend has overseen the growth of the event that went from six exhibitors in 2022 to 35 exhibitors in 2024.
“Since Harrison County does not have a history of a youth livestock sale, providing ample information to potential buyers is critical,” her award noted. “The efforts made to promote the third annual sale have increased interest from businesses to support the youth and have also increased interest from youth to participate in the show and sale. As a result, the sale garnered more than $40,000 going to youth and the livestock barn fund.”
Editor's Note: First photo shows, from left, John Wickline and Beth Skidmore as they hold the awards they received at the West Virginia University Extension’s annual meeting. Wickline received the Individual County Staff Award of Excellence, while Skidmore was honored for being a Fundraising Champion. Second photo show Jennifer Friend, left, who was honored by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents as a National Finalist for Event Promotion.
