Patrick Morrisey is sworn in as West Virginia’s 37th governor in day-long events Monday
Avalyn Marken of the Jefferson High School Chamber Choir sang God Bless America.
The rest of the Chamber Choir joined her later on in the ceremony.
Former Eastern Panhandle State Senator Charles Trump was sworn into his new role on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
The state’s 37th Governor Patrick Morrisey gave a 25 minute speech:
The Republican leader delivered a 25-minute inaugural address during frigid temps, focusing on education reform, economic competition with neighboring states, and fighting the opioid epidemic. During his speech, Morrisey promised to eliminate what he called “woke” initiatives from schools and announced plans for a new Department of Government Efficiency. Several past governors attended the ceremony, including outgoing Governor Jim Justice, who is heading to the U.S. Senate, and former Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Other state officials also took their oaths of office during the ceremony.
Among his many goals, raising teacher pay:
Avylyn Marken sings “God Bless America” at the Inaugural Monday (JCS)
Jefferson County Schools acknowledged the Jefferson High School Chamber Choir performance, saying JHS was the only high school invited to attend the inauguration.
Under the direction of Hannah Myers, the choir had only ten days’ notice, a week of snow days, and only a six-hour bus ride to rehearse.
Their performance featured My Home Among the Hills and a solo of God Bless America by senior Avalyn Marken. “As the only high school invited to perform, it was an incredible honor to represent Jefferson County at this special event,” according to a post from Jefferson County Schools.
The Jefferson High School Chamber Choir sings at the Inaugural Monday (JCS)
Berkeley County Commissioner John Hardy
Among those on hand to witness Monday’s inauguration, former state delegate and newly-elected Berkeley County Commissioner John Hardy, who spoke to MetroNews.
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