PARTNERSHIP RECOGNIZED — The partnership between Weir High School and Blue Stream Farms has been recognized as one of eight regional finalists in the inaugural West Virginia School-Business Partnership of the Year Awards. The statewide winner will be announced May 15. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — A partnership between a local high school and area organization is one of eight regional finalists in the West Virginia Education Alliance’s inaugural Hope for the Future: West Virginia School-Business Partnership of the Year Awards.

Weir High School’s partnership with Blue Stream Farms will receive a $2,000 grant and compete with the other seven finalists for consideration as State Partnership of the Year, with the award announced at the Education Summit on May 15 featuring an appearance by West Virginia native and actress Jennifer Garner.

The winner will receive an award package valued at $25,000.

Through the partnership, which features Blue Stream Farms’ aquaponics and hydroponics platforms, Weir High students learn about plant biology, while developing entrepreneurial skills including marketing, sales, and financial literacy.

As part of the program, students grew and sold microgreens as part of Birch Creek Farmery’s Market Days in December.

“The Partnership of the Year Award highlights the incredible impact of school-business partnerships on students across West Virginia,” said Amelia Courts, president and CEO of the Education Alliance. “We are thrilled to partner with Hope Gas on this initiative and to congratulate Weir High School for this remarkable recognition.”

Hancock County Schools officials recognized participating students and representatives of Blue Stream Farms during the April 14 meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education.

In addition to Weir High, Region 3 will be represented by the partnership of Warwood Middle School and West Liberty University.

Other finalists include Pocahontas County Schools and Nature’s Mountain Classroom; Mercer County Technical Education Center and Conn-Weld Industries; The WIN Academy and WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals; Nitro High School and Appalachian Power; Hardy County Schools and Pilgrim’s Pride; and North Elementary School and Black and White Small Business Solution.