By Kylee Hassan
For The EdVenture Group
Morgantown — On June 4, 2026, The EdVenture Group welcomed an invited gathering of educators, community leaders, program partners, and longtime supporters from West Virginia and across the country to the Erickson Alumni Center at West Virginia University to celebrate 25 years of impact, partnership, and innovation in education.
What started in 2001 as one high school teacher’s belief that education could reach further — into homes, schools, and communities — has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit that, since leaving the classroom, has managed more than $35 million in funding and touched the lives of students, families, and educators across the country. The EdVenture Group’s 25th Anniversary Celebration was a chance to honor that journey, recognize the people who made it possible, and look ahead to what the next 25 years can hold.
“It is a true honor to celebrate 25 years of The EdVenture Group. This journey has allowed us to partner with incredible communities across both the state and the country, and we are deeply grateful for the mentors, partners, and customers who made this milestone possible. As we look ahead, we are energized for the next 25 years and fully committed to discovering new, impactful ways to serve the greater education community.”
Dr. Lydotta Taylor, Founder and President
The evening unfolded with a networking reception, dinner, award presentations, and toast to the next 25 years. For many in the room, the night was as much about the connections forged over a quarter century as it was about the milestone itself.
Honoring Excellence in Education
Two awards were presented during the evening to educators whose dedication has left a lasting mark on students and communities across West Virginia.
Lisa Hayes, First Grade Teacher of Blackshear Elementary School, received the Gary Stoops Excellence in Education Award, presented in memory of Gary Stoops, a longtime member of The EdVenture Group Board of Directors, whose life and career reflected integrity, leadership, service, and thoughtful stewardship. The award recognizes an education professional who carries forward those values by building systems that serve youth and families. Hayes is known for building authentic relationships and making family engagement a cornerstone of her work — leading with humility and compassion while consistently showing up for her school community through partnerships with local churches and organizations, statewide volunteer efforts, and initiatives that create meaningful support for students and families well beyond the classroom.
Beth Roberts, Highlander Health Science Instructor at Webster County High School and an adjunct faculty member for Glenville State University, received the Patrick A. Templeton Excellence in Education Award. The award honors a career and technical education professional who champions experiential learning and vocational growth — equipping students with the skills and confidence to succeed in their careers. Roberts’ work has helped generations of students enter healthcare professions and strengthened the pipeline of future allied health professionals across the state.
Recognizing Leadership and Legacy
The evening also paused to recognize the people whose leadership shaped The EdVenture Group’s first 25 years. Patrick A. Templeton, Senior Consultant at Prime Policy Group, was honored for serving as Board Chairman from 2001 to 2026 — a 25-year commitment that helped anchor the organization through every stage of its growth. Marilyn McClure-Demers, Partner, Office Managing Member, and Associate General Counsel at Steptoe and Johnson PLLC, was welcomed as incoming Board Chair.
EdV founder Dr. Lydotta Taylor was honored with the transition to President Emeritus, a recognition of the vision and tenacity she brought to building an organization that now serves students, educators, and communities nationwide.
Looking Forward: The Dr. Lydotta Taylor Leadership Initiative
Perhaps the most forward-looking moment of the evening came with the announcement of the Dr. Lydotta Taylor Leadership Initiative. Over the coming year, EdV will develop the initiative and select its first recipient — a fitting way to mark this 25th anniversary season by investing in the next generation of West Virginia educators, leaders, and change makers. More details will be announced in the months ahead.
About The EdVenture Group
The EdVenture Group is a national non-profit organization committed to creating customized solutions to educational challenges through strategic consulting, tailored professional development, and high-quality programming that reimagines what education can be.
Learn more at www.theedventuregroup.org.
