Midland Trail High School is proud to announce that senior Jodie Ward has been named a state winner and recipient of the Sarah Spencer Award at the 2026 Health Sciences and Technology Academy Symposium (HSTA Symposium)—one of the most meaningful and distinguished honors presented through the Health Sciences and Technology Academy program.
The HSTA Symposium brings together exceptional student researchers from across West Virginia, showcasing months of rigorous, hands-on work in science, health, and technology. Among these recognitions, the Sarah Spencer Award holds special significance, honoring not only academic excellence, but also character, compassion, and purpose.
About the Sarah Spencer Award
The Sarah Spencer Award was established in memory of Sara Spencer, a 13-year-old HSTA student from Kanawha County. After completing her first State Science Symposium, Sara was looking forward to the start of summer when she was tragically killed in 1998. Though her life was cut short, she is remembered as a kind and joyful young person—someone who loved music, children, her family, and her friends, and who brought warmth to those around her.
To honor her memory and gentle spirit, HSTA awards this scholarship to graduating seniors who reflect those same qualities. Recipients are selected through a competitive essay process and are recognized for more than academic success—they are chosen for their character, compassion, and commitment to making a positive difference.
Intent: To honor the life and legacy of Sara Spencer by recognizing students who embody kindness, resilience, and a passion for helping others.
Purpose: To celebrate students whose journey reflects both strong academic achievement and a meaningful commitment to their community and future goals.
Requirements:
Submission of a competitive essay reflecting personal growth, values, and aspirations
Participation as a senior in the HSTA program
Demonstration of character, leadership, and compassion aligned with Sara’s legacy
A commitment to continued education and making a positive impact in the future
Receiving this award places Jodie among a select group of students across the state who not only excel academically but also represent the heart and mission of HSTA.
Jodie’s achievement reflects both her dedication to her research and her character as a student and leader within the Midland Trail community.
Jodie shared, “I am incredibly honored to receive this award. I like to think that being recognized at a state level would be inspiring to others, especially in our small community. I want to thank Mrs. Petitt and Michelle Simms, as their support and guidance throughout my HSTA journey has given me the confidence to further my education.”
Principal Richard Petitt shared, “Jodie’s accomplishment is a testament to the power of student-driven learning and the opportunities provided through programs like HSTA. We are incredibly proud of the work she has put in and the recognition she has earned at the state level.”
The Midland Trail High School community celebrates this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing all that Jodie will accomplish in the future. Her success reflects the mission of Midland Trail High School—preparing students not only for academic success, but for meaningful lives of purpose and impact.
Congratulations, Jodie Ward, on this incredible honor and for representing Midland Trail High School with excellence and heart.