OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore-Capito was in Ohio County on Wednesday morning, taking part in numerous events in Bethlehem and Wheeling.
Capito's first stop was at Bethlehem Elementary, where she took part in the school's Veteran's Day service.
She then held a "Girls Rise Up" event with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
The purpose of the initiative is to show girls how to empower themselves through things like physical fitness, self-confidence, and education.
“Sometimes they don't know what path to take. If we talk to them about perseverance and work on your schoolwork and take the opportunities that you might not know exist, try different things, try new things. Try to lead the way,” Bethlehem Elementary Principal Stacy Dietz
Capito also made a stop at Oglebay where she had a chance to tour the Good Zoo, feed some animals, and meet with new Wheeling Park Commission President and CEO Bob Peckenpaugh.
“There's so many family activities that you can do out here at Oglebay. Not just the zoo but the outdoor availabilities to see animals. I think it just reinforces what people want. They want to be able to connect with their family and a zoo is a great place to do it,” Capito said.
Peckenpaugh enjoyed meeting the senator.
“Being in a state like West Virginia and having that deep connection and having that chance to meet them and know them personally so that they know what will really benefit their community has been a real blessing,” he said.