Isaiah Garcia (right) a Business Administration major from Martinsburg, WV, was presented
with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for September 2025 by President Jerry Wallace
at WVU Potomac State College.
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce Isaiah Garcia, a freshman from Martinsburg, West Virginia majoring in Business Administration, as the September recipient of the Catamounts Climb Higher Award.
The Climb Higher Award is presented monthly to a student who exemplifies resiliency, outstanding work ethic, and kindness and positivity—qualities that Isaiah displays both inside and outside the classroom.
Isaiah was nominated by Assistant Professor Erin Wyer, who had this to say about him:
“Isaiah works hard, positively participates in class, attends consistently, and turns in high-quality work. He is intelligent and goal oriented. Whatever circumstances prevented Isaiah from graduating high school and led to him obtaining his GED, he is clearly overcoming them and pushing forward with great determination. While his goal is to get to Morgantown, I believe we are lucky to have a student of his caliber at Potomac State.”
Isaiah’s story is one of strength and perseverance. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
“A big challenge for me came when I was a teenager, around 15 to 18, dealing with struggles at home and in the environment around me. It got so hard that I ended up dropping out of school. Later on, while living on my own, I pushed myself to get my GED. It wasn’t easy, but I kept going because I knew I wanted more for myself and for my family.”
Isaiah credits his siblings as a driving force behind his continued efforts:
“What keeps me giving my best every day, inside and outside the classroom, is my siblings. I want them to see that no matter how tough things get or where you come from, you can still make something of yourself.”
His commitment to positivity is as strong as his work ethic:
“I try to spread positivity in simple ways. If I notice someone looking nervous, I’ll try to make them laugh to ease the mood. I smile, hold the door, and do small things that can make someone’s day a little better.”
For Isaiah, winning the Climb Higher Award is more than just recognition—it’s motivation:
“Receiving the Catamounts Climb Higher Award means a lot to me. It feels like recognition for my progress and helps me see how far I’ve come. Sometimes it’s hard to notice that growth in myself, but this award reminds me my efforts are paying off and pushes me to keep climbing higher.”
Isaiah was selected by a committee of faculty and staff and presented with a commemorative flag and gift card in honor of his achievement.
Please join us in congratulating Isaiah Garcia for his determination, resilience, and unwavering positivity. He is an inspiration to the Catamount community and a shining example of what it truly means to Climb Higher.