WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce Addison Cross of Short Gap, West Virginia, has been named the November 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 Addy displays both inside and outside the classroom.
Addy is a junior in the Business Management program at PSC and is also working toward an associate degree in Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship (SAGE).
She was nominated by her professor, Amy Weaver, who observed that “Despite obstacles thrown at her, Addy handles all situations with grace and always looks for ways she can help others.”
Weaver noted that “Addy is a very dedicated student” who “works hard at all she does.” She said that beyond the classroom, Addy holds a part-time job and trains horses. Weaver said that “Addy’s faith is also a large part of who she is and her dedication to the community,” noting that Addy is a leader in a young adult group active in Mineral County.
Addy’s own journey is one of strength and perseverance. As an example, she shared that she participated in an unusual competition in Montana, training a wild mustang horse in 100 days. “This was a competition that I had always wanted to do, but I never realized how intense it would be,’ she said.
Given the intense time constraints, she said she gave all of her efforts to training the horse, noting that she was completely physically and mentally drained by the end of the competition. “I stayed motivated by trusting in God and leaning into Him for my strength,” she said.”I continued to think of how proud I would be of this accomplishment after the competition was over. So, I gave it my all and finished the competition working hard up until the last day.”
She said that she derives much of her drive from the support of her family, friends, and community, noting that she is “so blessed with the opportunity to go to college” and values their encouragement throughout. “Whether it has been through a scholarship, an encouraging comment, or their simple helping hand to make my hard days easier, I truly hope they know how much I appreciate them,” she said. “I give my best in school to make them proud, and to take full advantage of the opportunities that God has blessed me with.”
Addy said that she is motivated to do her best, especially after the loss of a friend. “A lot of people have inspired me in my life, but one who has made an everlasting impact on me was my sweet friend Alex Kile,” she said. “Anyone who knew Alex knew there was something different about her. She was a joyful person through and through. And I am telling you, she was an amazing, amazing friend. She was a prime example of the light that shines through you when you have the love of Jesus in your heart. Every time you got to talk to her, you got to experience a little piece of God’s grace, His love, His joyfulness, and His uncontainable friendship. I will forever be thankful to have Alex as an inspiration to continue the push forward.”
Her commitment to positivity is as strong as her work ethic: “I think one of the biggest ways that we get to spread kindness and positivity on campus is by simply having a smile on our faces. I am a big believer that our actions, attitudes, and words towards others can show them the light and eternal joyfulness that comes along with having a relationship with Jesus.
Addison was selected by a committee of faculty and staff and presented with a commemorative flag and gift card in honor of her achievement.
“I am very honored to receive the Catamounts Climb Higher Award. I am thankful for the education, friendships, and mentors that I have received from Potomac State,” she said. “This campus truly has some amazing people on it, and I am blessed to spend my college years here.”
Please join us in congratulating Addison Cross for her determination, resilience, and unwavering positivity. She is an inspiration to the Catamount community and a shining example of what it truly means to Climb Higher.