CLAY COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — On Friday, Clay County Schools got a little taste of Hollywood when famed actress and Charleston native Jennifer Garner made a surprise visit.
According to a press release from Clay County Schools, Garner visited Clay County High School around 9 a.m., to join representatives from the Mountaineer Food Bank, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, Save the Children USA, Clay County Schools’ Communities in Schools group and several Clay County High School students to help package meals for the Extra-Mile food delivery program.
Clay County Schools said the Alias star then took the time to take photos with every person in attendance before joining Extra-Mile in helping deliver meals throughout the county.
Garner then went to Clay Elementary School to visit the Save the Children In-School Literature classroom. While there, she took part in a literacy lesson with several kindergarten students, practicing vowel sounds and learning how to write letters in uppercase and lowercase.
“While every adult in the room recognized her instantly, the students simply saw someone who loved learning just as much as they did,” the press release said. “Only years from now will they realize that they spent half an hour learning alongside one of the most beloved and recognizable West Virginians in history.”
After the lesson, the 53-year-old actress was presented with a Clay County gift basket by Clay Elementary staff, filled with local favorites, including items from Ordinary Evelyn’s, TC Treats and Legacy Foods, as well as a Clay County Middle School blanket and a Clay County High School hat.
Finally, Garner took part in a roundtable with staff from both Clay Elementary and Save the Children. The group discussed the success and impact of the In-School Literature program and the after-school and summer learning programs. Garner, an early childhood education advocate, said she remains committed to that advocacy in West Virginia, especially in rural communities.
Clay County Schools ended its news release with a statement thanking Garner for her time and energy towards early child education, as well as the organizations who helped make the visit possible.
Clay County Schools would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Garner for spending her morning making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families, and for highlighting the incredible organizations working together to support our community. Today, our students and staff didn’t see her as Elektra, Jenna Rink or Sydney Bristow — they saw her as a proud West Virginian dedicated to ensuring our children have the same opportunities as students anywhere in the country. We also offer sincere thanks to the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation for their continued support. And finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to Save the Children — without their tireless efforts, many of the transformative programs offered throughout the year simply would not be possible.
