Preston County, West Virginia is where I call home. However, living in Preston County, I have realized that if you haven't grown up in Preston County that you don't know what it is, and depending on where you live in Preston County then you often have to associate the county with other places such as Morgantown, West Virginia or Oakland, Maryland. If the people you talk to do know where Preston County is then the county itself is often associated with very negative contexts, such as, hick county of Northern West Virginia or the county who has the most snow days in Preston County. We may have a lot of snow days, but we do not have the most snow days. Well, at least not every year. Preston County is often put down, which is frustrating because there are so many great things in Preston County, but they often aren't recognized.

1. The view at Preston High School during football games, or football season in general.

What people may say about our football team may be true, but look at the wonderful mountains in the background. If that isn't part of the beauty of West Virginia I don't know what is. Now, our football team may not always win, but we do have a wonderful marching band and a great cheerleading squad. Football season is always one of the many highlights in Preston County because it brings us together as a community. This is a time of cheering and joy! Whether we win or lose Preston County football games are always a joy. I always experienced football games from the marching band's point of view, which before high school I thought would be difficult considering how much I hate football, but it was always very enjoyable. Football games pretty much gave me an excuse to always eat tons of popcorn and just chill with my close friends.

2. Buckwheat Festival

Buckwheat festival is for sure a highlight in Preston County. Whether you come for the Buckwheat cakes or the parades, it is such a great time for the community. It brings all of Preston County together, and it brings those from surrounding counties to the simple town of Kingwood. Besides that, all the schools in the county get a much needed break. Buckwheat is a time full of smiles and fun fall festivities such as crafting, eating, and agriculture.

3. The sense of community in the county

No matter what area of Preston County you are from you develop a deep emotional bond to something in the county. Whether it be a person, a group, a school, or a town that you call home. I think part of the reason Preston is such a community-based county is because we share one high school and we have several small middle schools and elementary schools. Most students spend their middle school careers trying to beat out their rival, but when you start high school something changes. No longer do you just associate with your side of the county, but you associate with people who were your rivals, and overall you become friends. If you aren't a student, you will find community in the history of Preston County. Preston County has risen out of times of trouble like the Great Depression. We rise above, and that is what truly builds community.

Preston County is not full of negativity, but it is a place full of love.