BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Hannah Lively, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College, began the “Lunch Bunch” program at Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to bridge the gap between students in 4th to 5th grade and adults with diverse backgrounds.

Students, including many athletes from West Virginia Wesleyan College, have been visiting Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to eat lunch and converse with students from diverse backgrounds. 

Raveena Navaglund ‘26, a captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team stated, “Attending the diversity luncheon reminded me how important it is to celebrate our differences and find common ground at a young age. Seeing the kids embrace each other’s cultures with curiosity and respect was truly inspiring. My favorite part was witnessing how open-minded and eager they were to learn from one another and us college students.”

Ella Gomez ‘26, a team captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team, as well, stated, “Attending the luncheon was a wonderful experience. I learned how important it is to provide positive diverse role models for kids at such a young age. 

“My favorite part was when we introduced ourselves and our backgrounds. I was proud to say I came from a biracial family, and relating to the other biracial kids brought a meaningful sense of belonging despite our age difference! I look forward to attending the next one.”

This program was started due to Lively’s vision to bring students with diverse backgrounds together in the community. Young students have the opportunity to engage in intentional, positive interactions. 

Lively, alongside West Virginia Wesleyan College, wants to ensure students are supported and have a safe space at all times. Many hands and hearts have been supporting this initiative within the walls of BAES. Adam White, Principal – BAES, William Squires, – Vice Principal – BAES, Kirsten Coit-Fetty, counselor at BAES, and Jaeneika Westfall, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School alumna, have each been a helpful source in bridging the gap in staff awareness and student support. 

Lively states, “Partnering with WVWC and sharing common goals, roles, and backgrounds can strengthen our community within the education system to prepare all students for successful futures.”

It is Lively’s goal to include topics such as unconscious bias, Diversity vs. Inclusion, and offer Q&A sessions for students. She also hopes to find funding for books that represent cultures and positive messages to include at the visits. This program has sparked parents’ attention which in turn has created a diversity committee at BAES. The committee includes parents and PTO representatives wishing to broaden the reach to all grade levels.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.