A little over a year ago, Ohio County Schools Public Relations Director, Karin Butyn, sat in on Wheeling Park High School History Teacher, Mr. Ryan Stanton’s class.
“I’m always aiming to highlight our class opportunities and staff members to give the community an inside look into the Ohio County Schools system. Mr. Stanton was well-known for teaching a “History of Wheeling” elective, so I figured I’d check it out,” explains Butyn.
What she saw amazed her: “I love seeing good teaching. Stanton was captivating, even enigmatic. And as a lifelong Wheelingite, I was astounded by what I simply didn’t know,” she adds. The History of Wheeling elective is regularly at capacity with a waitlist of students requesting it. Butyn approached Stanton about the opportunity to offer the course to the community once a month at no cost. With Stanton’s willingness to teach and a grant from Wheeling Heritage, the community education “History of Wheeling” class was born.
The class was advertised in the summer of 2024 to interested parties with no age restrictions. The only request was registration and a comment box wherein attendees could make requests regarding what they’d like to learn. “We didn’t know what to expect during the first Saturday morning class. I figured we’d maybe see 30-40 people. I was floored when I counted nearly 200 people,” states Butyn.
Stanton structures each monthly class around a specific theme, and every month, the registered attendants get an email reminding them of the theme, class time, (10:00) and location (JB Chambers Performing Arts Center) as well as any pertinent changes or information. The class has maintained attendance and success in large part due to Stanton’s knowledge and approachability. It is not uncommon for regular attendants to bring a guest and structure their Saturday around the class and to be active participants, engaging in conversation, asking questions, and even bringing artifacts from a Wheeling forgotten.
“Teaching the history of Wheeling to the community is something I look forward to each month. I really enjoy making a historic event from Wheeling’s past come to life through a story,” explains Stanton, who often hangs back after class hearing stories from people that have experienced the history in the lecture first hand. “I love seeing so many people continue to come back month after month, along with many new faces. I also love hearing people’s stories about their own memories of Wheeling, and I learn a lot from the participants, too.”
The class has seen attendants as young as 5 and as seasons as centenarians. They all possess an eagerness to learn more about the Wheeling they know today and the Wheeling that once was. “This class is the highlight of my month; I love being able to disconnect for an hour and reflect on something so unique and special to our community,” one of the regulars explains.
History of Wheeling also gives Stanton a moment to highlight the school community he’s been so invested in, not only as a current teacher, but as a former student himself: “I’m a graduate of WPHS. I also enjoy sharing stories from my students and showcasing what’s happening at Wheeling Park with the community. I think it’s great they have a chance to see our facilities and all the amazing things happening at Wheeling Park,” adds Stanton.
History of Wheeling is typically scheduled the first Saturday of every month from 10-11 in the morning. The class remains operable thanks to Dr. Miller and Ohio County Schools, Chris Markle (PAC Facilitator), Butyn, and of course, Mr. Ryan Stanton. Sessions are recorded for out of towners and uploaded to WPHP, Wheeling Park’s Broadcasting Channel, on YouTube. Each recorded session typically racks up between 90-160 unique views. Registration is not required for the in person course, but it is recommended at www.tinyurl.com/historyofwheeling.
The next History of Wheeling session focuses on the various schools, some closed, some still standing, of the Ohio County Schools system. The class is scheduled for Saturday, November 1st, at 10 A.M. with an optional tour for interested parties of Wheeling Park High School after.
