Dr. Suiter had been an icon in public education long before he became a pioneer in Christian education. Having served as a teacher, principal, and professor, he became the assistant state superintendent in West Virginia. In this role he established and maintained relationships that God later used to raise him up as a stalwart of Christian education across the nation.

The catalyst for this change in his life, and in the state of West Virginia, was initially the textbook controversy of 1974 in Charleston where parents stepped up to challenge the content of secular textbooks. Knowing that children are given to parents by God to be reared for Him, Dr. Suiter saw the need for legislation to be written so that Christian schools could be established and protected. This need was exacerbated by the threat of arrest and a potential jail sentence of a pastor within the state who had begun a Christian school in his church. With legal counsel and the support of pastors, Dr. Suiter wrote the legislation that miraculously passed the senate and legislature in record time with unprecedented support. Great freedom has been given to parents and pastors to establish Christian schools and home schools to teach truth - God’s Word is truth. Dr. Suiter went on to establish the first chapter of the West Virginia Christian Education Association and to serve as the first executive director of the association. Surrounded by family members and inspiring a standing ovation, Dr. Suiter recounted milestones that led to the legislation that he so ably initiated.

Dr. Daniel L. Anderson also received the Hope Award. His life has been given fervently to furthering Christian education. He is indebted to his dedicated and faithful wife, Rosalie, who shares the same passion. Dr. and Mrs. Anderson have five children who received their education at Greater Beckley Christian School. His personal commitment was demonstrated by his active role in getting the historic Senate Bill 184 passed in the 1980s which gave legal recognition to Christian schools in the mountain state. Dr. Anderson has shared his knowledge and wisdom over the past 40 years by serving on multiple Christian education school boards and speaking at numerous conventions in many states as both a keynote and a workshop speaker. In recognition of his leadership, he was the recipient of the National Biblical Higher Education Award in 2018. To further the cause of Christian education, the Elementary Education major began at Appalachian Bible College in 1980 and received state certification in 2003. ABC has had the privilege of graduating approximately 152 elementary education students since 1988. Many of these graduates continue to serve the Lord in education in West Virginia, across the country, and around the world. While these opportunities have been an honor and privilege, Dr. Anderson’s greatest passion is for people to love and serve the Lord . . . because Life is for Service.

The final recipient of the 2024 Hope Award is the honorable Larry Pack. While  Mr. Pack is not an educator in a schoolhouse, he is a friend and supporter of the Hope Scholarship in the state house. As a successful business entrepreneur and the soon to be elected State Treasurer of West Virginia, he is offering Hope in the mountain state. As a former member of the WV House of Delegates and more recently a Senior Advisor to Governor Justice, he helped others understand the overall value of the scholarship to parents, students, and to West Virginia at large. Recently at the Hope Summit he stated that “Hope (Scholarship) will raise the bar for all K-12 education in West Virginia regardless of a parent’s choice to use homeschool, private school or public school.”  This sentiment reflects what should be the guiding principle for everyone involved in the education of children. For his insight, foresight, and wisdom, we are thankful.

We are thankful to the Lord for preserving and prospering Christian education in the state of West Virginia. He continues to raise up the shoulders of resolute servants for teachers and administrators to stand upon as they seek to disciple and educate His children.