West Virginia Executive Fall 2017 | Page 82

help worthy individuals pursue a career path that has a future in information technology. ATS is invested in the future of technology in West Virginia, as evidenced through its headquarters’ West Virginia location and its partnership with TGKVF. The company seeks to give back to the community that has supported it and financially assist individuals who show true talent and potential in making a difference in the technology field. “West Virginia has a lot to offer,” says Gary Sims Jr., president and CEO of ATS. “With this endowment, we hope to educate students and keep those skilled workers in West Virginia.”   New Study Demonstrates that Girls on the Run Transforms Young Girls’ Lives A recent independent study provides compelling evidence that Girls on the Run is highly effective at driving transformative and lasting change in the lives of girls in grades third through fifth. The program’s intentional curriculum places an emphasis on developing competence, confidence, connection, character, caring and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate running and other physical activities. Through- out the course of the 10-week program, girls learn critical life skills, including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others and making intentional decisions. It is the combination of the research-based curriculum, trained coaches and a com- mitment to serve all girls that sets Girls on the Run apart from other after-school programs. “Girls on the Run participants scored higher in managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others and making intentional decisions than participants in organized sports or physical edu- cation,” says Maureen Weiss, Ph.D., a leading expert on youth development who conducted the independent study. “Being able to generalize skills learned in the program to other situations such as at school or at home is a distinguishing feature of Girls on the Run compared to traditional youth sports and school physical education and suggests that the intentional life skills curriculum and coach training program can serve as examples for other youth programs.” Congratulations, KRISTEN QUEEN, on being selected as a 2018 West Virginia Executive Young Gun! We are so proud of your accomplishments and appreciate your valuable contributions to our company and community. 118 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330 (304) 842-5192 www.murrayqueencpas.com 80 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE