Summers County Inspiration Gallery to honor two distinguished natives

Hinton, WV — The Hinton Area Foundation, in partnership with the Summers County Historical Society and Summers County Schools, invites the community to a special evening celebrating two extraordinary individuals whose lives and achievements have brought lasting pride to Summers County.

The Summers County Inspiration Gallery Induction Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 28, at Summers County High School, beginning with light refreshments at 4:30 p.m. and the induction ceremony at 5:00 p.m.

The Inspiration Gallery honors individuals who once walked the halls of Summers County schools and went on to make significant contributions at the state, national, or global level. Created to inspire future generations, the gallery serves as a powerful reminder to local students that exceptional accomplishments can begin right here at home.

This year’s inductees represent both historic legacy and modern achievement:

Paul Peck, a pioneer of early aviation, was West Virginia’s first airplane pilot and one of the earliest aviators in the United States. Raised in Hinton, Peck learned to fly in just seven days at a time when aviation was still in its infancy. He went on to serve as one of the first flight instructors for the U.S. Army Signal Corps and set multiple aviation records, including endurance and speed milestones. Peck made history as the first pilot to fly over the United States Capitol and was also the first to carry official U.S. air mail. Though his life was tragically cut short at age 22, his fearless innovation and contributions helped shape the future of aviation.

James “Mitch” Bowling, a Hinton High School graduate, has built a distinguished career as a national leader in telecommunications, education, and technology-enabled services. Over nearly two decades at Comcast, Bowling played a key role in the company’s growth into the nation’s largest residential internet provider and led the rapid expansion of Xfinity Home into the country’s fastest-growing home security service. He later served as Chief Operating Officer of Apollo Education Group and CEO of Sears Home Services. Today, he is Chief Executive Officer of EverDriven Technologies, a national leader in student transportation services, supporting vulnerable student populations across 36 states. Bowling’s career reflects a commitment to innovation, leadership, and service on a national scale.

“Through the Inspiration Gallery, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals, but also the message their stories send to our local students,” said Christina Cochran, Executive Director of the Hinton Area Foundation. “Their journeys show that yes – even if you start in a small town like  Hinton –  you can achieve extraordinary things.”

Students, families, and community members are encouraged to attend this free event and join in honoring the legacy of these two outstanding Summers County natives. Refreshments will be served, and Mitch Bowling will attend the event to accept the award.

Following the ceremony, the Summers County Board of Education will hold its regular meeting at the same location.

For more information, please follow the event on Facebook or contact Christina Cochran, Executive Director of Hinton Area Foundation, at christina@hintonareafoundation.org or 304-309-5502. Email is preferred.