                                                           2024 Craig A. Lawson

Craig A. Lawson nominated for the WVHEHOF for his knowledge he shares in his dedication to the HE program. Craig started teaching back in 1993. His past career in Wildlife education puts him in a league of his own, when discussing wildlife in the curriculum. Usually teaching three or more classes a year between McDowell Mercer and Wyoming Counties; touching the lives and hunting careers of thousands. Craig puts his students first and goes out of his way to reach and ensure their success. He has a 100% pass rate of his students for an unmeasurable amount of time. He also jumps in to hold Alternate Delivery Classes when needed. Craig is dependable and has not waivered in over 22 years of teaching the HE students of West Virginia. 

• Lived and worked his entire life in McDowell County • Attended WVU, BA degree and Teaching degree. • Taught school McDowell Co. • Worked in Coal Mines till they were shut down • Went back to WVU to get Wildlife degree • Hired in 1991as Wildlife Manager at Panther Creek WMA • Went through Police Academy • During 19 years as wildlife manager he trapped numerous animals, including the first turkeys trapped in McDowell Co. as part of a tracking and reproduction study for the WVDNR • Trapped whitetail deer off Blennerhassett Island and relocated them to McDowell Co. • Worked on the Ruffed Grouse Project in greenbrier Co. where he met Sgt. John Barnes and became interested in the WVDNR HE Program  • Relocated and Released over 500 Black Bear in McDowell Co. • Taught HE classes for over 32 years   