January 1st, 2026 by WCBC Radio

Just as there are memorable stories throughout the year, there are also people who leave their mark on the community. 2025 was no exception. This week, WCBC introduces you to the 12 Most Compelling People of the Year, and reflects on their good – or bad – effects on the area…

DAN THOMPSON – It’s been said that when God shuts one door, another opens. For Dan Thompson, that has proved to be true. Ongoing challenges in his position at Calvary Christian Academy in Cresaptown forced Thompson to take a leave of absence in March, leading to his resignation in April. Still wanting to provide Christian education in the area, he went to work finding a new location and team that could make that dream come true. This past fall, Messiah Christian Academy opened in Carpendale with Dan Thompson as Administrator.

LARRY JACKSON – With a background in directing large-scale projects – he was band director at Allegany High for many years, Larry Jackson continues to think big. The owner of buildings and businesses in downtown Cumberland, including the new Lily Books and Café, Jackson also serves as head of the Downtown Development Commission – his current project is getting enough property owners to agree to becoming a business improvement district, which would lower the cost of services and maintenance for downtown business owners for the historic city center.

KEVIN WHITEMAN – 138 wins. 49 losses. 28 straight wins since 2024. Those are all just numbers to Kevin Whiteman – the head coach of the Frankfort Falcons football team. He sees past those numbers to the dozens of players that have come through the program the past 16 years, working tirelessly to bring out the best in each one. This past December, he coached the Falcons to their second straight West Virginia Class AA state championship in Charleston. For Whiteman, Frankfort football is about teamwork, community, and building a premier high school sports program.