Who is Virginia Lynch Graf?
Innovator, Educator, Activist
As an educator, Virginia sees a relationship among the education we receive, the innovation we dare, and the activism we choose. Each hinges on the other, and gives birth to our contentment and our success. Despite political pundits who claim unless a candidate can raise a million dollars, she can't win, Virginia is determined to become our representative from the 2nd district in West Virginia. The old system of financial dependency on big benefactors has been an eroding factor in good policy. A representative in the United States Congress needs to be independent from financial ties. A seat in Congress cannot be bought. Virginia believes her candidacy reflects what is best in a democratic republic - a woman seeking to represent the citizens in her district, not special interests. I ask the voters to choose me as their new representative. They will experience my genuine concern for them and for West Virginia.
Biographical Sketch
Virginia Lynch Graf, D. Min
Innovator and Educator for 35 years
• Elementary School Principal
• Changed traditional education to continuous education curriculum
• Educator for pre-school through college students
• Introduced multi-sensory learning
• Involved in Teacher Training and re-trained Aides for active participation
• Served on Mid-Atlantic Certification Committee for Elementary / Junior High Schools
• Administrator for Religious Education Programs Pre-School through Adults
• Founder and President of Vangar Publishers (Home Publishing Business)
Activist
• Informed on citizens' issues and concerns
• Co-founder and president of Jefferson County Organization of Democratic Women
• Initiated and administered forums on Social Security, Healthcare, Conversations of Peace,
Political Candidate's Debates including Supreme Court Justices
• Participant in UFW boycott
• Activist for peace and health reform; helped forge stand against PATH, Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline
• Led successful petition drive against placing tolls on Route 340 and 9
• Community Columnist for Martinsburg Journal on Social and Political issues (2008)
• Use writing skills frequently for Letters to Editor and Op-Ed Pieces
• Elected Chair of Jefferson County Commission Water Advisory Committee (WAC)
• re-organized a defunct committee
• successfully steered WAC to obtain grant money for educating citizens on proper disposal and clean up of hazardous waste
• helped establish an annual water summit for Jefferson County
Volunteer
• United Farm Workers of America, (Baltimore Education Project )
• Troop Leader, Girl Scouts of America
• Odyssey of the Mind - moderated international creative problem-solving program for students
• Relay for Life
• CEOS of West Virginia
• ESL (English as Second Language)Teacher
• Voter Registration and Political Campaigns
• Pax Christi
• Southern Regional Co-Vice President of FCM (Federation of Christian Ministries)
• Created musical / theatrical fundraisers at St. Michael and Immaculate Heart of Mary
• Cantor / lector St. Michael, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Pius X
• Tutor children and adults
Education
• BA, College of Notre Dame in MD
• MA, La Salle University in Phil. PA
• DMin, St. Mary Seminary & University in MD
Personal
• Fifth of Eight children born to a stay at home Mom and a Dad who worked as a milkman
• Entered convent at age 17, served as religious sister for 16 years
• Changed vocation to experience and identify with other women who work, study, balance finances, manage time and relationships, raise children
• Married, raised two children, Grandmother to 4 year and 1 year old boys
• Earned 2nd and 3rd degrees, after convent years, while working full time
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Background