Ben Whitmore, a 17-year-old senior at Cabell Midland High School, is a dynamic individual with a passion for sports, diverse hobbies, and a heartwarming family background.

Ben is part of a close-knit family that includes his parents, Daniel and Stacey Whitmore, and three siblings: two older brothers, and an older sister. The Whitmore Family currently resides in Melody T. Farms.

Ben's hobbies span a wide spectrum, from weightlifting, running, pole vaulting, and disc golf to drumming and reading his Bible.

Currently a senior at CMHS, Ben has his sights set on the future. He plans to study Biology at Marshall University, with hopes of attending optometry school, saying, "It's all contingent on what I believe is God's plan for me."

Ben shared with Stroll Barboursville how he got his start in running, “My siblings were formerly cross-country runners in their high school careers. I took an interest at an early age and started running cross country at Barboursville Middle School. When it comes to track/field, I’ve always thought Pole Vault was intriguing, so I decided to try it one day my sophomore year, and I’ve done it since.”

Ben actively engages in both sports and extracurricular activities. He participates in CMHS Cross Country and Track/Field, excelling in pole vaulting. His leadership extends to student organizations such as serving as Student Body President on Student Council, being a member of Honor Society, and serving as Vice President for CMHS' Key Club. Sharing his multifaceted involvement, Ben notes, "I'm also a FCA student leader, a drummer in the praise band, “Refuel Student Ministry,” at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church, a counselor at Mountaineer Spina Bifida Camp, and I even dress up as the Grinch for photos to help raise money for the Golden Girls Group Home.”

Reflecting on his achievements, Ben states, "I might not be the fastest runner around, but I'd like to think I tend to bring a positive light and motivational atmosphere to the team." Ben shared some of his accomplishments, “I’ve managed to get a 3-mile time of around 17:46 as my personal record for running, a 58.2 second 400m time on my 4x400 team sophomore year, and I’ve cleared a height of 9’6 on pole vault between just one or two years after I started.”

Balancing the demands of sports, school, and numerous activities is no small feat, but Ben shares his approach, saying, "Improved time management skills over the years, and prayer. Taking it day by day, seeing through my day before it begins, and praying throughout helps me get through one way or another.”

Expressing deep admiration for his father, Ben shares, "My dad grew up in a rough part of town, working for things I take for granted every day. His hard work, motivation, and loving character inspire me to be the same. I often and greatly admire how much of a hard-working, extremely loving, and amazing dad I have who has supported me and provided for our family throughout all of our years, and I want to make sure he knows that. My dream is to be as good of a dad as he is."

The Barboursville community is proud of this young achiever and looks forward to all his future success.