The Shinnston News & Harrison County Journal has named Paige Moccia as June’s Citizen of the Month, a program sponsored by Dorsey Funeral Home in Shinnston – locally owned & operated.
By TRINA RUNNER
News & Journal Staff Writer
Having her baby boy get married this month is enough to stress any mom out, but for Paige Moccia, the hectic and electrifying pace of the planning process is what feeds her soul. Moccia is not one to sit still. Ever. The retired teacher used that energy to teach special education for 38 years in Harrison County and now inspires new teachers as both a professor at WVU and a supervisor for student teachers.
Moccia is known for her passion for causes she believes in, acting as an advocate for women’s rights, teachers and those with disabilities. Her sister Connie Cornwell has multiple sclerosis and has been in a nursing home for 14 years. Moccia regularly takes her grand dog, Hank, there to visit the residents and she never tires of finding new ways to help others.
The Harrison County YMCA is like a second home to Moccia. She volunteers there teaching water aerobics, swim lessons and specializes in deep water cross fit workouts. She is also a regular volunteer for other WYCQA sponsored events and has been over the last five years, and swam in one masters swim meet so far, with hopes of continuing with that next year.
She is an active member of the Duff Street United Methodist Church, co-directing Bible study and serving on the communication committee while also being involved with Sunday school and the women’s circle. This year the church raised over $10,000 for the Relay for Life and they plan to have a city-wide Vacation Bible School this summer.
Moccia can also be seen volunteering for Special Olympics year round in both skiing and basketball. Her passion to help those with disabilities is evident, and after serving them in both the classroom and the community, she is truly inspiring. Never one to slow down, she is planning to travel to China next year to visit a former teacher of Mandarin who lived with her for two years.
Paige is the mother of Sgt. First Class Nate Moccia and Eric Moccia and has been married to Vic Moccia since 1976. Her zest for life is truly contagious, and her ability to give back so freely to others is the very definition of kindness.
