CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) â In a year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the response on the national, state and local level, selecting a West Virginian of the Year proved to be in some ways easy, but in other ways difficult. While it was easy to decide that the award winner should be someone directly involved with the COVID-19 response, no one person or entity stood above the rest on the front lines of this battle, as each played a vital role. From those doctors and nurses in the rooms with those battling the disease, to those EMS and first responders who encounter victims on a daily basis, all have played a role in helping to combat and mitigate the deadly virus.