Good NEWS-day is a roundup of reports and features from local media organizations highlighting some of the incredible things being done at Henrico County Public Schools.
Springers' Ward set for honor: John O'Connor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch spoke to Rudy Ward, the longtime Highland Springs High School football and wrestling coach who will be inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame on April 28. Ward looked back on his tenure leading the Springers as a coach and activities director and the impact he's had in the East End. Springers basketball stalwart and fellow Hall of Famer George Lancaster said Ward "did more for Highland Springs High School and Eastern Henrico County ... for other people than anyone I know."
A helping hand at Echo Lake: 12 On Your Side's Desiree Montilla shared a heartwarming story from Echo Lake Elementary School, where a student brought his school together to support an Echo Lake family. Gavin Yonce was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma last July, and his mother, school counselor Jenny Yonce, has been away from Echo Lake to take care of Gavin. Third grader Micah Simon decided to use his birthday to support the Yonces, collecting letters and gift cards to give to Gavin during his brave battle with cancer.
Wildcat's big win: Deep Run High School graduate Jordan Bendura, now a runner at the University of Richmond, ran through the tape in 30:18.83 for a victory in the men's race at the Monument Avenue 10k! The race doubled as the 2024 Collegiate 10K Road Race Championship, with 1,700 college runners competing for the national title along with the traditional festivities down Monument Avenue in downtown Richmond. Ryan McCracken, a former cross country standout at Douglas S. Freeman High School and William & Mary, placed fifth in the Monument Avenue 10k.
Read: https://www.collegiaterunning.org/2024-10k-recap
New heights at Holladay: Liana Hardy of the Henrico Citizen reported on the English-Spanish immersion program at Elizabeth Holladay Elementary. This innovative approach teaches classes in both English and Spanish in order to maximize learning for young elementary school students. It's paid off with attendance and academic success at Holladay, and more schools are preparing to adopt this program in the future.
Music to our ears: HCPS was one of two school divisions in the United States to be named as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" for a 25th straight year. Recipients are recognized yearly by the NAMM Foundation for their commitment for music education, taking into account factors like staff, resources and opportunity.
Read: https://www.12onyourside.com/2024/04/21/hcps-honored-25-years-excellence-music-education/
Back to where they began: 12 On Your Side shared footage from Senior Walk as part of its "One Good Thing" series, which highlights heartwarming stories from around the Richmond region. Our soon-to-be graduates got to walk to the halls of their old elementary and middle schools with fanfare from their younger peers as well as hugs and congratulations from their former teachers.
Next generation of teachers: The Henrico Citizen highlighted the 24 seniors who were selected as this year's Teacher Scholars! These students will receive a guaranteed teaching position here at HCPS after graduating from college, along with a signing bonus.