Department of Education letter threatens W&L programs related to race
The Department of Education sent a letter to all federally funded schools requiring them to end programs that increase or promote diversity.
News Articles
W&L students thrive post-pandemic, professors say
Almost five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down and put a pause on education. Students nationwide are still trying to recover.
Washington and Lee students are the exception, professors said.
“It’s like a seed that, even in infertile soil, will still grow,” said Wythe Whiting, a professor of cognitive and behavioral science.
In almost every state, there is a slow recovery from Covid learning loss, according to the New York Times. Students are specifically behind in reading. Some...
Washington and Lee students are the exception, professors said.
“It’s like a seed that, even in infertile soil, will still grow,” said Wythe Whiting, a professor of cognitive and behavioral science.
In almost every state, there is a slow recovery from Covid learning loss, according to the New York Times. Students are specifically behind in reading. Some...
QuestBridge endures amid admissions changes
Over the past two years, Washington and Lee’s admissions office shifted its process to no longer consider applicants’ race or income when admitting students. But some admissions pillars, including the office’s commitment to QuestBridge, will stay the same.
The university’s participation in the QuestBridge program is derived from the same values that motivated the school to switch to a need-blind admissions process, said John Wolfgang, the admissions office’s QuestBridge coordinator.
“QuestBridg...
The university’s participation in the QuestBridge program is derived from the same values that motivated the school to switch to a need-blind admissions process, said John Wolfgang, the admissions office’s QuestBridge coordinator.
“QuestBridg...
Rockbridge County Public Schools plans to ban cell phones
Rockbridge County Public Schools Superintendent Phillip Thompson proposed a new cell phone policy that bans students’ use of cell phones during the school day. The school board and public can comment on the policy draft for the next month.
Dunn, Potter and Masey elected in Lexington’s razor-thin first School Board race
Current Lexington School Board Chair Tammy Dunn was the top vote-getter in the city’s first election of school board members.
Kasey Potter, Katie Masey and Meghan Ferguson were within 51 votes of each other.
Kasey Potter, Katie Masey and Meghan Ferguson were within 51 votes of each other.
Buena Vista superintendent will retire in July
Buena Vista Superintendent Tony Francis plans to retire after four years in the school district. His successor will face challenges, such as adopting new state education policies, renovating old schools and retaining teachers. The following is an edited conversation with Francis about his work in the district and hopes for the future.
More Hispanic children enrolling in Rockbridge County Public School’s ESL programs
Rockbridge County Public Schools’ enrollment in English as a second language program has doubled in the last five years.
Rockbridge County students missing too much school
Since the pandemic, students have missed more school. Rockbridge County is no exception.
'It takes a village:" New River Valley works together to end substance use disorder
“We literally meet people where they are, and that’s pretty much a fundamental of public health,” Bissell said.
Drought busting: Decisions 20 years ago secured Roanoke Valley's water future
In 2004, Roanoke County and the city of Roanoke came together to form the Western Virginia Water Authority.
FloydFest goers have mixed opinions on new site, but the energy, camaraderie remains
FloydFest 2024 Horizon features four stages, as well as a stage in the Children’s Universe and in the VIP Pub.
Christiansburg Town Council approves grant program that prompted allegations
The Town Council unanimously approved an annual grant program Tuesday that had been the subject of questions, allegations and debate.
Radford Community Fest to welcome new students, increase downtown traffic
“It’s a wonderful thing for all members of the community... to build the relationship for the benefit of all,” said Mayor David Horton.
Salem Fair is back
The Salem Fair returns this week — as people continue to come through the gates, no matter the trends of the times.
81-year-old Christiansburg mechanic continues on
When computers became a staple in the automotive world, many older mechanics stepped out of the profession.
Miss Blue Ridge Carlehr Swanson crowned 2024 Miss Virginia
She says her goal throughout the next year is to get more high school and college students involved in what Miss Virginia offers.
Miss Virginia contestants say pageantry is about who you are, not what you look like
This year’s Miss Virginia contestants say that entering the pageant world has empowered them to stand up for what they believe in.
Roanoke businessman, philanthropist Maury Strauss remembered
Steve said he laid his head down Monday night on his pillow and thought, ‘this is one of the most amazing, beautiful days of my life,’ because he was able to relive so many of those wonderful memories.
Steve said his first memory — at 6 years old — of his father treating others with kindness was at one of his dad’s construction sites.
Steve said his first memory — at 6 years old — of his father treating others with kindness was at one of his dad’s construction sites.
Roanoke Valley to host endurance mountain biking national championships
The weeklong event is expected to generate approximately $2.2 million and bring in 1,900 athletes, said John Oney, Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge director of sports and sales. Racing events will take place July 14-20 next year at Explore Park, Elmwood Park and Carvins Cove.
8 candidates to run for Radford City Council and School Board seats
Eight candidates have qualified to run for the now competitive Radford City Council and School Board elections. Two weeks ago, no candidates had filed for either.
There are two seats each on the November ballot for the city council and school board.
For the Radford City Council, there are three candidates who qualified to appear on the ballot: W. Guy Wohlford, Kellie Artrip and Carl Mitchell. Artrip is a current city council member and Mitchell is a former school board member.
There are two seats each on the November ballot for the city council and school board.
For the Radford City Council, there are three candidates who qualified to appear on the ballot: W. Guy Wohlford, Kellie Artrip and Carl Mitchell. Artrip is a current city council member and Mitchell is a former school board member.
Shah Development purchases the Claytor Lake Boy Scouts Aquatic Center
The general manager of Shah Development, Christie Weddle, said Thursday the company currently has no plans for the property. The company intends to clean it, make repairs and research and then come up with a plan for the property, she said.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America began trying to sell the property almost three years ago, said Kenneth Lyons, the council’s chief development officer. Before the sale, the council had more than $2 million in debt but is now debt-free.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America began trying to sell the property almost three years ago, said Kenneth Lyons, the council’s chief development officer. Before the sale, the council had more than $2 million in debt but is now debt-free.
Juneteenth events across the Roanoke and New River valleys
Juneteenth is a federal holiday marking the end of slavery after the defeat of the Confederacy in the American Civil War in 1865. The holiday is celebrated June 19, but events begin this weekend.
Pulaski County's water park to reopen for summer of 2025 after fire last year
“It was heartbreaking that this carelessness has cost the community so much, but it’s also a teachable moment,” Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet said. “It teaches us to value and appreciate the things that are important to us that we may take for granted.”
The county plans to build the facility back even better, Sweet said. The shelter will double in size and be extended to the pool deck. Previously, the shelter had been outside of the pool and disconnected from the deck.
The county plans to build the facility back even better, Sweet said. The shelter will double in size and be extended to the pool deck. Previously, the shelter had been outside of the pool and disconnected from the deck.
Good Samaritan opens the region’s first hospice house on Cove Road
“My hope is not that all of the beds are full, but that the patients and families that come here get all of the experience they deserve at the end of life,” said Aaron Housh, the CEO of Good Samaritan. “I think we’ll be seeing that before the end of this year, so I’m really excited about getting to do that for our community.”
The Good Samaritan Center for Caring has two wings — one that has administrative offices and conference rooms, and the other that houses patients in their final days.
The Good Samaritan Center for Caring has two wings — one that has administrative offices and conference rooms, and the other that houses patients in their final days.
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Audio & Video Stories
Parents living outside of the city struggle to get their children into Lexington City Schools
Over 150 students who do not live in the city applied to attend Lexington City Schools this year. Unlike past years, the division had to deny applications, even for students whose siblings already go to the school.
Rockbridge Innovation Center renovations nearing completion
After a year and a half of renovations, the Rockbridge Innovation Center will welcome students on Jan. 6, 2025. The old career center was almost 50 years old, and it needed new equipment and technology.
Four Lexington School Board candidates vie for three open positions
Four Lexington residents are running for school board: Kasey Potter, Meghan Ferguson, Katie Masey and current chair Tammy Dunn.
Rockbridge County Public Schools yet to decide on following Virginia’s cell phone-free guidelines
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order directed the Virginia Department of Education to create cell phone-free education guidance for public school divisions.
Washington and Lee University Facilities Workers
This video was produced by Julianna Stephenson for JOUR 202.
Lexington's Farmer Market Broadcast Package
This broadcast package was produced by Julianna Stephenson, Harper Meacham, and Ann Riley Huber for JOUR 202: Introduction to Digital Journalism.
Washington and Lee students share the struggles of being a minority on campus
This video was produced for JOUR 202: Introduction to Digital Journalism.
Cupcake Heaven comes to Lexington, Virginia
This audio story was produced for JOUR 202: Introduction to Digital Journalism. This cover photo was provided by Cupcake Heaven.
Photography
The following photo essay was published in the Ring-tum Phi, Washington and Lee University's school newspaper.
Elliot Van Nice '27 throws her trash in the W&L compost bin.
This waste is then brought to the compost pile next to the Campus Garden where it breaks down into organic matter. According to the Washington and Lee Office of Sustainability, W&L processed over 211,000 pounds of food waste throughout the 2022-2023 school year.
Carola Tanna attempts to separate sunflower seeds from the rich soil in the Campus Garden.
This soil has been nourished by the compost sitting next to the Campus Garden, where food waste sits until it is suitable to enrich the soil.
Carola Tanna helps in the Campus Garden by weeding.
There are teams of student and adult volunteers that come to help at the half-acre large garden.
A large, red pepper is growing in the Washington and Lee Campus Garden.
According to the Washington and Lee Office of Sustainability, approximately 1,500 pounds of the garden’s organically grown produce is later distributed.
Lexplore! Magazine
Lexplore! was published in May of 2024 for the class: Editing for Print and Online Media. Below is my article, The Lives Behind the Lavender. To see the complete magazine: https://issuu.com/wlumag/docs/...
