How to Find the Right Education Option for Your Child

As parents, the responsibility of making countless decisions both great and small for our children is part of our privilege, but there is hardly any which will resound so powerfully throughout a child’s life as that of their schooling.

The right schooling for a child can make a difference in developing life-long patterns of self-confidence, how they face education and how they will come to define success. Let’s start with the basics, because knowing what types of schooling are offered here in Central Virginia will certainly help in narrowing the focus on what will work best for your child and family.

Public School
Public schooling is available, without prejudice or preference, to all children in the community. In addition to being free of charge to those living within the districts, there is also the added benefit of being part of the diverse community, which gives children the opportunity to appreciate different cultures, races and religions. Further, each student is provided with transportation and the use of the books, materials and equipment they will need to be successful in their learning.

Public schools also provide academic opportunities such as advanced placement, exchange student programs and dual-enrollments in trades and college programs. Public schools provide diverse sports programs, music and theatre programs, clubs and other extracurricular activities to suit the talents, interests and skill level of any student.

These programs, in turn, give the student opportunities to excel among peers and to develop leadership skills, confidence and a sense of belonging which can aid them both in their educational and life pursuits. In addition to these benefits, public schools are also equipped with the services and trained individuals to address the needs, no matter how extensive, of any student with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).
Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Lynchburg City Schools, explains, “Our country and our world today face a myriad of challenges. At the center of it all rests the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, experiences, faiths and viewpoints. Public school can best prepare our children to have the answers to solve these problems. No school system in Central Virginia, public or private, offers more opportunities for engagement, for innovation and for connectedness than Lynchburg City Schools.”

Home School
While homeschooling has historically been viewed with strong opinions, there are very interesting movements taking place within the homeschool system which are as varied and individual as the homeschooled students. Within these homeschool communities exist the familiar traditional programs, private tutors, co-ops (which meet for collective learning experiences) and hybrid programs which utilize both the strengths of homeschooling and private and public school systems for particular subjects.

Many families, who would have previously not considered homeschooling, have opted to use it for the flexible scheduling it offers and for the ability to introduce their young students to so much more than just the standard learning curriculum. How much a student learns about a particular topic, or a variety of topics, is wholly up to the student and the parent or teacher who guides them.

Homeschooling, by its very nature, is able to be personally catered to the student’s needs and addresses his/her own learning styles, timelines, weaknesses and strengths. There really is no limitation on what type of student can thrive in a homeschool environment, so long as the parent or tutor is educated and well-researched on methods available to address their student’s individual needs. Even the previous concerns of missing the social aspects of traditional schooling have been addressed through local clubs, co-ops and hybrid programs.

Alysia Isenhour, a local mother who homeschools and attends co-ops, states that the reason their family chooses to homeschool is the continued ability to address their children as whole individuals and give them not only individualized attention but also education plans suited for them personally. “The relationships that are formed, and the security that the children have in the home, I truly believe has a really great impact … they tend to do better in every aspect of their lives, and [it] sets them up for success, not just in their education … but in self-confidence and self-motivation … instilling character. I feel like homeschooling gives them a great start in life!”

Private School
Private school has long been heralded for academic excellence and smaller, safer school sizes, which facilitate more preferred student-to-teacher ratios thus making learning a more individualized venture. Traditionally, private school students have also been known to test higher than their peers, according to a 2002 NAEP study, and to also have a higher likelihood of going on to higher education.

Private schools, because of their smaller sizes, are able to focus on developing their own curricula while supplementing with additional concepts such as root languages, character development programs, religious studies, music classes and more.

Additionally, with smaller class sizes, students often participate in more activities because they face less competition and have more flexibility in scheduling.

Previously, the cost of privatized schools has been the primary drawback, but with so many families looking for privatized programs for their children, new schools have opened, and long-standing institutions are addressing the issue by making attendance more affordable through multi-child discounts and scholarship opportunities.

Currently in Central Virginia, there are no private schools that specialize in IEP programs, so the students that flourish in private school systems tend to be of average to advanced intelligence and willingness to learn. However, as the classroom sizes are smaller and teachers are more available to provide individualized attention, students with attention deficits can succeed in a privatized setting.

Pete York, Assistant Head of School at James River Day School (JRDS), explains that through the school’s blended traditional and progressive learning styles, they are able to utilize project and student-based learning to keep the students actively engaged in order to celebrate and facilitate learning.

Beyond the curriculum, JRDS takes the opportunity to teach children leadership and confidence through mentorship programs. York explains, “The children get to be children … and get to be good role models for the other children.” JRDS teachers and administration have the opportunity to address and cultivate a love of education and character, which can be carried through their continued education, and it’s a difference that is palpable. York’s exuberant words ring true: “Walk down the hall and you can just feel … the joy!”

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By Tiffany Lyttle

From buck parties to hen nights to stag and doe events, a best man or maid of honor may be left wondering why pre-wedding celebrations have gone to the barnyard. But don’t be afraid of those mixed metaphors!

Marking that last night of freedom has evolved from a manly rite of passage to a variety of bachelor and bachelorette parties. Today’s party planners have moved past the Spartan revelry of conquest and temptation to a celebration of past meeting future.

Including both men and women, the best parties not only celebrate memories from single life, but also anticipate the joy of future togetherness. This spirit has spawned a host of new ideas for bachelor, bachelorette and group parties.

For the Group
The groom really can see the bride on the night before the wedding by starting with a group celebration. Stephanie Atkinson, long-time downtown Lynchburg resident, suggests that the whole wedding party start the night together. Then, they can separate into guys and gals to finish the evening. So, Atkinson recommends breaking the ice with a light activity like singing karaoke at Kegney Brothers. It will give bridal party members and friends a chance to meet before the rehearsal dinner or ceremony.

If you want the bridal party to be in sync, consider group dance classes at a local dance studio. It can even give you a chance to plan a YouTube-worthy entrance. For example, VA Dance Studio offers a “Wedding Bootcamp” package to practice some moves before the big day. Also, there are several dance halls and studios in Lynchburg where a group can dance together before the big day.

Finally, you can party like a local at Virginia Beach. Lauren MacMoyle, a Virginia Beach photographer, has several suggestions for beautiful waterfront celebrations. As a secret tip, MacMoyle suggests Croatan Beach, First Landing State Park and Beach Bagel Bakery. She explains, “Most locals don’t go to the main beach because it gets so crowded. Croatan beach is across the Rudee inlet south of the main beach, and it’s a lot quieter. There’s also a surfing area because the waves are better there.”

Similarly, First Landing State Park has “a quiet beach with plenty of hiking or biking trails.” With the natural dunes, MacMoyle suggests it as a spot to stop for photos. Finally, Beach Bagel Bakery is located slightly inland, making it less crowded than the beach-front breakfast spots.

MacMoyle also recommends spending a weekend at the boardwalk, saying, “No matter what you’re celebrating, you’ll always find something you like to do.”

For the Ladies
Set up a celebration to suit the bride by looking to her interests. Kendall Wong, graphic designer and bride-to-be, reflected on her celebration saying, “I think the primary thing that my maid of honor took into consideration for me when she planned my bridal shower was my personality and what would be most meaningful to both me and my guests. My maid of honor really put special effort and consideration into ensuring that the event was bright, fun and tasteful.” It’s easy to plan a personal event when you explore local Lynchburg.

For the active bride, consider sweating out some wedding jitters in a kickboxing class. If you’re looking for health benefits, Bruce Rubinberg, owner of FEKS Martial Arts Center, suggests starting classes four weeks before a wedding. If you simply need an active way to relieve stress, you can join in a class at any time. Dana Rubinberg, a kickboxing student since 2013, describes it as “…easy to jump in as a beginner.” This style of exercising also builds bonds from the interaction between friends as they practice, so consider making it a bridal party health goal in the weeks leading up to the big day.

For the busy bachelorette, some spa therapy will refresh and refocus. London’s Salt Spa features a unique salt cave with zero gravity chairs and fresh air full of 80 minerals. If you book the space for a party, your group can take advantage of the whole space, including catering in the reception area. The regulars prefer it for the atmosphere, which has been compared to the comfort of your living room.

For the sentimental friend, create a little art to commemorate your friendship. All Fired Up is a pottery studio where you can paint bisque pottery as a group. The owner, Vicky Ledbetter, recommends painting several pieces in the same colors so that the bride can use them in her home. For example, each friend can paint a plate with a different design in the bride’s colors. Then, she can remember her fun night out with every table setting.

For the foodie, a night in with friends can include an in-house wine consultation. Scott McCauley, wine consultant and co-owner at Magnolia Foods, recommends tasting as an opportunity to both educate and entertain. He can either bring a selection of wines to taste or make pairing suggestions based on the bride’s collection. Some couples even choose to create a wine registry based on the tasting, making it easy for guests to stock the couple’s cellar.

Cyndi Kelley, a wine pourer at Afton Mountain, recommends an in-house tasting as an easy way to start conversations and entertain without going out for the evening. She explains that bringing in a consultant, “…removes the added expense of a travel limousine…, [and] it’s more intimate.”

For the Gents
Steven Bowler, a local writer, values personalization and creativity when it comes to planning a bachelor party. He explained, “I think the activities should be tailored to the individual in a way that brings the group of friends together without compromising the integrity of the couple’s relationship. That could be anything depending on the individual: sports, drinking, swimming, games, hiking, billiards, bowling, canoeing, road trip, movies, food or music.”

For the nostalgic groom, recreate that summer camp experience by climbing a top rope system. Rise Up Climbing offers a 30-minute basic skills class so that the bachelor party can belay for each other. During climbing breaks, the observation area and party room are easy to customize with food and decorations.

Jacob Vinson, an avid adventurer, agrees that getting outside is a great way to kick off wedded bliss. He recalled, “My buddies know me well. They know I love being outdoors and am usually up for anything, so they thought zip lining would be a good time. They were right!” You can also enjoy a day on the water with a canoe tour of the James, Banister or Staunton Rivers. Tri Rivers Canoe Rental is affordable and a great way to enjoy Central Virginia’s natural beauty.

Similarly, an all-in weekend at a cabin allows a group of guys to explore nature. Mack Lloyd’s bachelor party took him out of Lynchburg and up to Appomattox where they were able to rent a cabin. Located near High Bridge Trail State park, the cabin was remote yet comfortable with several sleep spaces, televisions, a hot tub and WiFi.

For the busy bachelor, a morning at The Parlor combines gentleman’s fun with a great hot shave. With hot shaves, mugs of frosty beer, shoeshine chairs and chessboards hedged by leather chairs, the experience is special. Ralph “Chopper” Wilson, Owner and Master Barber, recommends scheduling the party for the morning of the wedding. They can host up to 15 groomsmen, and photographers are always welcome.

For the micro-brew enthusiast, an afternoon at a local brewery is an authentic experience. For example, Apocalypse Ale Works specializes in serving craft beer. You can sit inside, with a view of the tap room, or take over the back porch bringing your own food and entertainment.

From active to artistic to adventurous, personality is key to hosting a pre-wedding celebration. Just start with the bride’s or groom’s interests to plan a perfect party!

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By Danielle Verderame

Heather’s Hints: Spend these Cool Spring Nights Making Plans to Refresh Your Home’s Interior

1. Small Spaces: A small space doesn’t have to feel that way. Bright spring colors, clean uncluttered lines and modern amenities can make old rooms and small spaces feel larger and more open. Rethink scale, proportion, furniture arrangements and color choices when working in a tight spot. One small change can make a big impact.

2. Old vs. New: Modern elements can marry
seamlessly with antique pieces if there is a common thread.
The Townsends used old wood to make a modern computer station and an antique frame to hide a contemporary television. Think of new ways to use old things.

3. All Hands on Deck: Renovations
can be a great opportunity to involve your children and get them interested in hands-on projects. When it comes to DIY, find ways to get the whole family involved and teach your kids the tools of the trade along the way. You may just spark an interest in their young hearts that will stay with them for years to come.

4. An Attitude of Gratitude: The more involved
we are in a project, the more we tend to appreciate the
investment. If your default mode is to always call the repairman, make it your mission to learn something new and invest energy into preserving things yourself. Having a curious and teachable spirit will carry you far!

5. “Lynchburg Living:” Our community is so rich with history. Learn more about that history and the people in it by visiting the Jones Memorial Library, the Lynchburg Historical Foundation and DiscoverLynchburg.com. (Hint: Check out our back page on 146 for some more local history and resources!)

“A Family Endeavor:” Restoring a hundred year home

We bought a view, and the little house came with it,” said Mark Townsend, a cardiologist at Centra.

“The view sold us—the rest of it was trying to figure out how to make it work.”

When Townsend and his wife Alice purchased their small home in the spring of 2010, they had no idea what adventures would unfold over the next few years. The original home, constructed in 1901 per Lynchburg city records, was a small L-shaped cottage that saw numerous additions and changes throughout the years. When the Townsend’s moved in, the house was 1,400 square feet with only two bedrooms and one bathroom—a tight squeeze for any family with four small children.

“We bought our house for the view and location, as it overlooks the James River above the Reusens Dam and downriver where we can see the train trestle that crosses from Amherst County into Riverside Park,” said Alice, a physical therapist at Centra.

Initially, their plan was to live in the house a few years and then build a new structure behind the existing one, but only six weeks after moving in, the Townsend’s recognized that the house needed many improvements, so they attempted to work with the footprint they had and make major updates along the way.

They loved the expansive views during every season and appreciated many of the old details such as the wood floors, so they enhanced much of the interior including adding sub-floors where there were none, retiling floors and tearing out and adding walls. Mark fixed every single doorway in the house after the floor repairs made them too short and gutted all of the rooms. Outdoors, even their landscaping was overhauled since there weren’t even steps leading up to the house.

The more they went into the walls, the more they discovered of the home’s fascinating history, which propelled them along their journey. They were told that Thomas Jefferson used to cross the James River to get to Poplar Forest at a ferry in front of the lock and canal at the river basin in front of their home. An elderly set of sisters in town, along with a brother, also introduced themselves, sharing memories of their years growing up on the property.

According to the brother, they had a truck farm, a hog barn and a turkey barn, along with chickens and vegetables. The brother recalled sitting on the front porch, shelling butter beans until it felt like his fingers would fall off. Ironically, the Townsends have carried on a few of those traditions with their own flock of chickens on the modest one-acre spread. They also discovered an old outhouse (though that’s not a tradition they revived).

After the sisters’ family moved away, a gentleman built the first addition to the home with a kitchen and bathroom sometime in the 1970s, taking the house from an L-shaped cottage to a rectangular footprint. The Townsends believe there were at least two more additions to the home before they moved in.

Unfortunately, though, day-by-day projects were derailed due to a leaky kitchen roof caused by incorrect materials and an improper pitch that had been installed prior to their ownership. Every time it rained, they would be reaching for the buckets.

After several unsuccessful attempts at roof repair, and with only one room left to renovate, the couple decided at the start of 2014 that the entire roof would need to be replaced. That drove them to an unexpected decision—they had done so much work to the house by that point they didn’t want to start over by building new or moving, so they asked themselves how they could work with what they had. With their family of six, the couple made the decision that together with everyone’s help, they could build up by adding a second story to their one level house, even though they would have to completely rebuild the home’s foundation to support the structure.

“We tried to renovate what was here as best we could,” Alice said. “It’s what we do on weekends and our weeks off, [but] we decided that now was the time to make the house just a little bigger and add a second story over top of the first. We did not want to lose the cozy feeling of our home, where you can hear everybody no matter where you are in the house.”

Mark drew inspiration from the home’s spectacular surroundings and rich history, then took on the task of redesigning the house with advanced planning and better flow than it had previously. He was also very aware when he drafted and drew up the house plans to keep the home’s “cozy feeling” intact.

The kitchen now opens up to the second floor with a hallway overlooking it, making it feel connected to the upstairs, which is also home to the master bedroom, two bathrooms, the children’s rooms and the laundry room. With the help of Bob Flint of LG Flint who did their foundation work, John Joyner of Driven Builders who did the framing, Matt Kluender, the finish carpenter and Tim Columbus of Columbus Woodworks who customized the handrails, they added 1,200 square feet, bringing the house to a total 2,600 square feet, and nearly doubling their original floor plan.

“The great part of 1,400 square feet is everyone feels like we’re together—no one feels like we’re missing out on anything,”

Alice said. “[Now] our 2,600 square-foot house feels pretty big on the inside, but there’s an open flow and great connectivity. We use all of our space—no rooms that we don’t go into.”

Throughout their ongoing renovations, Mark got his children involved as well. The kids helped by using electrical pliers to get all of the staples out of the floors and using wire brushes to clean floors. The first Thanksgiving in the house, Mark handed each of his kids hammers—ages 4, 5, 7 and 8 at the time—and told them to start tearing down a wall. Alice said, “They were hammering at that wall as fast as they could.”

“We’ve done a lot of work on this project ourselves, with my husband leading the charge, teaching my children and me so much along the way,” Alice said.

“He has been a great leader with all of us, teaching the kids while doing it. It’s been a family endeavor and journey. Thankfully, Mark is really handy and has great carpentry skills. We’ve made so many trips to Home Depot as a family that the staff recognize us and if we happen to go in without our children then the staff always ask where our children are and how they’re doing.”

Even with the addition and all the changes and updates the Townsends have made, they still only have 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms for six people and three dogs. The three girls—Virginia, now age 14; Annie, 13; and Margaret, 11—all still share a space and though their youngest and only son, David, age 10, has his own room, there is a trundle bed under his bed for midnight guests so that no one is alone or missing out on something that might be going on in the family.

“We want to encourage our children to have great communication skills,” Alice said. “We want them to grow up together [and] sharing a room is a fun part of that.”

One of the many advantages to living in a small space is that less space means less to clean, which is definitely a positive aspect for a busy family. Alice says the key to keeping the walls from closing in on a small house is to keep everything orderly, clean and neat, so that it doesn’t take several days to clean the whole house. She said that she and Mark love having their children be active participants in all they do, so whether it is cleaning the house, gardening, folding laundry or doing weekend house projects, they always try to involve their children into the everyday.

“They are such great helpers, paying good attention with lots of guidance along the way,” Alice said. “It is neat seeing them learn through this and being creative. The children take better care of the house [than we do]—they are proud of the fact that they’ve helped and invested.”

One such moment where their investment paid off was when their son David helped problem solve in the midst of a construction dilemma.

Since they live by the river, they occasionally spot eagles on their property, so Mark decided to put an appliqué of an eagle on the center of their fireplace. They found a metal plaque but were puzzled with how to mount it.

Their youngest child, David, who was nine at the time, came up with the idea to use Liquid Nails—a construction adhesive. Having worked closely with his dad for the past five years, he had learned what supplies are available and how they function and was able to put that knowledge to good use for his family even at a young age.

The couple was very conscientious to preserve as many details from the original house as possible, including the heart pine floors, the oak wood paneling in the kitchen and the ceiling medallion from the old Hotel Carroll—a hotel in Lynchburg that was built in 1893 and demolished in 1959.

The last plaster that remained in the home was in the dining room but was lost when it rained. The couple used new Fypon crown molding reproduced from original plaster molds inspired by the plaster medallion in the dining room. Columns that existed in the home were repurposed for the fireplace mantle and a week’s worth of vacation was spent stripping 11 coats of paint off of and restoring the wood paneling in the kitchen.

In reference to the home’s architecture, there are not a lot of mansard-style second empire homes in Lynchburg, which makes its unique style even more satisfying.

“It was fun to take something that was fairly popular in the early 1900s and reconstruct that,” Mark said.

When they added the second level to the house, they looked for ways to integrate the same character and interest that had been passed down for generations to the new areas of the home. One such example is the stained glass that shines from the upstairs hallway. They incorporated it to look like windows and bring attention to otherwise bland walls. Even the oak beams in the kitchen are not structural but rather were installed to feel original and tie it all together.

Downstairs in the dining room, they wanted chairs that fit the scale of their hand-me-down table but felt modern chairs were too large for their space. By utilizing antiques, they added to the home’s expanding story—since each chair features a different needlepoint seat cushion, they have a diverse look even while the group of chairs feels like a collection.

Another feature that adds interest to the home is how the Townsends have tied modern elements into a historical house. Though not indicative of the home’s time period, they seamlessly incorporated a computer tech center into the kitchen. Alice’s grandfather had an old fir wood board that her mother had made into a sideboard table in the kitchen, which they use as a homework center. To downplay its modernization, they mounted mirror glass above the fireplace to hide the television. They found the frame at an antique store that happened to be the same size as the television and then put mirror glass in it. Even the staircase and the alcove for the grandfather clock were designed to maximize space and reflect the time period of the home.

“We wanted to make it feel like it had always been there,” Mark said. “Our hope and intent is that it feels like it’s original.”

Heather Cravens is a Lynchburg native with more than 10 years of experience in the interior design industry, including owning Becoming Designs. Heather is passionate about creating environments that inspire and build families through the hospitality of their homes. She mirrors that passion with her own family by spending time with her husband and their one-year-old son.

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Photography by Tera Janelle Auch

A bride.
That five-letter word represents so much.

For a little girl it is the dream of “one day my prince will come.” For a grown woman it is those dreams come to life. And perhaps nothing symbolizes a bride more than her wedding dress.

Few traditions still carry as much weight as the meaning behind that white dress. It’s the dress that will make you and your mother cry when you find it.

It’s the dress that will make your father choke up when he first sees his now grown little girl appear at the back of the church.

And it’s the dress that will fill your beloved’s heart with joy as you walk down the aisle.

The dress.
It’s also a five-letter word that represents so much.

We hope this styled shoot inspires your dreams of that dress and helps bring meaning to your own journey as a bride.

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Higher Education Soars to National Recognition

Lynchburg is known for many things, among them housing several quality institutions of higher learning. These Central Virginia colleges and universities have garnered numerous accolades over the past year or so, drawing much deserved recognition to their individual efforts and positive attention to our region as a whole.

From some of the best green initiatives in the nation to the Cinderella story of Sweet Briar, here’s a rundown on all you should know about these award-winning institutions.

Lynchburg College
“The new programs we have added meet the needs of students and the communities they will serve in for the rest of their lives,” said Bryan Gentry, Director of Media Relations at Lynchburg College (LC).

Some of these new programs include three new Master’s degree programs in public health, criminal justice leadership and nonprofit leadership studies added last year, with a Master’s in athletic training coming this fall, according to Gentry.

Additionally, LC will be adding two programs to their online curriculum this summer including a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

According to Gentry, LC President Kenneth Garren is set to receive the Charles W.L. Foreman Award from the Council of Independent Colleges in May. The award will honor “his outstanding leadership and service among higher education leaders.” No stranger to publicity, Garren was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal piece regarding his stand against federal proposals he deemed negative for students.

Randolph College
While Randolph College will be celebrating 125 years in Lynchburg this year, it has managed to stay modern and relevant in an increasingly competitive space.

According to Director of College Relations Brenda Edson, Randolph recently received recognition in several areas marking it a leading school in both Virginia and the nation.
One such ranking comes from College Factual, which named Randolph number 11 and number one nationally and statewide respectively, among the “Best Colleges for the Money.”

The Princeton Review also ranked Randolph in the Top 50 “Green” colleges of 2015. Randolph’s environmental responsibility stands against more than 300 other schools in the nation and was the only Virginia school represented.

“We are dedicated to providing our students with the very best of a liberal arts foundation that includes a breadth of experiences that will prepare them for more than a job or career,” Edson said.

Sweet Briar College
Like something out of a movie, Sweet Briar College, a school on the verge of closing its doors for good in 2015, was saved that very same year by a coalition of alumni and supporters, aptly dubbed “Save Sweet Briar.”

In addition to its storybook salvation, Sweet Briar continues into 2016 with a wealth of developments for both students and the community.

Upon its pivotal entry into 2016, Sweet Briar was ranked among the Top 20 Best Women’s Colleges of 2016 by BestColleges.com.

According to Assistant Director of Media Relations Jennifer McManamay, Sweet Briar was recently named as an affiliate school of BRAID (Building, Recruiting And Inclusion for Diversity). The initiative seeks to increase the population of females and minorities in undergraduate computer science programs.

Sweet Briar’s BRAID affiliation is good timing considering professor of mathematics Jim Kirkwood was just named a 2016 recipient of the SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award.
According to McManamay, Sweet Briar is also strengthening international recruitment in China and India.

“This is part of a strategy to increase enrollment as well as cement our position as a global center for developing women in leadership,” McManamay said.

Most recently, the school saw a record number of submitted applications for the 2016-2017 school year according to the Office of Media, Marketing and Communications. Such an increase could indicate a sustainable future for the institution.

Liberty University
Liberty University is no stranger to the national spotlight. Aside from the near constant construction and political buzz, Liberty is home to a few landmark developments as well.

Something that should excite current and potential students is Liberty’s Reber-Thomas Dining Hall being ranked as the nation’s Best Dining Hall of 2015 by BestColleges.com. Liberty happened to snatch the top spot again this year, according to Sodexo Area Marketing Coordinator Casey Guise.

Guise states that Liberty will welcome six new campus dining locations in the fall, including a convenience store, grill and tea station.

As good news for millennials tuned into social media, Hubspot.com ranked Liberty’s Instagram account as the 3rd best overall. Scrolling through the @LibertyUniversity feed, you’ll find high quality images representing student life at the school.

Liberty’s advances, however, are in more than just food and fun.

In 2015, Liberty University School of Law’s graduates boasted the highest pass rate on the
Virginia Bar Examination, according to the Liberty University News Service.

And most recently the school was recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as having “moderate research activity,” an R3 Doctoral University designation that places Liberty among only 335 universities with that classification.

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By Jeremy Angione

More than ever before today’s teachers are tasked with ever-lengthening “To Do” lists. They face pressure from myriad directions and in the midst of busy schedules they seek to establish challenging, productive learning environments for their students every day.

Though they are entrusted with our most valuable resource—our children—teachers often go unrecognized outside the walls of their own classrooms. The work of a teacher may seem never-ending but so is their influence; the right teacher can be remembered decades later for a gesture of kindness, an uplifting word or an encouragement in a better direction. In this, our first ever Top Teacher Awards issue, we hope to bring some well-deserved attention to this community’s own quality teachers.

We found inspiration in reading the words and stories of the teachers nominated and selected by our community. May they be a reminder of the truly great work our educators do and a motivation to thank the teachers past and present who have influenced each of our lives.

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Name: Harry Farmer, Jr.
School: Forest Middle School, Lynchburg College and Randolph College
Years as an educator: 19 Years—All at Forest Middle School

Grades / Subjects / Courses taught:
I teach 6-8 Instrumental Music…I am the Jazz Band Director at Jefferson Forest HS and have been the Assistant Director for the Marching Cavaliers. I’ve also taught K-4 General Music at Forest Elementary and 5th grade General Music at FMS (when it housed grades 5-7). Also, I currently teach private saxophone lessons at LC and private saxophone and clarinet lessons at Randolph.

Special Recognitions/awards:
I was a Young Artist Award winner at West Virginia University for music performance in 1995. I’m in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers…Recognized by Virginia Music Educators Association for Outstanding Musical Performance…Recognized by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Association for outstanding Contributions to the Forest Middle Band Program. Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association for outstanding contributions to Bands and Band Music.

Do you have a doctorate?
I completed my Bachelor of Music (with Cum Laude honors) from West Virginia University in 1996 and my Master of Music with an emphasis in Music Education from George Mason University in 2009. I’ve done additional course work at James Madison University and Illinois State University. I have not started on a doctorate.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I choose to become a teacher because of the impact my high school band and choir teachers had on my life. Their influence gave me the confidence to pursue my degree in music. While at West Virginia University, I decided that I wanted to give others the same experiences that I had and I would do that best by teaching beginning band at the elementary or middle school level.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
I have the ability to watch students move from little or no musical experience to an accomplished player with a great understanding of reading music and being able to communicate composer’s intent to a listener.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
Patience.

What do you most want your students to learn?
I want my students to learn that through practice and hard work their personal goals, in music and in life, can be achieved.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the FMS 8th Grade Symphonic Band being selected to perform at the Virginia Music Educator’s Conference at The Homestead in November 2013. This is the highest honor that the FMS Band Program can receive at the state level. The students worked very hard in preparing for the performance by starting the rehearsals three weeks before school started, rehearsing for three hours on teacher work day (which are days off for the students) and coming before school one day a week for 12 weeks. Their willingness to do this made that performance a great success and also made it something that they, their parents and the school division can remember and be proud of.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
Teachers are driven, well-educated professionals who care deeply about their students’ education and deserve everyone’s respect for the challenging job that they do.

From His Students: “[I appreciated] going out in town with him and being stopped repeatedly by former students and/or parents of students who wanted to say ‘hi’ and wish him well or thank him for his help.”

“He teaches middle school, works tirelessly with concert and marching bands, teaches college level performance at L.C., plays in stage bands and at local churches.”

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Name: Krista Rawls-Fanning
School: E.C. Glass High School
Years as an educator: 7 Years

Grades / Subjects /Courses taught:
8th grade Civics, 9th grade Ancient World History, 12th grade US Government, Cheerleading Coach

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in middle school. I was hooked after I had Mr. Wray in seventh grade at Linkhorne: I scored the highest on my SOL and felt very confident. I solidified I was going to do this for a career in my sophomore year at Glass when I had Dr. Richardson as my World History II teacher. I never saw myself being anything else. I wanted so badly to emulate these teachers who had made an impact on me.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
I love seeing my students express themselves and going on the journey with them over the course of the school year. I love learning their stories and building relationships with them, laughing with them—they teach me so many things.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
To have a sense of humor, and be able to go with the flow, since nothing goes as you originally planned, and that is okay. You need to always be willing to adapt, adjust & overcome.

What do you most want your students to learn?
I want them to know they are valuable and that they have a voice, and how to use that voice in a way that makes people want to listen. I want them to know they are capable no matter their circumstances. Never put the lid on the jar, they should always continue to fill it and be willing to grow.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am a board member of the Central Virginia Holocaust Awareness Foundation. We have brought many survivors to Lynchburg (Gerda Weissman-Klein, John Dau) , and educated countless young students about their stories and how they persevered when the conditions seemed impossible. I also was fortunate enough to take a group of young men in a group called Boys to Men to hear Maya Angela Lou speak; they were so excited they got to experience that. Those were very proud moments for me as an educator.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
It is genuinely a work of heart. It is some of the hardest work you will ever do emotionally and mentally, but the end result is so worth it. To know you have improved a child’s outlook on school, or at least provided them a safe place to speak their mind, and be heard. If you do not make students feel that they are valued you will never get them to respect you nor learn from you.

From Her Students: “I love seeing how happy she is at all the sporting events. She just brings wonderful energy into the school. She’s bright and always ready to teach.”

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Name: Dr. Randall Hubbard
School: Liberty University
Years as an educator: 10 Years

Courses taught:
College undergraduate Microbiology & Immunology, Graduate level Immunology

Do you have a doctorate?
Ph.D. in Immunobiology, from Iowa State University

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I never thought about being a teacher, but after 15 years doing pharmaceutical research I had the opportunity to teach microbiology at community colleges, a private Christian college and a state university. I found that I loved teaching and interacting with the students.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
I appreciate the opportunity to get to know and to have some influence on the futures of my students. I hope that I can help them to learn to love their science subjects, and that they will also learn to love Jesus more.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
When I was an undergrad I remember having the thought that if I was ever a teacher I wouldn’t treat my students like I was treated. When I became a teacher I remembered my vow and I have tried to teach and treat my students with love and respect, and to test them only over what I have covered in class.

What do you most want your students to learn?
My greatest goal is to help students learn information that will help them in their lives and that they can use to help others.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
When I came to Liberty I was allowed to develop both the microbiology lecture and laboratory exercises to include what I thought were the most important things to learn, which I hope have been a blessing to the students. I was also allowed to do the same thing for the immunology lecture and laboratory course.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
The best thing about teaching is having the opportunity to get to know the students and to help them prepare for life, not just academically but spiritually as well. Liberty students are phenomenal people. They are interested, honest and sincere and they have dreams for their future that you have a chance to influence, and to move them along the path to fulfill their dreams.

From His Students: “He always seeks to build [his students] up and make us learn from our mistakes rather than tearing us down. He cared so much for each student and made everyone in the class feel important.”

“He is compassionate about overseas disease prevention and medical care. He has a tender heart not only to those overseas but also to anyone around him.”

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Name: Richard S. Brown, Jr.
School: Liberty University
Years as an educator: 12 years (in addition, 20 years in professional youth ministries)

Courses taught:
Survey of Youth Ministry; Foundations of Youth Ministry; Campus Ministries; Youth Ministry Communications; Programming in Youth Ministry

Books include:
Student Ministries Essentials (Moody Press); Survey of Youth Ministry (Academx Publishing); Youth Ministries Communications (Academx Publishing); Programming in Youth Ministry (Academx Publishing)

Special Recognitions/awards:
2002 Center for Youth Ministries
Alumnus of the Year (Liberty University)

Do you have a doctorate?
Yes, Doctorate of Ministries.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I majored in Youth Ministries (Liberty University) in the early 1980’s. Upon graduation, I served as a youth pastor for almost twenty years. Throughout this time, I had a desire to pursue higher education in an adjunct role of teaching university students about ministry while continuing to stay in the professional field of being a youth pastor. I never dreamed I would be asked to return to my alma mater to teach some of the same courses I took many years earlier. Currently, my students know my love for adolescents has never waned; hence, as my role has transitioned from being a pastor of middle and high school students to being a professor of university students, my passion for adolescent ministry remains. This pathos of ministry is what not only led me into higher education but also causes me to say, “I have the best job in the world!”

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
That is a simple answer—students. To do anything in academia apart from my connection with students would be devastating. My desire is not to be behind a desk but to be engaging with students.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
To live in the balanced world of: instructing yet relating; being a professional while being engaging; giving necessary feedback while giving encouragement; seeing the realistic potential of each student and learning to push them without breaking them.

What do you most want your students to learn?
As one who has given his life to youth work, I want my students to love God, love adolescents, and to see the intersection of both.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
While I have been blessed to write a number of work texts, develop courses, and be involved in a number of public speaking opportunities, seeing my students graduate and go into their own youth ministries as competent professionals is my accomplishment I treasure most. It is such an overwhelming experience when I visit them “on site”, i.e. as I speak at their camps or churches and see them in their own ministry context. Additionally, I now have many current university students who were the teenagers of my former students as they are pursuing careers in student ministry. People, not a program, are my greatest accomplishment.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
Teachers go beyond the value of dispensing knowledge; teachers value their students. We do not want students to fail; rather, we want them to succeed.

From His Students: “I loved his honesty that he just wants to glorify God, and I loved his consistency to point back to God at all times.”

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Name: Doug Brown
School: Linkhorne Middle School
Years as an educator: 8 Years

Grades / Subjects / Courses taught:
6-12 Concert Band, Jazz Band

Special Recognitions / awards:
Winner of the 2010 Ultimate Music Room Makeover Essay Contest presented by In Tune Magazine. I was awarded over $40,000 worth of new equipment for my classroom.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
The most influential people growing up were my music teachers. Music Education instills valuable life lessons and I wanted to be able to help today’s youth become better people through music.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
I am grateful for the support from my co-workers and peers, but most appreciative of the passion that my students show everyday.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
No matter how much you think you know, there is still much more to learn from both your colleagues and your students alike.

What do you most want your students to learn?
I want my students to use the skills learned in my classrooms to shape their lives into becoming the best versions of themselves.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
To me, there is no one grandiose accomplishment because the true reward comes when a student
has the “Light Bulb” moment and everything just clicks. Being able to witness that—[the process of an] individual learning—that personally is the greatest feeling one can get from teaching

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
The greatest tool that a teacher can have for effective instruction is the support of the community and families of the students.

From His Students: “Doug Brown taught me what it meant to play music. As I was preparing for college auditions he stayed after school and gave me free private lessons. He was always quick with a joke and ready to make someone laugh even on his bad days. Mr. Brown’s classes were always my favorite time of day. After I had a family crisis, he was there as a supporter and knew that music classes would help me. Mr. Brown has been my biggest inspiration in pursuing music education. He was willing to help me prepare for college and has acted as a role model in the way I want to teach. The man believed that what he taught was a necessity for the student’s day and would always pepper in his “cross-curricular learning” moments. He was always supportive and still continues to be even in my junior year of college.”

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Name: Kelsey Mabes
School: Bedford Hills Elementary
Years as an educator: 3 Years

Grades taught:
4th grade

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
When I was in early elementary school I struggled significantly with learning how to read. I failed many classes through third grade. In fourth grade I had a fantastic teacher, Mrs. Scott, who worked with me and taught me how to love learning. I went from failing to straight A’s. It was in that moment that I realized that I wanted to become a teacher.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
I love the moment when a student truly understands a concept they have been struggling with. Watching them become confident in themselves and their ability to learn is the most incredible experience.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
That teaching is not simply about academics. If you don’t build a relationship with the students learning is lost. They need to know that their teacher trust, respects, and cares about them, before they can invest in learning.

What do you most want your students to learn?
I want them to learn that anything is possible, as long as they are willing to work hard and never give up. I want them to understand that life is not easy, however they have the ability to change the world.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my participation in an amazing local organization, Urban Mountain Adventures. Many of the children that we serve go to Bedford Hills. Being able to connect with these students both in and out of school has created some remarkable opportunities. It has been amazing playing a part in their personal, spiritual, and academic lives.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
I would like people to know that we cannot be successful without the support of families and communities. Teachers work extremely hard in the classroom, however it is all lost if a student’s learning is not continued by the community. Take some time to invest in a student and their learning. Little things like reading, studying multiplication facts, or reviewing study skills with a student can change their entire academic career.

From Her Nomination: “Kelsey has a gift that is evident from the moment you meet her—she cares. I hear it in her when she is talking about her school, and I hear it when her students are telling me about her. She is so appreciated and loved, and I hope this nomination lets her know that!”

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Name: Jenny Biondi Anderson
School: Virginia Episcopal School
Years as an educator: 17 Years

Grades / Subjects / Courses taught:
Spanish I-AP, ESL I-III (Boarding School Grades 9-12)

Special Recognitions/awards:
Paul Fulton Master Teacher Award, Fulton Grant, Strom Grant, Smith Family Award “recognizing a member of the faculty for achieving excellence in teaching, either in the classroom or beyond, and for making connections with young men and women.”

What is your education background?
M.Ed. – University of Virginia (Curriculum & Instruction)
B.A. – James Madison University (International Affairs and Political Science)

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I began working for the Department of Defense as an analyst and attaché. [However] I longed to pursue a career that could provide more tangible results of my day’s work. Therefore, I desired to inspire young people to become citizens of the world.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
Although I always hope that my students become passionate about world language and cultures, I realize that I am an educator of more than the subject I teach. Spanish is merely a platform to contribute to the holistic growth of a student, giving them competencies that will enable them to thrive in a complex world.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
We are more than educators. Teaching is … a lifestyle, and in boarding school it is 24 hours, seven days a week. I’ve learned how important it is to model life-long learning, passion, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks.

What do you most want your students to learn?
I most want my students to learn how to be empathic citizens of the world that think on their own. … I want them to learn how to embrace challenges and serve in some capacity because knowledge is power, but not employing it is a disservice.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am proud of my 2011 run across Spain for a World Record (508 miles in 9 days) because I was able to marry the things that I love to do (Spanish, traveling, running, being outdoors) with an important cause as I raised money for the International Rescue Committee. In addition, it was an opportunity for my students and my children to see me in a different dimension. I have also learned to inspire perseverance …[and] that nothing is achievable without the help and support of others.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers/teaching in general?
Working to inspire real world problem solving is an enormous responsibility. To a student, a teacher is not only an educator but also a mediator, coach, role model, organizer, cheerleader, and tear wiper.
But, with all of its challenges come the most unimaginable rewards.

From Her Students: “I believe teaching Spanish is one of her many passions and it shows. You could tell she really wanted me to succeed. By her wanting me to succeed, I wanted to succeed for myself.”

“Being in Mrs. Anderson’s class was fun; she really tried to make everyone feel at ease. She expected a lot out of her students, but she knew how to balance it with lightening the mood every now and then.”

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Name: Westray Nowlin
School: Recently, I left teaching to raise my baby daughter. I worked at Rustburg High School from 2006-2014.
Years as an educator: 8 Years

Grades / Subjects / Courses taught:
9th grade English, honors and Pre-AP

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I have always loved kids and my high school experience was so positive. During my 11th grade year at E. C. Glass, I had Dr. Locke for AP English; he ignited a love for literature and learning that I did not have before. Teaching English was a natural career choice.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
When I see “the lightbulb” go on for a child that has previously struggled, I really appreciate the opportunity teaching affords me to witness that.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
Often lessons do not go as planned. I learned to go with the flow and improvise pretty quickly.

What do you most want your students to learn?
If my students learn how to treat one another, I feel like I have done my job. If they learn something about English, that is a bonus.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Every year my students groan when we start the Shakespeare unit. The boys think Romeo and Juliet is all about love. The girls think Romeo and Juliet is all about love. They all think it is an inaccessible work of literature. Once we have completed our study of the play, all of my students understand the play and know it is so much more than a love story. At the end of the school year, most of my kids say Shakespeare’s work was their favorite, but even the ones that do not love it, admit they have developed an appreciation for the masterpiece.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
My colleagues are the most compassionate and passionate people I know. Teaching is probably one of the most difficult professions, but it is definitely the most rewarding.

From Her Nomination: “Mrs. Nowlin mentored a particular student throughout four years of high school (the young man lost his mother in middle school) and then helped him through the college search and admission process; he became the first person in his family to have the opportunity to attend a 4-year college. This student would have never been able to have this opportunity had it not been for Mrs. Nowlin’s care and commitment.”

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Name: Mrs. Sundi Donovan, M.A.
School: Liberty University
Years as an educator: 17 Years

Courses taught:
Undergraduate College-level/Psychology/General Psychology; Developmental Psychology

Special Recognitions/awards:
Who’s Who Among College Teachers 2008-2011
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 2004- 2007

Do you have a doctorate?
No—currently working on Ph.D. in Counseling

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
God called me to teach full-time when I was in 11th grade. I had no idea He would lead me to teach on a University level to almost 1,000 students from all over the world each semester.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
Seeing students get that “aha” look and seeing them apply what they are learning in their own lives.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
To ask for God’s wisdom every day—every class.
To be genuine with students.

What do you most want your students to learn?
How to understand and apply God’s love to their own lives, and then minister that love back to others through the tool of Psychology.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I love mentoring students. This goes on outside of the classroom time, and is really a time for me to help students apply what they have been learning to their own lives in very practical ways. I mentor at least 4 girls each semester.
What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
It is a calling; it is a ministry; it is more than a lesson plan; it is more than an 8 hour day during the school year; summers off are earned and needed.

From Her Students: “She always makes the notes interesting and interactive by encouraging discussion from all students. Since she is so honest and open with her students, they are very open and honest, which makes for good discussions. She knows the subject well and gives many practical examples.”
“She is loving and gracious. She is always open to meet with students and be a mentor to them in their lives outside of class as well as academically.”

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Name: Stephen B. Putney
School: Liberty University
Years as an educator: 10 Years

Grades / Subjects / Courses taught:
Biblical Worldview courses for undergraduate students

Do you have a doctorate?
Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Why did you choose teaching as a career?
I served in local church ministries in North Carolina, Indiana, Virginia, and New Jersey for about 26 years as a youth pastor and then as a senior pastor. I always loved to teach God’s Word. As the years moved along, I really gained a love for college students and the Lord opened the door for me to come to Liberty in 2005. I believe that God designed and prepared me to teach.

What do you appreciate the most about being a teacher?
I love my students! I was so blessed to have many teachers pour their lives into me and now I am thankful to have the opportunity to pass on those blessings to the next generation. It seems like every day, I get to watch God do amazing things in the lives of my students.

What’s the most important thing you have learned during your teaching career?
I have learned that I primarily teach students. My subject matter involves teaching about worldviews and how to develop and implement a biblical worldview in life, but I do not primarily teach “worldview.” I teach STUDENTS!

What do you most want your students to learn?
I want to see them learn to really love God and love people. If they do that, they will be successful in life, no matter what their major field of study or what profession they enter after graduation.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am most excited when I am teaching or talking to students and see “the lights come on.” When I can tell they are really grasping important concepts and those truths are impacting their lives, I feel like all the training, time, and effort have been worth it.

What is one thing you would like others to know about teachers / teaching in general?
Teachers are able to impact the lives of their students in ways that help them expand their horizons so they see life beyond themselves. They are also sometimes able to impact their students in ways that last forever. How cool is that?!

From His Students: “The best memory I had with Dr. Putney was when I was able to ride the bus with him and was able to talk with him outside of the classroom!”

“Class was very interactive! He would pass the microphone around, and would ask us to state our opinion/argument on a certain issue, or would allow us to ask questions.”

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Top Teacher Honorable Mentions:
• Alison Pettit, Liberty University
• Lindsay Klein, James River Day School
• Emily Morris, Perrymont Elementary School
• Carrie Dodge, Dunbar Middle School for Innovation
• Martha Clark, Perrymont Elementary School
• Misty Nolen, Appomattox Elementary School
• Kaye Watson, Virginia Episcopal School