2024 Lynchburg Living Top Teacher Awards

Being a teacher is more than just a job. It’s more than a just career. It’s a calling.

Our annual Top Teacher Awards are a way to honor deserving educators who have not only answered this call for public service, but they also go above and beyond to make sure their students are thriving.

This list—made up of various school districts, grade levels and subjects—is only a snapshot of the incredible teacher talent we have in our region.




2024 Top Lawyers: The List

What makes a great lawyer?

While impeccable communication skills and high intelligence are a part of the equation, truly great lawyers also earn a respect that follows them out of the courtroom and into the community.

Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg is the result of a comprehensive peer-to-peer survey, facilitated by DataJoe Research Company. (See methodology and disclaimers on page 142.) 

Read on to see who lawyers themselves recommend in 26 specialties.




The Face of Celebrating Lives: Whitten Funeral Homes

Funeral services have evolved into an art of commemorating and celebrating a life well lived. We firmly believe that creating heartfelt ways to honor your cherished loved one starts with a deep compassion, and is further guided by the recognition that every life is a story to be told and remembered. Our caring professionals are dedicated to extending compassionate support to families during their most challenging moments. Our commitment lies in safeguarding cherished memories with the utmost respect and dignity. Through preplanning, you have the opportunity to ensure that your final tribute is tailored to reflect your unique personality. Whitten – The tradition in Lynchburg and surrounding areas since 1937.


WHITTEN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICE
7404 Timberlake Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-239-0331
3966 S. Amherst Highway
Madison Heights, VA 24572
434-929-5712
www.whittenfuneralhome.com




The Face of Child Care: Teachable Moments Preschool

According to the 2021-2024 Lynchburg Area Community Health Needs Assessment, high-quality child care is extremely hard to come by for working families and that’s where we come into play. Teachable Moments Preschool, LLC is a year-round community early childhood development program for children six weeks to five years of age. There are many differentiators that set us apart, including a fully experienced & qualified teaching staff; proven nationally recognized curriculum; a structured environment; integrated technology; community partnerships; and the ability to seek accreditation.


TEACHABLE MOMENTS PRESCHOOL
1915 Thomson Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
tmpreschool.com




The Face of Boutique Style Real Estate: TMoore Real Estate Group, LLC

Our Boutique-Style Real Estate Firm has over 50 years of combined professional experience and dedication. The TMoore Real Estate team provides an abundance of knowledge that is openly shared, which allows us to provide the quality service and care our clients deserve. Our happy clients and their referrals are what make us successful. TMoore Real Estate Group; Where MOORE really does matter!


TMOORE REAL ESTATE GROUP , LLC
18250 Forest Rd., Suite 1, Forest
434-616-2686
tammimoore.com




The Face of Outdoor Living: Southern Landscape Group

This year Southern Landscape Group marks 25 years of service to Central Virginia residents and businesses! Founded by Mark Maslow in 1998, the company has grown to include 50 passionate landscape professionals that design, build, and maintain the finest outdoor living spaces in the area. Southern prides itself on our extensive knowledge and expertise to make clients’ dreams a reality; a place where fun meets functional! Proudly serving Lynchburg, Smith Mountain Lake, and surrounding areas.


SOUTHERN LANDSCAPE GROUP, INC.
434-821-6004
sales@soscapes.com
soscapes.com




The Face of Hearing Well: Soundz Hearing

Welcome to Soundz Hearing CVA, your locally owned small business hearing care provider. Timothy Bratton, HIS and wife, Veronica, love changing the lives of their patients and families by helping them hear and understand each other again.
It is a dream come true for Tim, a 25 year hearing care provider, to have his own practice in Lynchburg. After going to Liberty in the late ‘70s he has always wanted to return to the area. They feel so blessed the Lord opened the doors for them to do just that in the Wyndhurst area on Enterprise Drive.
After many requests from their patients, they opened a satellite office in the Westlake area of Smith Mountain Lake.
Tim and Veronica strive to make all of their patients feel like family while providing the best technology at the best price available. Even if you can pay more, why should you?


SOUNDZ HEARING
Lynchburg Office
1319-A Enterprise Dr.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-239-4327
Smith Mountain Lake Office
13335-A Booker T Washington Hwy.
Hardy, VA 24101
540-912-0128
www.soundzhearingcva.com




The Face of The Runk Family: Runk & Pratt Companies

A thriving family-owned business is a testament to the power of shared values, dedication, and collaboration. Founded by Brian and Vickie Runk in 1992, Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities has continued to grow in excellence in providing senior care. Now, together with their children Chris, Caitlyn, and Chandler, the Runk family has rejuvenated a variety of businesses in the Lynchburg area as Runk & Pratt Companies. From wedding and event venues, to golf courses, to hotels and restaurants, the success of each business is attributed to their mission statement from the very beginning—customers are not just patrons; they become part of an extended family, receiving personalized attention and care. Guided by their familial bond, this intergenerational company exemplifies the strength and resilience of a business built on love, trust, and a shared vision for the future.


RUNK & PRATT COMPANIES
1208 Perrowville Road
Forest, VA 24551
434-237-2268
runkandpratt.com




The Face of Dermatology: RidgeView Dermatology

RidgeView Dermatology was founded on the principle of providing Central Virginia with convenient, local access to expert skin care. From diagnosing and treating skin conditions to performing advanced surgical procedures and offering a range of cosmetic services, we are committed to delivering a comprehensive approach to care. With our team of skilled and compassionate board-certified general dermatologists, board-certified pediatric dermatologist, board-certified Mohs surgeon, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, you will feel confident in the hands of the premier providers of quality comprehensive skin care.


RIDGEVIEW DERMATOLOGY, A FOREFRONT DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
101 Candlewood Court, Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-363-4190

278 Westlake Road, Hardy, VA 24101
540-759-7500

1509 W. 3rd Street, Ste. 102, Farmville, VA 23901
434-607-4599

300 Enterprise Drive, Ste. E, Forest, VA 24551
434-333-7370

1380 American Way, Unit D, Bedford, VA 24523
540-583-7114

RidgeViewDermatology.com




The Face of Staging Your Home to Sell: RE/MAX 1st Olympic

Nadine Blakely, REALTOR®, a lifelong resident of the Central Virginia, is proud to start her 17th year in real estate with over 1,420 homes SOLD in the Forest/Lynchburg, and surrounding area. Nadine’s passion for real estate, the love she has for our community, and her sincere desire to help others, has branded her as the “go-to” agent in our area. She proves her track record over and over again consistently selling more than 100 homes a year, a top-producing real estate agent. Nadine is proud to be associated with RE/MAX International, #1 Agent in Virginia for the past five years, and ranked #38 in the USA for RE/MAX in 2022. Nadine truly has the experience, vast and detailed knowledge of our local market, pricing strategies, staging expertise, and strategies to get your home SOLD. Staging is a vital part of the complimentary services Nadine offers, plus a moving trailer for local moves. If you’re considering a move around the corner, or around the country, you’ll be impressed with Nadine. Selling homes and her friendly nature, “give back” mindset, and promoting shopping local/buying local, it is clear why Nadine is chosen to list/sell so many homes. From EVERY home SOLD, Nadine gives to Children’s Miracle Network, the Centra Foundation, and many other community charities, schools, and programs. CONSIDER Nadine to “STAGE to SELL” your home, and CONSIDER IT SOLD.


RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC
20395 Timberlake Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Personal Cell: 434-444-2226
Office: 434-832-1100
nadineblakelyhomes.com