The Humane Society of Warren County proudly announces its annual memorial event dedicated to the Dogs of War. This special ceremony honors the brave four-legged heroes who have given their lives in service to protect ours.

The Humane Society hosts a commemorative program each year featuring various dignitaries and performances. This year’s event will include:

• The Valley Chorale, providing beautiful musical tributes.
• Bagpiper Jim Lundt, whose stirring melodies will add to the solemn atmosphere.
• An honor guard from the Randolph-Macon Academy cadets, showcasing their discipline and respect.
• Christine George, a former military dog handler and featured speaker from R-MA, will share her insights and experiences.
• Skip Rogers from the Able Forces Foundation, also a former military dog handler, will lay a wreath of remembrance generously provided by our local Fussell Florists.

Malcolm Barr, the past president of the Humane Society of Warren County and a retired international journalist, was inspired to initiate this local observance. The idea came to him while waiting for a B-52 bomber flight over Cambodia on the distant Pacific Island of Guam. He visited a World War II war dog cemetery hidden in a jungle clearing, which now features a U.S. Marine Corps memorial to the 22 dogs buried there. Barr’s efforts have ensured that these courageous animals are remembered and honored.

Barr reminds us that the first war dogs sent into action in the Pacific after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack were trained in Front Royal and deployed within six months. He emphasized the invaluable contributions of these dogs, who are credited with saving thousands of GI lives during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, despite many of them losing their own lives.

This year’s ceremony may be the last coordinated by Barr, and the Humane Society is reaching out to veterans interested in overseeing the event in the future. Those interested are encouraged to contact Kayla at director@humanesocietywarrencounty.org.

Join us on May 25th at noon, as we honor the legacy of the war dogs and pay tribute to their service and sacrifice.

Mark your calendars! Warren County High School’s graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, will be broadcast live, allowing family and friends to partake in this milestone event from anywhere. The Royal Examiner is excited to provide live coverage of the ceremony, ensuring that no one misses out on celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024.

The broadcast starts at 6:55 p.m.

Make sure to share this page link with your family and friends so they can tune in and join the celebration. Whether near or far, everyone can witness the proud moment when Warren County High School’s seniors turn their tassels and step into their bright futures.

Congratulations to all the graduates and their families!

On a beautiful Thursday evening, Skyline High School celebrated its Commencement Ceremony, marking the graduation of the Class of 2024. The event, held on May 16, 2024, was filled with inspiring speeches, heartfelt memories, and joyous celebrations.

The ceremony started with a warm welcome from Christina Keresztesi, the Senior Class President. Addressing her fellow graduates and the gathered crowd of family, friends, and staff, she reflected on their shared journey. “We didn’t get a freshman homecoming or even a real in-person first day of high school,” Christina noted, emphasizing the unique challenges the class faced due to the pandemic. She also paid tribute to a late classmate, Brody Michael, whose memory inspires the community.

Christina’s speech highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the Class of 2024. “Nothing in life is guaranteed,” she said, urging her peers to embrace life’s uncertainties and not let the fear of making mistakes halt their pursuit of success. She shared personal anecdotes, including her nervousness during morning announcements, which reminded her to take risks and push past anxieties.

Following Christina’s remarks, the Skyline Singers performed “It’s Time.”  Their performance was followed by a musical feature from the Skyline Band, which played “Music from the Motion Picture – How to Train Your Dragon.”

Principal Danelle Sperling then took the podium, donning her dual hats as both a principal and a proud parent of a graduating senior. She praised the graduates’ kindness and resilience, recounting their elementary to high school journey. “You have shown that caring is not passive but an active choice and force for good,” she said, encouraging the students to continue making positive life choices. She also honored Brody Michael, reminding everyone of the lasting impact of his kindness and spirit.

The ceremony included a poignant moment as Logan’s bell was rung in memory of Logan Maiatico, a graduate of the Class of 2021. This moment of reflection allowed attendees to honor those who have supported them throughout their journey.

Superintendent Dr. Chris Ballinger presented the prestigious Carl and Emily Thompson Charitable Trust Scholarships. This year’s recipients were Kaitlyn Antonelli, who will be attending the University of Notre Dame to study economics, and Madelyn Sperling, who will be studying Environmental Conservation and Society at Virginia Tech. Both students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.

The recognition continued with John Natalie honoring the distinguished honor graduates, students with GPAs of 4.0 and above, and those with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99. This acknowledgment underscored the academic excellence within the graduating class.

The ceremony also took a moment to honor graduates who have chosen to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. Ryan Covert and Charly Cruz Gonzalez were recognized for their commitment to their country and wore red, white, and blue cords to symbolize their dedication.

The Skyline Singers and Band played the school’s alma mater as the evening progressed, evoking a sense of pride and nostalgia. The night’s highlight came with the presentation of diplomas, each student crossing the stage to receive their hard-earned diploma, marking the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

Finally, Dr. Chris Ballinger declared the class of 2024 as graduates of Skyline High School, sending the graduates off with a message of continued pride and connection to their alma mater.

The Skyline High School Commencement Ceremony was a memorable event, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024 and sending them off into the world with hope, pride, and a strong sense of community.

Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk – Soar High graduates!

Watch the Skyline High School Commencement Ceremony on this exclusive Royal Examiner.

Shortly after noon, Wednesday, May 15, Ressie Jeffries Elementary School held its annual Senior Walk. Expected were graduates from both Skyline and Warren County High Schools, along with some from surrounding counties, including Sherando. We got word from staff at Ressie that, “The entire school Pre-K to 5th grades have been feverishly working to decorate the school as one final hoorah before these seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.”

Seniors pose outside and inside as they prepare for the Senior Walk through Ressie Jeffries hallways and into the gym. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

At the conclusion of the parade in the gymnasium area, some seniors were anticipated to participate in a final relay race to mark an official “Goodbye” to their childhood memories. Also invited to participate this year were former staff that taught, possibly some of the participating seniors, at Ressie.

The Ressie Jaguar mascot preps the Class of 2024 sign bearers, left Hudson Simmons, right Eli Wood. And here they come down the hall with this year’s seniors robed and being cheered on by future seniors lining the hallway.

Following the event we got this update from Ressie staffer Jamie Marion: “This was by far the BIGGEST Senior Walk we’ve had that included at least 50 graduates, along with the most parents we’ve ever had. Additionally, we had past staff members on video chat attending virtually. The positive comments, tears of joy, happiness, sadness, the reminiscing and all the cheering was phenomenal,” Marion observed, adding, “All-in-all it was a WONDERFUL day to be a Jaguar.”

Once a Ressie Jaguar, always a Ressie Jaguar – Where’d they go, some were wondering. And it was into the gym for some final post walk activities, planned and unplanned.

The Senior Class of 2024 readies for a rumored relay race, and below the Jaguar seems to have picked its relay team from three high schools judging from the caps and gowns.

This Memorial Day Weekend, the Hunt Country Stable Tour invites equestrian enthusiasts and newcomers to explore over a dozen historic and private equine properties in Virginia’s picturesque horse country. Celebrating its 65th year, the tour resumes after a brief hiatus, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of horses and their trainers across various disciplines.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special hours at select venues, the self-driving tour will showcase notable farms like Kinross and Poplar Grange, where visitors can witness the training of eventing horses, jumpers, and steeplechase athletes against a backdrop of rolling hills.

A highlight for many will be the visit to Oak Spring Farm, once owned by Paul and Bunny Mellon, where internationally celebrated horses were bred. The tour also provides an opportunity to experience the historic Piedmont Fox Hounds, the oldest hunt in America, demonstrating traditional hunting calls and techniques at Trinity Church in Upperville.

Old Denton offers a unique perspective with demonstrations of mules excelling in disciplines from dressage to western reining. Polo enthusiasts can enjoy matches at Phipps Field, and early risers can catch a glimpse of racehorse training at the Middleburg Training Center.

The tour is not just about horses; historical estates like Stoke Farm and Welbourne Inn offer breathtaking vistas and engaging reenactments of their storied pasts. The Virginia Tech Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center will open its doors to those interested in equine health and nutrition, showcasing mares and foals in their care.

Other sites include the Salamander Resort, which highlights therapeutic riding programs, and The National Sporting Library & Museum, which offers tours of its rare books and art collection, enriching visitors’ understanding of country pursuits.

Tickets are priced at $40 per person, with free admission for children under ten, covering both days of the tour. All proceeds will benefit Trinity Ministries, supporting various organizations that improve the lives of people in need.

With the lush landscapes of Virginia as its backdrop, the Hunt Country Stable Tour celebrates the region’s equestrian heritage and its commitment to community and preservation. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the event’s official website at [Hunt Country Stable Tour](https://trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour). Join us in experiencing the grandeur and tradition of Virginia’s horse country on a weekend filled with beauty, history, and equine excellence.