Local News
Local scholars shine: James Madison University honors Front Royal graduates in Class of 2023 Commencement
James Madison University (JMU), one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education, takes great pride in announcing its students who graduated with honors during the May 2023 commencement exercises. These students have exemplified academic excellence across a broad range of disciplines, each making their unique mark in their chosen field of study.
Graduating Cum Laude, Meghan Dennis, Jordan Reyes, and Abigail Frey of Front Royal have been acknowledged for their exceptional academic performance. Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management, Reyes in Individualized Study, and Frey in Nursing. In an outstanding accomplishment, Tyler Chaparro-Compton, also of Front Royal, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology.
In addition to these laureates, JMU also honors other graduates who have successfully completed their degrees. Timothy Cochran of Bentonville earned his degree in Biology, while Kellsie Hollands, Michael Carter, Abegail Lee, Caitlin Thompson, Robert Look, and Olivia Hilton, all of Front Royal, graduated in fields such as Education, General Psychology, Individualized Study, Integrated Science and Technology, and Public Administration respectively.
JMU, established in 1908 and nestled in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, is renowned for fostering engaging relationships between students and faculty, driving educational innovation, and supporting advanced research. The university prides itself on offering state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, including NCAA Division 1 athletics, and consistently boasts the highest post-graduation job levels among all Virginia colleges.
In a world that increasingly values knowledge and innovation, these students’ achievements underscore JMU’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and developing future leaders. The university extends its heartfelt congratulations to all its graduates for their perseverance, resilience, and dedication. As they embark on their professional journeys, these alumni are set to continue their pursuit of excellence, reinforcing JMU’s esteemed legacy.
Chamber News
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Mental Health Facility in Front Royal
The Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare, LLC, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event welcomed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Myers-Settle and her new practice to the community.
Mayor Lori Cockrell praised the initiative as a valuable addition to local healthcare services. “I’m very excited to be here today with Becky. She’s a long-time member of our community and brings a needed service to our community. Mental health is the issue, and there are not enough providers. I cannot stress that enough,” she said.
Rebecca Myers-Settle, a long-time resident of Warren County, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the community’s support. “This is an exciting day. It’s been a long time coming. It’s a huge dream of mine. I am so blessed to be able to be here today and make this come to fruition,” she shared.
Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare, located at 624 Virginia Avenue in a charming Victorian house, aims to provide patients with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The practice offers mental health services to individuals of all ages, addressing various needs from youth to the elderly.
Rebecca’s background is impressive, with a bachelor’s in nursing from Shenandoah University, a master’s in healthcare management and nursing education, and a post-master’s certificate as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Her extensive training equips her to address the community’s mental health needs effectively.
During a brief interview after the ceremony, Rebecca explained her motivation for opening the practice. “I wanted to open a mental health practice here because it is a certified need in Warren County and surrounding areas. Being able to offer this service opens access to care for individuals. I want it to be inviting, warm, and cozy,” she said.
The practice’s approach includes both direct and referral-based access to services. “We receive referrals from physicians, hospitals, and even through our website. It’s an open referral process because sometimes people need someone to listen to them, and that’s what I’m here for,” Rebecca noted.
Rebecca also highlighted her commitment to supporting local healthcare workers, law enforcement, and first responders. “I wanted to have a place for our healthcare workers, law enforcement, and first responders to come and have a person to listen to and understand,” she said.
The ribbon-cutting event began a new chapter for mental health services in Front Royal. As the community continues to face various challenges, the addition of Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare provides a crucial resource for those needing mental health support.
For more information about Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare, LLC, visit their website or welcoming office at 624 Virginia Avenue, Front Royal. Rebecca and her team are ready to help all community members on their mental health journeys.
Local News
Youth Contest Winners Showcase Revolutionary War Knowledge
On May 18, 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) held a special ceremony to honor the winners of their annual youth contests. These contests, designed to foster an appreciation for American history, saw enthusiastic student participation across the region.
The SAR sponsors a poster contest for fourth graders (or those in grades where the American Revolution is taught). This year, students created two-dimensional posters based on events from the Revolutionary War. Participants came from public and private schools, scouting programs, and other youth groups. The top three winners received monetary awards, and the first-place winner advanced to the Virginia State Contest.
Poster Contest Winners
First place in the poster contest was awarded to Audrey Turman Bayliss for her exceptional depiction of a Revolutionary War event. Audrey’s poster also earned her a fourth-place finish at the Virginia State Contest, showcasing her talent and dedication. Second place went to Phoebe Buck, third to Nick Bosacco, and fourth to Eve Tipton.
Brochure Contest Winners
For middle school students, the SAR conducts a brochure contest open to students in grades 6 through 9, including those in private, church-based, and home-school settings. The contest is also open to members of scouting and the Children of the American Revolution when their schools do not participate. Students create a tri-fold brochure based on one of the five foundational documents of the United States. These brochures are judged on content, creativity, and correctness.
Katie Tipton took first place in the brochure contest, impressing judges with her insightful and well-crafted brochure. Her work will now compete at the Virginia State Contest. Second place was awarded to Carley Bosacco and third place to Bethany Tipton. Like the poster contest, the top three winners received monetary awards.
Honoring Excellence and Encouraging Historical Appreciation
The ceremony underscored the importance of engaging young students in studying American history and recognizing their efforts and achievements. The Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the SAR is proud to support educational initiatives that promote an understanding of the nation’s foundational events and documents.
Brian Bayliss, Chair of the Chapter’s Youth Committee, highlighted the significance of these contests in his remarks. “These young historians have shown remarkable talent and dedication in their work. We are proud to support their educational journeys and encourage a deep appreciation for our nation’s history.”
Additional information about the contests and how to participate, please visit the National Society Sons of the American Revolution website or contact the Colonel James Wood II Chapter Youth Committee Chair, Brian Bayliss, at ruralvirginia@gmail.com.
Community Events
Confederate Memorial Day Service Held in Front Royal
Local News
Skyline Middle School Celebrates 8th Grade Achievements
Skyline Middle School held a special ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of its eighth-grade students, recognizing their academic achievements and exemplary character. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the student’s hard work, resilience, and dedication.
Assistant Principal and Eighth Grade Administrator Sherry Doane opened the ceremony with a warm welcome. “We are here to honor academic victories and examples of admirable character as described in the SOAR expectations of showing respect, owning your actions, acting out of kindness, and remembering that responsibility is the key to our success,” she said. Doane encouraged students to carry these values into their high school years, emphasizing the importance of engaging in school activities to create lasting memories.
The Most Improved Awards recognized students who showed significant progress throughout the year. Cody Davis and Amirah Porter received this honor for their hard work and determination.
The Pathways and Connections Special Education Teacher Pam Waters presented the Hawk Pride Award to Giovanni Solis-Sasa. This award recognized a student who showed remarkable personal growth at Skyline Middle School.
The ceremony concluded with recognizing students who achieved a 4.0 GPA and those with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.99. These students were celebrated for their academic excellence and dedication throughout middle school.
Principal Dr. Robert Johnson closed the ceremony by thanking parents for their support and encouraging students to continue their hard work and pursue their passions as they transition to high school.
Skyline Middle School’s eighth-grade celebration was a touching event, highlighting the achievements and potential of its students. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of education, community, and character as the students prepare for the next chapter in their academic journey.
Local News
Remembering the Gettysburg Address on Memorial Day
Local News
Virginia State Police Urge Safety and Sobriety on Roads as Summer Begins
As the summer season kicks off with the 2024 Memorial Day weekend and graduation festivities, the Virginia State Police emphasize the importance of safe, sober, and focused driving. With AAA Mid-Atlantic predicting a four percent increase in Memorial Day travel, Virginia’s highways are expected to be especially crowded. This heightened activity comes with increased risks, as evidenced by the nine fatal crashes reported on Memorial Day weekend in 2023.
“By May 23, 2024, Virginia has already lost 294 lives to traffic crashes this year,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “During this busy time, it’s crucial for drivers to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and drive sober. We must also talk to our teenagers and young adult drivers about safe driving behaviors. While many are celebrating the end of the school year and the start of summer, too many Virginians are mourning the loss of loved ones. Let’s prioritize traffic safety to prevent further tragedies.”
Starting Friday, May 24, 2024, the Virginia State Police will join the national Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E) to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries related to impaired driving, speeding, and seatbelt violations. The Memorial Day statistical counting period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on May 24 and continue through midnight on May 27, 2024. Throughout the holiday weekend, all available state police troopers and supervisors will be on patrol to ensure safe and responsible traffic flow.
During the last Memorial Day weekend, Virginia State Troopers issued 771 seatbelt violation citations and 136 child restraint violations. They also cited 4,990 speeders and 1,924 reckless drivers and arrested 89 impaired drivers. Additionally, troopers made 169 felony arrests, assisted 1,447 disabled motorists, investigated 1,846 traffic crashes, and inspected 634 commercial vehicles.
The funds from summonses issued by the Virginia State Police go to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which supports public school construction, technology funding, and teacher retirement.
Drivers are also reminded of recent changes to Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which now requires motorists to either move over a lane or slow down for any vehicle on the roadside using emergency markers, flashing lights, or flares.
Colonel Settle’s message is clear: “This is a time for celebration and making memories, not mourning. By following traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits, we can all contribute to a safer holiday weekend and summer.”