From Students to Leaders: Mountain Vista Governor’s School Hall of Fame Honors Two Graduates

The Mountain Vista Governor’s School Foundation recognized distinguished alumni and celebrated student achievement during its annual Hall of Fame and Donor Dinner held March 21 at Warren County High School.

The evening brought together donors, students, and supporters for a program that highlighted both academic excellence and the long-term impact of the Governor’s School experience.

Guests were treated to a meal catered by the Catering Company of Winchester before hearing from several students who presented their award-winning science fair projects, offering a glimpse into the program’s hands-on, research-driven learning.

The highlight of the evening was the induction of two graduates into the MVGS Foundation Hall of Fame: Margy Eastham Thomas and Kevin Linger.

Finding Purpose Close to Home

Thomas, now a senior program officer with the PATH Foundation in Warrenton, reflected on how her time at Mountain Vista helped shape her path—not just academically, but personally.

Margy Eastham Thomas, a senior program officer with the PATH Foundation in Warrenton, was inducted into the MVGS Foundation Hall of Fame for her leadership in community-focused initiatives. 

“I applied to Mountain Vista knowing it would offer opportunities beyond those available to me,” she said, noting she graduated with college credits, research experience, and admission to her dream school.

But she emphasized that the experience went deeper.

“Mountain Vista offered me so much more—independence in my studies, opportunities to engage in complex issues, and lasting friendships,” she said.

After studying foreign affairs and global development, Thomas traveled abroad and worked with international organizations, including the World Health Organization. However, a serious accident during college changed her path and perspective.

“What I had not seen… was the tremendous need that exists in my own community,” she said.

That realization led her back home, where she now works to improve health and wellness across the region.

“It meant finding the tools to change the world, and eventually realizing that the world I meant to change was right here at home,” Thomas said.

From Student to Thinker

Linger, a Front Royal native and 2009 Warren County High School graduate, spoke about how the program challenged him to grow beyond academics.

Below: Kevin Linger, a Front Royal native and Warren County High School graduate, was also inducted after earning degrees in computer and electrical engineering from the University of Virginia.

“I can confidently say I wouldn’t be the same person I am today… without MVGS,” he said.

He described entering the program as a student who excelled at traditional coursework but was not deeply challenged.

“MVGS turned me from a kid who was good at math and homework into a thinker,” Linger said.

He credited the program’s open-ended projects and strong teaching environment for pushing students to think critically and communicate effectively—skills that have remained valuable throughout his career in engineering.

“We need more thinkers in the world, and that’s what this school produces,” he said.

Linger also reflected on the personal support behind his journey, crediting his family, including his late mother, for encouraging him to pursue the opportunity.

Lasting Impact

Both inductees received plaques during the ceremony, and their names will be permanently displayed at Mountain Vista Governor’s School campuses at Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown and Warrenton.

The annual event serves not only to recognize alumni achievements but also to connect donors and students, reinforcing the school’s mission of preparing young people for future success.

Aubrey Marshall developed a project titled “Feeding More Families,” finding a method to extend bread’s shelf life by six days after observing food waste during her volunteer work at local food banks.

Jaxson Norrod developed a trap box to combat the spotted lanternfly infestation, successfully attracting and eliminating more than 200 of the invasive insects during his experiment.

Through student presentations and alumni reflections, the evening underscored a common theme: the impact of education extends far beyond the classroom.

Jen Avery contributed to this story.