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.

The Phoenix Project celebrated its 10th anniversary in a significant community event, marking a decade of vital contributions to combat domestic and sexual violence in Front Royal and Warren County. The celebration was graced by Niki Foster, the executive director of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Bryon Biggs, Chamber President, and Front Royal Town Councilman Glenn Wood, who all congratulated and supported the organization.

The Phoenix Project, known for its dedicated service in providing hope and help to those affected by domestic and sexual violence, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the milestone. This event highlighted the organization’s decade-long service and highlighted the ongoing challenges in addressing these critical community issues.

Speakers, including Councilman Wood and Bryon Biggs, reflected on the organization’s impact and the persistent need for such services during the event. Biggs remarked on the unfortunate reality that the problem of violence has not diminished as hoped, underscoring the importance of the Phoenix Project’s work in the community.

Tammy Sharp, the outgoing Executive Director, and Avery Harper, the incoming Executive Director, shared their experiences and the organization’s achievements over the past ten years. Under their leadership, the Phoenix Project has responded to over 10,000 calls, provided over 3,000 nights of shelter, and reached more than 13,000 people through community education and outreach.

The celebration also included the announcement of significant donations from local organizations, with the Moose Lodge contributing $25,000 and the Massanutten Association of Realtors donating $500. These contributions will support the ongoing efforts to aid survivors and combat domestic and sexual violence in the community.

As the Phoenix Project looks to the future, its leaders and community supporters remain committed to deepening their impact and providing essential services to those in need. With strong community backing and a dedicated team at the helm, the Phoenix Project is poised to face the next decade’s challenges with renewed vigor and commitment.

For more information about the Phoenix Project and how to support its mission, please visit their website or contact their office directly.

Dominion Ridge Academy is thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of its Class of 2024, a group of students who have excelled academically and grown into outstanding leaders within the school community. The academy honors their hard work and dedication as these graduates prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.

The Class of 2024 has collectively received over $370,000 in scholarship offers, a testament to their academic excellence and potential. These seniors have been accepted into various prestigious colleges and universities nationwide, including Bridgewater College, Christopher Newport University, and the University of Wyoming. This diverse range of higher education choices highlights the breadth of their interests and abilities.

Additionally, Dominion Ridge Academy takes pride in acknowledging those graduates who have chosen to pursue trades. This decision underscores the importance of skilled trades in today’s economy and reflects the academy’s commitment to supporting diverse career paths.

The academy draws inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11, reminding its students that they are destined for a hopeful future filled with opportunities. As these young adults embark on their new beginnings, the school community comes together to wish them success and fulfillment in all their endeavors.

Dominion Ridge Academy, located in Front Royal, Virginia, has always been dedicated to nurturing its students’ spiritual, moral, and intellectual development. The school embraces a holistic approach to education, integrating neuroeducation and social-emotional learning to meet the individual needs of each student.

The achievements of the Class of 2024 exemplify the academy’s mission to foster a sense of competence, confidence, and belonging among its students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

For more information about Dominion Ridge Academy and its programs, don’t hesitate to contact the school at 540-635-6799 or visit their website at [Dominion Ridge Academy](http://www.dominionridgeacademy.com). Join us in congratulating the graduates as they move forward with courage and hope into the future.

The Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) is thrilled to announce a significant boost to their animal welfare efforts with a $10,000 grant investment from Petco Love, a national nonprofit committed to improving the lives of pets and people in communities nationwide. This funding is part of Petco Love’s recent distribution of over $15 million in grants to support local organizations dedicated to saving animal lives.

Established in 1999, Petco Love has contributed $375 million to lifesaving activities and helped find homes for over 6.75 million pets through partnerships with Petco and thousands of organizations nationwide. The grant to HSWC is aimed at supporting the shelter’s efforts to care for and protect pets in Front Royal and Warren County, where the organization has been a beacon of hope for homeless and neglected animals.

“Our local investments are an integral part of our mission to ensure that no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Petco Love President Susanne Kogut. “We are committed to supporting the tireless efforts of organizations like the Humane Society of Warren County that share our vision and demonstrate a profound impact on the health and welfare of animals.”

The Humane Society of Warren County has a commendable track record, achieving a 96% save rate in 2023 and maintaining its status as a no-kill shelter. The grant will aid in providing essential care and improving the facilities that house numerous pets annually, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment while awaiting adoption.

“We are profoundly grateful for Petco Love’s support, which enables us to enhance our care and extend our services to more animals in need,” stated Kayla Wines, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Warren County. “This funding helps us continue our work and reinforces our initiatives to educate the public on important issues like vaccinations and population control.”

For more information on the Humane Society of Warren County and how to support their cause, visit www.humanesocietywarrencounty.com. To learn more about Petco Love and their lifesaving efforts, visit petcolove.org.

Shenandoah University has been selected as a grant recipient for the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative, aimed at connecting young people across the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa through innovative virtual exchange programs. The initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Aspen Institute, recognizes and supports efforts to enhance global learning and intercultural collaboration.

Shenandoah University’s “Virtually Going Global” program is designed to integrate global virtual learning into its curriculum, particularly targeting first-year students. This program will pair American students with peers from Yarmouk University in Jordan to work on joint projects that promote intercultural competencies and foster a broader understanding of global perspectives.

Amy Sarch, Shenandoah University’s Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, expressed enthusiasm about the grant: “Incorporating global virtual learning into every First Year Seminar class allows us to expand our educational reach beyond traditional boundaries. This initiative enhances our curriculum and instills essential values of cross-cultural engagement and collaboration among our students.”

Christine Shiau, Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative, emphasized the broader impact of such programs: “We are excited to welcome Shenandoah University among our new grantees. Their commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global connectivity through virtual exchanges is vital for preparing young people to thrive in an interconnected world.”

The funded projects at Shenandoah University will involve students in activities ranging from shared cultural events to collaborative academic projects, all conducted within a virtual environment that allows for extensive interaction despite geographical distances.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Stevens Initiative to make virtual exchanges a standard part of global education, reaching nearly 10,000 young people across diverse regions this year alone. Other projects funded under this initiative include digital language learning through virtual reality, climate change education projects, and legal exchange programs, reflecting the wide range of applications for virtual exchange technology in modern education.

For more information about Shenandoah University and its programs, visit su.edu. More details on the Stevens Initiative and its programs can be found at stevensinitiative.org.

Myra Griffin, RN, BSN, CCRN, has been named the DAISY Award Honoree for the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 at Fauquier Health. This prestigious recognition is awarded to nurses who provide extraordinary care, as evidenced by nominations from patients, families, and colleagues.

The Fauquier Health Daisy Committee and Toni Maxwell, CNO, Rebecca Segal, CEO, and Myra Griffin are holding the banner signed by DAISY honorees.

Griffin, who joined Fauquier Health in 2021, was recognized for her exceptional dedication and empathy in the intensive care unit. One nominating family member highlighted her impactful presence: “Myra was right there, in her gentle, no-nonsense way, explaining what was happening, the labs and test results, connecting with and caring for all of us. She made a personal connection with each family member…She is patient and kind. She protects, she hopes, and she perseveres…She is love.”

Reflecting on her role, Griffin shared, “What I treasure most about being a nurse is the honor of gaining a complete stranger’s trust and the privilege of them allowing me to care for them and the power to help heal them through God’s grace.”

Another family shared their appreciation for Griffin’s proactive approach, noting her attentiveness to slight changes in a patient’s condition, which she addressed promptly with the medical team, ensuring comprehensive care and support.

Toni Maxwell, CNO, presents Myra Griffin with her DAISY award.

Toni Maxwell, APRN, FNP-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at Fauquier Health, praised Griffin’s compassionate care, stating, “Myra exemplifies the best in nursing: compassion, caring, and connecting with patients and families when they need it most. I am so proud of Myra for her back-to-back DAISY honors!”

The DAISY Award, established by The DAISY Foundation in 1999, recognizes the exceptional clinical skills and compassionate care nurses exhibit. His family created The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes to honor the nursing care he received during his illness.

Fauquier Health, a community health system accredited by the Joint Commission, continues demonstrating excellence in healthcare through its comprehensive services and commitment to patient-centered care.