Reaching Out Now Gala Honors Local Leaders, Youth, and Community Impact

A packed room of community members, educators, students, and public officials gathered for the 2025 Reaching Out Now Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating youth leadership, service, and the growing reach of a homegrown nonprofit that continues to make its mark across Warren County and beyond.

The annual gala, held under the theme “Interwoven: A Three-Strand Cord Is Not Easily Broken,” featured awards, personal testimonies, and new announcements about summer programming and future initiatives.

Founder Samantha Barber and her daughter Kendalee Walker opened the event, thanking supporters and partners while sharing reflections on the organization’s five-year journey. “We are a thread woven together with God, family, and community,” said Barber. “Together, we stand strong as agents of change.”

Honoring Service and Student Achievement

Throughout the evening, students from Reaching Out Now’s YES Leadership Program were recognized for their academic success, volunteer work, and personal growth.

The Harlee Hire Athletics Scholarship was awarded to two local high school graduates: Izaiah Matthews of Skyline High School and Taylor Rye of Warren County High School. Matthews, who could not attend due to baseball commitments, was praised for his leadership and athletic achievements. Rye will attend West Virginia University this fall to study veterinary science.

The scholarship honors the memory of Harlee Anne Hire, a former student whose life and story have become a central inspiration for the organization. “The work isn’t done,” Barber said, referencing Harlee’s legacy and the ongoing need for youth support and mental health advocacy.

Other notable student honorees included Lexi Hoffer, who received the Rising Light Award for founding Good News Coffee Company, and Marie Coffrin, a graduating senior who started with Reaching Out Now in sixth grade and now plans to study aviation at George Mason University.

Community and Public Service Recognized

The gala also honored local leaders for their contributions across various sectors:

• Officer Landin Waller of the Front Royal Police Department was honored with the First Responder Award, recognizing not only his service in law enforcement but also his role as a mentor and advocate. Currently serving as the department’s Community Resource Officer, Waller brings nearly two decades of experience—including time in patrol, investigations, and the Northwest Regional Drug Taskforce. He has received MADD Awards for five consecutive years and valor awards in both 2021 and 2023 for his work as a crisis negotiator. Most recently, in April 2025, his negotiation skills were instrumental in peacefully resolving a high-stakes standoff involving a barricaded subject. Now an active figure in the community, Waller works closely with the Warren County Adult Recovery Court, a role he calls deeply rewarding. “Without the community’s support, the police department is not a fully effective law enforcement agency,” Waller said.
• Ellen Aders, a local State Farm agent and longtime civic volunteer, received the Service Above Self Award for her steadfast commitment to service in animal welfare, community revitalization, and Rotary leadership. Since opening her agency in 2010, Aders has prioritized meaningful engagement over simple business networking—a principle instilled by a mentor who encouraged her to “get involved in something that taps your heart.” She partnered with the Humane Society of Warren County in 2012, helping grow its largest fundraiser and serving on its board for nine years, including three as president. In 2022, she joined efforts to revitalize Front Royal’s historic district as part of Downtown Front Royal, Inc., while also completing a term as president of the Rotary Club of Warren County. “When you love your home, everything taps your heart,” Aders said during her remarks, reflecting on her deep roots in the community. Whether mentoring young professionals or supporting downtown beautification projects, she continues to live out Rotary’s motto—quietly and consistently—through acts of generosity and service.
• Cole and Danielle Haase, owners of On Cue Sports Bar & Grill, received the Entrepreneur Award for their commitment to building a thriving downtown business while investing in the community around them. The couple launched On Cue in 2017 with a shared vision and relentless work ethic, eventually expanding to a larger Main Street location in May 2023. Their venue has become a local favorite, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, live music, and pool tables, as well as for offering rewarding jobs to local staff. Outside their business, the Haases are deeply involved in community life—from supporting youth sports to organizing fundraisers and even hosting a donation-only Thanksgiving dinner for local shelters. Danielle serves as Vice President of Downtown Front Royal, Inc., where she leads the town’s seasonal Downtown Market. Whether behind the bar or at a community meeting, the Haases exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship driven by purpose and connection.
• Principal Ken Knesh of Warren County High School received the inaugural Beacon in Education Award, honoring an educator who goes far beyond the classroom to inspire, support, and uplift students. A dedicated member of the Warren County school community for 25 years, Knesh has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and now principal, consistently earning the respect of students, families, and colleagues alike. Known for his steady leadership, compassionate mentorship, and deep commitment to student success, Knesh credits his purpose to both family and faith. “This is how they will know you are with me—when you love one another,” he shared, quoting scripture. With heartfelt remarks and quiet humility, he accepted the award as a reflection not just of his role as principal, but of a lifelong commitment to making students feel seen, valued, and supported.
• Vida Timbers, a retired educator and lifelong advocate for children and community, was honored with the Lillian Sloane Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to positive, lasting change. With more than 52 years in education, Timbers began her teaching career after graduating from Virginia Union University in 1971 and later earned a master’s degree in counseling from James Madison University. She served as both a teacher and counselor in Warren County Public Schools, including after the state mandated elementary school counselors in 1989. Beyond the classroom, Timbers has served in numerous civic, faith, and service organizations—from her decades of leadership at Macedonia Baptist Church, to her roles in the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Blue Ridge Educational Center Board. Her contributions have earned her several awards over the years, including the American Cancer Society’s Sword Award, JCPenney’s Golden Rule Award, and Apple Valley Counselor of the Year. Known for her tireless spirit and deep community ties, Timbers was recognized as a reflection of the values lived out by Lillian Sloane, a fellow educator and trailblazer for whom the award is named.

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  Vida Timbers, a retired educator and lifelong advocate for children and community, was honored with the Lillian Sloane Legacy Award.

Virginia Delegate Delores Oates presented an official commendation from the Virginia House of Delegates, honoring Reaching Out Now.

Virginia Delegate Delores Oates presented an official commendation from the Virginia House of Delegates, honoring Reaching Out Now for its impact on youth across the Commonwealth. In a brief but heartfelt speech, Oates recalled first meeting founder Samantha Barber while serving on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. “She’ll take up residence in your life,” Oates joked, noting Barber’s deep passion for helping young people. The commendation, adopted unanimously by the 100-member House of Delegates, praised Reaching Out Now for “its efforts to uplift our young people and to guide them on their path toward meaningful and fulfilling lives.” Oates added, “This organization is making a difference with our young people… and you deserve this honor.” The resolution was formally presented to Barber as a symbol of statewide recognition and gratitude.

Youth-Driven Programs Continue to Expand

Barber used the gala as an opportunity to announce new and upcoming programs. The Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center—Reaching Out Now’s permanent hub—is undergoing outdoor renovations as part of Serve Week, with volunteers transforming the exterior and garden spaces.

With help from grants secured through Valley Health and county partners, the organization has hired a director and program coordinator to expand summer offerings, including:

• Weekly family pop-up events beginning June 20
• A three-day culinary arts program for rising 8th–12th graders
• A five-day leadership boot camp in July
• The fifth annual leadership conference in October at Shenandoah University
• Partnership events with Valley Health, Warren County Parks and Rec, and Laurel Ridge Community College

The nonprofit also presented $750 to HARTS, Inc., the local cold-weather shelter, and pledged $1,000 to Valley Health’s new Mental Health Pavilion in memory of students lost to suicide and overdose.

A Call to Support and Sustain

While celebrating the night’s honorees and milestones, Barber reminded attendees that growth requires continued investment. Reaching Out Now aims to raise $15,000 by the end of June to keep its programs affordable and accessible to students and families.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from graduating senior Landyn Shrader, who took the stage to reflect on his personal journey with Reaching Out Now. Once hesitant to even step into the room, Schrader spoke about the quiet, steady nature of growth.

“Change doesn’t announce itself,” he said. “Most of the time it sneaks in quietly. It happens in the background—when we’re just trying to get through the day, when we’re laughing with friends, when we’re simply surviving.”

He reminded attendees that even small steps matter. “Just because you can’t see change in the moment doesn’t mean it’s not happening,” Shrader said. “Every quiet moment of resilience, every time you choose to keep going—those things matter. They build you. They shape you.”

His remarks drew warm applause, not just for their honesty, but for how clearly they echoed the theme of the night: interwoven, and stronger together.

The evening continued with additional student awards, scholarship announcements, and recognitions for community partners who helped make the organization’s vision possible. From first-time volunteers to local leaders, the 2025 gala offered a resounding reminder that the strength of a community lies in the people willing to show up—for each other, and for the next generation.