NEW CASTLE – Members of the Craig County High School Class of 2014 took the first steps into their future on June 6.

It was a beautiful Friday evening when the 54 graduates received their diplomas from Principal Robert “Rowdy” Stump and Assistant Principal Marion Trumbo in ceremonies on the CCHS field. Graduates included Stump’s son, Matthew Caleb Stump, who was one of the members of the Beta Club identified by their gold tassels.

Former acting school superintendent Chip Gray was the guest speaker. Class President Haley Burger welcomed the crowd before Valedictorian Levi Helm and Salutatorian Elizabeth Surface addressed their fellow students.

Helm quoted favorite children’s author Dr. Seuss, who wrote “Oh, the places you will go!”
Class of 2014 members Hannah Blevins, Caitlin Reynolds and Helm also performed a short music piece for the assembled students, families and friends.

Craig County School Superintendent Kelly Wilmore confirmed the students as new graduates of CCHS, as they turned their tassels to the other sides of their caps.

Teacher Jeanne Guthrie played the music for students to process into the stadium and to recess out of it.

Graduates’ future plans range from attending community college, such as Gina Bellassai, who will study at New River Community College, to Helm who plans to pursue biology or environmental studies at the University of Virginia. Others plan to start work right away.
– David Shields, Intern

NEW CASTLE – It is hard for many to believe that a year has already passed since the fatal car accident that stunned everyone in the community of Craig County.

Three young women remembered for their wonderful personalities and bright plans for their futures were the victims of the two-vehicle accident on Route 311 that shook up the entire county Oct. 6, 2013.

Megan Bradley, Tia Gardner, and Carleigh Taylor left a strong impact on many people’s lives in their short time on Earth, and that is what their family and friends continue to remember today. In a close-knit community like Craig County, these three ladies were regarded as a sister or best friend to all. However, one year later, one thing is evident about them – they are still very much alive in the memories of the many people who love and miss them greatly.

This collage of the three friends (from left) Carleigh Taylor, Tia Gardner and Megan Bradley was recently posted on Facebook by Shiann Sink with the caption “Never Forget.”

Amanda Francisco, one of Carleigh’s two older sisters, shared humorous stories of when her sister was younger.

“She was terrified of mountain lions. She was convinced that if she went outside after dark, one would come out of the woods and eat her,” she laughed.

She also joked that Carleigh, who was 22 years old at the time of the accident, always referred to herself as a “princess” and thought she should get everything she asked for.

“One time we were little and we were in the Goodwill,” Francisco said. “She wanted this kitchen set and mom told her ‘no,’ so she found some handcuffs and handcuffed herself to it and we had to pry her off of it with a butter knife!”

It wasn’t just family and friends who were impacted by the girls’ lives and personalities; many teachers at Craig County Schools shared stories of each of the girls, talking about how much they enjoyed their presence and all the things they learned from them in the years they were students.

Rachel Arthur, a health education teacher for the middle and high school, spoke highly of each of the girls.

“Megan had aspirations and goals, and she really worked hard to achieve them,” she recalled. “Tia never once had a bad thing to say about anyone, and Carleigh – when she walked into a room, she would make sure you knew.”

With laughter in her voice, she shared a story of a time when Megan, who was 18 and had graduated from CCHS in the summer of 2013, was in the locker room after class one day.

“She was using one of those wet-to-dry straighteners and I had never seen one, so I just looked at her like ‘you are burning your hair off, girl!’” she exclaimed.

Other teachers, including Pamela and Geoff Boyer, Brady Price, Shelby French, Stephanie Taliaferro, and Hope Smithwick, all agreed that these three girls were hard workers and had the biggest of personalities.

“Tia was always bubbly and she exemplified the word sweet,” Boyer said of the 19-year-old, who was also remembered as a talented singer. “She could always brighten your day and make you laugh.”

Jessica Stebar and Alyssa Swingle were the two survivors of the accident, and have been strong fighters in recovering from their injuries. Stebar said she remembers her friends every day.

“They were all three such beautiful girls, inside and out,” she said. “I know they’ve each touched and changed so many lives. They will always have a special place in my heart.”

Many other friends of Megan, Tia, and Carleigh, like Aretta St. Clair, could not find the right words “that would do justice to those angels,” but she said that there wasn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t think of them and the lives that they lived.

“She’s in the trees that sway, and the wind that carries the leaves to and fro.

She’s in the flowers that bloom, and the sunlight that dances in the shadows.

She’s your little sister, and us little sisters will never truly leave you alone.”

- Laura Leigh Minnix, excerpt from “Little Sister,” a poem about Megan Bradley, Tia Gardner, and Carleigh Taylor

- By Mary Booth, Correspondent

NEW CASTLE – Seven Craig County High School students last Wednesday competed for a chance to win a 1^st-place prize of $200 and for the opportunity to compete in a regional talent show in Christiansburg in November, where the 1^st-place prize is $2,500.

Shelor Motor Mile sponsored the school’s first-ever “Growing the Future” Community Partnership Talent Show. “We are very excited to add Craig County to our ‘Growing the Future’ partnership,” said Shelor representative Melissa Epperly. “This is our fourth year in having the competition, which has included other counties of Floyd, Radford, Christiansburg, Montgomery and Giles.”

The top five contestants received monetary prizes from Shelor Motor Mile’s “Growing the Future” Talent Show. Pictured, from left, are: Alyssa Shulke, Craig County Schools music teacher; 1st-place winner Taylore Price; 2nd-place Savannah and Summer Sink; 3rd-place Jackie Bastow; 4th-place Halie Wolfe and Mackenzie Fisher; 5th-place Nicole Fitzpatrick; and Melissa Epperly, representative from Shelor Motor Mile.

Last year, school bookkeeper Diane Bayne was watching the talent show on TV and decided to check the Shelor website. Afterward, Bayne emailed Shelor Motor Mile and asked if Craig County could be included in the program. Bayne said she was told the program had already been set for last year, but she continued to follow up and, with the guidance of Ronnie Echols, an employee of Shelor and a former Craig County resident, Craig was added to the list.

New music teacher Alyssa Cross Schulke, who is also the band director, choir director, elementary music teacher, and cheerleading coach, added, “When I was approached about the Shelor Motor Mile talent show, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for our students to get involved in the community, showcase their talents and compete for generous prizes.”

First prize winner, singing “Cupid’s Got a Shotgun” from the musical styling of Carrie Underwood, was Taylore Price. Price was said she was surprised to win, and when asked if she liked to sing, she commented, “All the time!” She added that she likes country music most, but sings songs of all genres. She was awarded the $200 cash prize from Shelor.

Her mother added, “She sings around the house for hours every day.”

Taking 2^nd-place was Savannah and Summer Sink, who sang “Jar of Hearts.” Third was Jackie Bastow, singing “Dirt Road Prayer;” 4th was Halie Wolfe and Mackenzie Fisher, singing “Rolling in the Deep;” and 5th was Nicole Fitzpatrick, singing “Stronger.” All received monetary prizes of $125, $100, $75 and $50, respectively. The judges, Melissa Beaudoin, Forrest Smith and Lois Groseclose all agreed that the show was a special event for Craig County students and enjoyed being chosen for the job of judging. However, all agreed it was difficult to decide on number one.

“I think that the opportunity to perform for the community was very rewarding for the young ladies who participated in ‘Rockets Got Talent,’” said music teacher Schulke. “It is not easy to get up in front a group of people and perform. I am very proud of all of them for putting forth the effort and courage to go out on stage and share their talents with others. They all performed exceptionally well.”

1st-place winner Taylore Price kicks off the sassy song “Cupid’s got a Shotgun.”

As the top two finalists, Taylore Price and Savannah and Summer Sink will now advance to the “Growing the Future” Talent Show Grande Finale at Christiansburg High School Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., where they will have a chance at winning a grand prize of $2,500. The 1^st-place winner of that show also earns $20,000 for his or her school.

“I am very excited to attend this event and support our students who will be wonderful representations of the talent that is present at Craig County Public Schools,” said Shulke.

“Shelor and Melissa Epperly have been wonderful,” said Bayne, who added that the elementary and middle schools received $500, and the high school received $1,000 for participating.

Shulke added, “The Shelor Motor Mile ‘Growing the Community’ program is not only beneficial for the individual students involved, but also for the school, as there are prizes available that help to raise funds for different school organizations. The different events that take place through this yearlong program are fantastic ways to promote school and community growth.”

Epperly also added that Shelor is donating two cars as giveaways to the schools participating, for which the students of Craig will be selling raffle tickets at $1 each.

“Our project has helped these local schools to raise over $800,000 on the raffles. The schools keep all of the proceeds,” explained Epperly. The first drawings for the two cars started Oct. 24, and another is slated in April 2015. Tickets for the drawings are sold at Craig County Schools.

Bayne explained that the talent show is another way to keep students and staff involved in the fundraiser projects.

“This is a learning year for us here at Craig County Public Schools,” said Bayne. “All ticket money from the contest stayed with the school and Shelor provides all prize monies. We hope to continue this relationship with Shelor Motor Mile Community Partnership Programs and [that it] can be even bigger and better next year.”

- By Pam Dudding-Burch

NEW CASTLE – Marion “Bo” Trumbo, a former standout pitcher for Bridgewater College with several pitching records having stood the test of time for nearly four decades, was inducted into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame Oct. 31, along with five others making up the class of 2014 for the hall.

Trumbo’s career 1.62 earned-run-averages remain the best in program history, and he still owns the single-season record with a 1.02 ERA. The renowned left-handed player is also still tied for the most complete games in program history with 15, according to Bridgewater records. Trumbo is also known for setting the career strikeout record with 140, a mark he held for 25 years.

Assistant Principal of Craig County middle and high schools Marion “Bo” Trumbo (left) was recently inducted into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame. He was escorted by and is pictured with Derrik Walling, who currently plays baseball for Bridgewater.

To know Trumbo is to know that his first love is still baseball. In 1996 he was the Middle Atlantic Major League Baseball Scouts Association’s Supervisory Scout of the Year and also served as treasurer for that league. From 1991-1999 he was the baseball talent scout for the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Club, helping to acquire players for the Reds’ national league baseball team. He has worked for the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners, and currently works for the Major League Scouting Bureau. He has signed 24 players, including three major leaguers.

In his acceptance speech, Trumbo thanked the Bridgewater College Hall of Fame committee and told them he was deeply humbled.

“Can you believe that a child born in Goshen, Virginia could achieve the dreams that I had athletically, like scouting in the Astrodome and, professionally, winning the John Marshall award, being in the Sorensen Institute’s Political leadership class, and being an ex-officio member of the Bridgewater Board of Trustees?” he asked.

Later in his speech he briefly addressed a balanced life and future. “The way you deal with the ups and downs of life will help you measure your success,” Trumbo said. “You must pick yourself up after any adverse situation.”

After graduating from Bridgewater with a B.A. degree in history, he began a career in education as a teacher and a coach. His career as a history teacher has led him down many paths. He has been a member of the state “We, The People” competition staff and participated in the “We, The People” summer program in 2004. Since that time he has been a member of the state competition staff and a member of the state advisory staff for the total program. He is currently Virginia’s 9^th District coordinator.

He is a member of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute Political Leadership Program Class of 2009, the Senate of Virginia project, and participated in a three-year academic study of American history in the global context through the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library TAHG Grant through Bedford County Public Schools.

Trumbo also holds a master’s degree in education from Western Carolina University. In 2012 he was the John Marshall Foundation’s High School Teacher of the Year. He is currently serving as an ex-officio member of Bridgewater College’s Board of Trustees and was president of the Alumni Association in 1989.

He has been employed as assistant principal for Craig County’s middle and high schools since August 2013.

NEW CASTLE – The cheers were loud and proud as Grace Faw and Tyler Taliferro each made three-point shots to win $400 for Craig County High School in the area contest called “Baskets for Cash,” sponsored by Shelor Motor Mile of Christiansburg. Faw is a student at CCHS and Taliferro is a graduate.

Melissa Epperly, marketing and public relations representative from Shelor, explained that two participants are being chosen from the crowd at several area schools’ basketball games for a chance to win $50 for themselves and $200 for their respective schools by making the three-point basket.

Craig County High School’s chance at winning the money was Jan. 6, when the Rockets hosted Bath County. Each participant was allowed two chances to make the basket; however, Faw and Taliaferro each swished the ball through the net on their first attempts.

“I was very excited to get a chance to win $50 and also to help out the school,” said Faw. However, she added that she wasn’t really nervous prior to the shoot.

“Craig County Middle School and High School is happy to be partnered with Shelor Motor Mile for the 2014-15 school year,” stated CCHS Principal Robert Stump. “This partnership has allowed our students and schools to reap monetary benefits while showcasing the varied talents of our students.”

“Thus far, [out of four schools] Craig County is the only school that has made both shots. Each school has the opportunity to win $400, and Craig County did,” said Epperly.

A press release was sent to local high schools on Dec. 15, 2014 introducing the contest, which included the dates Shelor would be at each school to host the Baskets for Cash contest. The other high schools participating are Auburn, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Eastern Montgomery, Floyd, Giles, Narrows, Pulaski and Radford. There are no restrictions for the event, and Shelor hopes it will be fun for everyone.

“Craig County MS/HS feels very fortunate to work with a business who is a true supporter of education, and we are eager to see what the Shelor Motor Mile has in store for us this Spring,” added Stump. “Once again, thank you Shelor Motor Mile for your support in Craig County Public Schools.”

Co-owner of Shelor Motor Mile David Hagan introduced the “Growing the Future” initiative because “he loves helping schools out as much as he can. It was established during the recessions because the schools were struggling and needed help,” Epperly explained.

Hagan added that he was “very happy” to have included Craig County in the initiative this year.

“This was another avenue for Shelor Motor Mile to help in assisting schools, while bringing in a little fun to the event,” said Epperly.

Craig County Superintendent Kelly Wilmore said, “We truly appreciate Shelor’s support and wish to thank them again.”

Stump said the school is now selling raffle tickets for $1 each for a chance to win a $15,000 Shelor vehicle at an April drawing. He said for more information, anyone can call the school.

- By Pam Dudding-Burch, Correspondent

Rocket fans Tyler Taliferro and Grace Faw each made a three-pointer during Shelor Motor Mile’s Baskets for Cash contest at the Jan. 6 basketball game to win $400 for Craig County High School.

NEW CASTLE – “Craig High School may be small but we are mighty!” exclaimed Craig County High School Guidance Counselor Marcia Barlow, following the high school robotics team’s showing at a regional robotics competition last month.

Six CCHS students are enrolled in Virginia Western Community College programs STEM-H: Pre-Health Curriculum, IT: Desktop Support Technician, and the Regional Academy for Advanced Technology.

In December, those students entered Virginia Western’s regional robotics competition. Second-year student Joshua Cranmer explained that each team was required to build a robot using a Parallax robot kit to function and compete by the college’s guidelines. Meanwhile, first-year student Cody Robertson created a language program designed to maneuver the team’s robot. He explained that the number of clicks tells the robot how long to stay in a certain position.

Virginia Western Community College students from Craig County took 1st-place at the school’s regional robotics competition. The team included, front from left: Maggie Wilcher and Katie Dooley; back: Cody Robertson, Charles Old, Jacob King and Joshua Cranmer.

The students described the competition they were in as a “fishing derby.” In the middle of the 8-foot square board was an X, and in each corner were “aquariums.” Contestants had to first locate the fish, then pick up the fish on the board and drop it into the aquarium. Contestants also had to program the robot to recognize the color of the fish in order to drop it into the corresponding colored aquarium, located in the corners. The robot they designed was called “Sting Ray,” and it contained an arm called “The Claw.”

Maggie Wilcher, first-year student, was on the team with Robertson and explained that when they were doing their trial run, “our robot wouldn’t work. It was too slippery.” They even tried super gluing napkins to the wheels, but the boards were new and the wheels would not grab its surface. Once they changed boards, the robot worked fine.

In fact, Craig County students Robertson and Wilcher took 1^st-place out of 53 teams competing region wide, including middle and high schools and local college students. Jacob King added that the high school competitors had to make poster boards, and the college competitors created a Powerpoint presentation.

Katie Dooley gets hands-on training to dissect a brain in the Pre-Health curriculum at VWCC.

CCHS senior and first-year student at VWCC Charles Old is enrolled in IT Desktop, where he puts together small computers and learns various programs and functions.

“VW gives me the chance to get college credits while I am in high school in an area I am interested in pursuing, while enjoying the different programs like computer physical repair, upgrades and networking,” he said. “We also receive an accredited certification exam, which will look good on my resume.”

Katie Dooley is enrolled in the STEM-H program, which will help her to be better prepared for entry into one of the health profession programs. This program is designed for students who have demonstrated strong science and math skills in the high school program.

“I am in a pre-healthcare field program that gives you most of your general prerequisites for any medical profession,” she explained. “I’m not exactly sure what I plan to go into, but I would like to apply to VWCC’s surgical technology program next year to be a medical assistant.”

Dooley said she is interested in biomedical engineering or may pursue training to be a physician’s assistant. She called the opportunity to attend VWCC as a high school student “amazing,” and said she loves her classes. She explained that because the school’s programs are specialized for her desired career field that it challenges her further than the typical high school curriculum.

“I also really like how helpful and pleasant my instructors are,” Dooley added. “Being in this program is definitely a wonderful experience, whether it is doing a dissection, learning all the bones, or writing a research paper. I strongly recommend the program to any other CCHS students who have a dedication to the medical field.”

King, who said he wants to be a weapons engineer, and Joshua Cranmer are in their second year in the Mechatronics Program, which is designed to challenge the students with hands-on instruction in mechanical, electrical and computer systems in preparation for the Siemens Mechatronics System certification. Both said they prefer the hands-on teaching.

“It’s not as much theory,” they agreed.

King and Cranmer will graduate from VWCC in mid-May in their career studies before high school graduation this year. With this certification, they will be qualified to apply for technician jobs in manufacturing facilities. Also, with only one additional year at VWCC, they will have their associate’s degree in mechatronics.

These programs offered at VWCC are offered to 11th and 12th grade students.

“These students are up at dawn to leave the county by 6:30 a.m. and to be at VW by 8 a.m.,” explained Barlow. “They return to the high school by 12:30 p.m. and attend three classes on our campus. They do this Monday-Friday and also manage extra-curricular activities, part time jobs, etcetera. I feel that this opportunity will have a major impact on them in a mature way. They are definitely a step ahead.”

Barlow encouraged any students interested in these programs to contact her at CCHS.

Barlow praised the robotics team for its win, and said that though CCHS may not have the highest enrollment, its students and faculty have been proving and being rewarded for their skills and knowledge over the past year in various contests such as this one.

“We want to keep our community abreast of how hard the administration and faculty is working to make sure CC students receive excellent teaching and hands-on training,” added Superintendent Kelly Wilmore. “Our students taking 1st-place helps us to know that we are providing just that for them.”

- By Pam Dudding-Burch

For the second year in a row, alumni from Bluefield College will form a running troupe called “Team Dean Dan” to compete in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K in Richmond.

Like last year, when the team comes together this spring, Saturday, March 28, they won’t be so much concerned about how they compete or finish the 10K, but instead how well they pay tribute to the late Dan Bowman, a former Bluefield College dean of students, who succumbed to cancer in January 2014, but not before leaving a lasting influence on students from Bluefield College and residents of Greater Roanoke.

A native of Salem, Bowman came to Bluefield College first as a student in the fall of 1990. After earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology from BC in 1994, a master’s degree in counseling and human development from Radford University in 1996, and five years of service as a guidance counselor at Northside Middle School, Jefferson Forest High School, Liberty High School, and William Byrd High School, Bowman returned to Bluefield in 2001 to serve as dean of students.

“Dean Dan was not only a fantastic dean of students, but also a man who always had an open door and an open heart,” said BC alumnus Joey Giles (‘05). “He loved his job, and he loved us as students.”

During four years as dean of students, Bowman did more than love BC students. He spearheaded three major renovation projects for residence halls and the student activities center. He also increased retention and residential enrollment and installed a values-based living and learning program that included a campus-wide tobacco-free policy.

Bowman returned to his native Roanoke Valley in 2005 to become an associate dean of students at Radford University. He later served as principal of Craig County High School, but in 2011, he was diagnosed with myoepithelial carcinoma, a rare cancer of the soft tissue that he battled for three years while continuing to work and serve those around him. In fact, in the midst of his treatments, he and his wife, Staci, continued to coach his daughters, Maddie and Libby, in recreational lacrosse. He also remained a member of the Virginia Tech “chain gang” that worked down markers for Hokies football games.

Despite his valiant fight, Bowman succumbed to the cancer, passing away in January of 2014. As a tribute to his influence and service, Bluefield College alumni and friends created “Team Dean Dan” to run each year in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K in Richmond.

Known as one of Virginia’s most historic races and “one of the best races in the country,” according to USA Today, the Monument Avenue 10K features more than 40,000 runners, and with its party stops, live music and post-race festivities, the 10K is also considered one of Virginia’s best social events of the year. And this year, Bluefield College alumni and friends will join the fun to pay tribute to Dean Dan.

“This is a great way we can continue to honor Dean Dan and his legacy,” said Bluefield College Alumni Director Mark Hipes. “The idea came from alumnus Aaron Peck (’03), and it gives all members of the Bluefield family an opportunity to fellowship, get a little exercise, and be a part of remembering and honoring Dan Bowman.”

For more information or to register for “Team Dean Dan,” visit bluefield.edu and click on the 10K banner. Next, on the race website, click the Monument Avenue 10K link and then the “register online” button, before “joining an existing team,” the Bluefield College team.

As part of the Bluefield College tribute gathering, alumni and friends are invited to meet the day before the race, Friday, March 27 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Buzz and Ned’s on Broad Street for fellowship, reminiscing, appetizers and drinks, courtesy of the BC Alumni Office.

In addition, after the race on Saturday, March 28, members of “Team Dean Dan” and other Bluefield College alumni and friends are encouraged to gather at the shelter in Monroe Park for a team picture and additional reunion time. To register for the pre- and/or post-race alumni gatherings, visit bluefield.edu.

- From Bluefield College

Submitted by Anita Brown Booth

Kelly Wilmore, superintendent, said that Craig County schools are very excited about their new teachers. “We told them the first day, ‘You are the best and that is why you are here,’” he said. “We had a lot of applicants and we are very fortunate to hire this staff.” Wilmore gave ‘kudos’ to the principals and administrative team for interviewing and hiring such good people. “I would put our K-12 teachers and staff up against anybody right now,” he said.
Pictured, from left to right: (front row) Heather Pressley, algebra, geometry seventh and eighth grade; Melissa Hubbard, second grade; Rebecca Reppert, school psychologist; Carrie Manes, high school art; Langley Looney, high school special education; (back row) Donald Maness fourth and fifth grade science; Katy Eller, sixth and seventh grade English; Margaret Bell, instructional aid; Chad Parries, eighth grade. Photo by Pam Dudding-Burch.

They shared a delicious lunch prepared by the cafeteria workers to welcome back teachers to the new school year. The retired teachers always look forward to seeing old friends and appreciate being remembered for their service by being included in the event. A few of the retired teachers still volunteer at the schools and are looking forward to seeing their students.

Panco Cantley opened the business meeting and projects were discussed for the remainder of the year. Plans were also made for American Education Week.

The retired teachers who taught at Craig County schools, who were ‘remembering the good times’ enjoyed seeing the current and new teachers at the special luncheon that was served.
Pictured, from left to right: (front row) Marie Dobyns, music/band and glee club director; Patsy Duncan, librarian; Evelyn Mitchell, home economics and elementary; Karen Bradley, elementary; Jeannie Guthrie, librarian, English; Jackie Cantley, chemistry, physics, science; Panco Cantley, principal, office; Kim Hendrick, English, Library; (back row) Anita Booth, English; Harriet Hypes, guidance counselor; Jay Polen, special education; Adele Morris, director of technology; Dallas Helms, superintendent; Shirley Woodall, elementary, counselor, principal; Josephine Keller, elementary; Lloyd Hale, middle school; Jim Henderson, agriculture; Sue Crenshaw, special education. Photo by Pam Dudding-Burch.

The Association hopes that Kathryn Anne Flinchum, the annual scholarship recipient with plans to major in elementary education, is enjoying her freshman year in college.

The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1 at Craig Valley Baptist Church. The Christmas Donation will be collected at the meeting to help a local family have a happy Christmas. Craig County Retired Teachers is open to membership to any retired employee of the public schools.

Chatter, laughter and ‘good ole times’ were shared Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the teacher and staff luncheon. Current teachers, staff and administrative teams attended, along with the retired and all of the new teachers hired for the upcoming school year, which starts Aug.19. Rooms were already decorated and set up for the students to arrive next week. Photo by Pam Dudding-Burch.

By Pam Dudding-Burch

Craig County Public Schools are continuing to rake in local and international acknowledgements and awards.

Craig Co. High has been chosen ‘top choice’ by “Virginia Living” magazine.

Most recently, Craig County High School was chosen “top choice” in the category of Science, Math and Technology by “Virginia Living” magazine. Craig County Superintendent Kelly Wilmore recently received an email congratulating the school from the magazine.

Eden Stuart, assistant editor from “Virginia Living,” explained that the magazine has introduced a special bound-in supplement to the next issue that is geared towards celebrating excellence and innovation in the schools in Virginia.

“This will feature in-depth and positive coverage of news and trends in secondary and higher education,” Stuart said. “Virginia Living State of Education includes Top High Schools and Colleges of 2015 with a list of more than 150 programs in public and private high schools and four and two-year colleges leading the way in innovation across the state.”

The magazine’s goal is to recognize schools for excellence and innovation in six categories: Arts and Humanities, Science, Math and Technology, Fine and Visual Arts, Capital Improvements, Athletics and Special Needs. After thorough review of each school’s programs and accomplishments, “Virginia Living” editors selected schools that have “instituted programs or recently begun capital improvements aimed at strengthening students’ experiences in and beyond the classroom.”

The “Virginia Living State of Education 2015” hit newsstands on Friday, Sept. 11.

“Soon, all of our readers will see that yours is one of the most innovative programs in Virginia,” Stuart said.

He added that “Virginia Living’s Top High Schools and Colleges 2015” is the best resource for anyone curious about why Virginia’s schools are consistently ranked among the nation’s best.

Erin Parkhurst, editor of “Virginia Living” said the following about why Craig County Public Schools appeared in the Science, Math and Technology category of their list:

“New York-based nonprofit Working in Support of Education (W!SE) named Craig County High School ninth on its 2015 list of the 100 Best W!SE High Schools Teaching Personal Finance, making it the highest ranked school from the Commonwealth. Rankings were based on scores from the organization’s financial literacy certification test, an end-of-year requirement for students in Craig County’s program.”

The accolades were met with applause by those at the school board meeting.

“I am honored that Virginia Living Magazine would choose our small school for such a prestigious honor,” Wilmore said at the meeting. “This is a testament of the hard work put in by our incredible teachers, staff and students.”

By Pam Dudding-Burch

Geoff Boyer, Android App Development teacher at Craig County, was as excited as his students to receive their new Amazon Fire seven-inch tablets for each class member, through their internet fundraiser. Photo by Pam Dudding-Burch.

“I knew that the golf club had done a GoFundMe project, so I was wondering if there were any fundraising options that were educational,” Boyer said.

“I was on Twitter and stumbled across an organization called donorschoose.org,” he said.

Boyer shared that he wrote a profile and shared with them the number of students he had and that he was looking for funds to help purchase the new Amazon Fire seven-inch tablet that had just come out last year for each of his students, including 10 seniors and one junior.

In the profile, Boyer shared that he teaches an Android app development class where he trains students to write their own apps.

“I have always enjoyed technology and liked designing my own things,” Boyer said. “Helping to teach the students to design their own app allows you to see the creativity inside of each individual child.”

When Boyer began teaching the class three years ago, there was only one other school in the state of Virginia that also taught it. He called the teacher in Northern Virginia and found out that they had the same goals for the students. Boyer searched the web and found out that then, over three years ago, only 50 high schools in the United States taught an Android App Development class.

“Today, there are still only 70 schools teaching the app,” Boyer said.

“In the class, I teach the students how to program Android Applications,” Boyer said. “We actually make apps in the class.”

Two years ago, the students designed a Craig County Public Service app, where they took photos around town and designed a gallery. The gallery includes pictures of Craig County, the school calendar, contact numbers that call with one click and even directions for parents driving to away games.

“If someone was driving to Perry McCluer and didn’t know how to get there, all they have to do is tap on the app and the directions are right there,” Boyer said.

Boyer added that in class, he designs a “skeleton” app for the students and then they take it from there and create their own product for the app. One skeleton app he presented to the students was a “Do-it-yourself” app. The students were to design their own DIY app with a product where people could “do-it-themselves.” One student created a crocheting app and received over 1000 downloads in a short time.

“She was excited!” Boyer said.

Boyer has been teaching this class at Craig for over three years now. However, the part that likely accelerated his chances for donations was the fact that he teaches his students not only how to market, but to actually sell their apps.

“We publish all of our apps on the Amazon market,” Boyer said.

Boyer teaches the students how to set up their own store and their own pay-pal or bank account.

“I don’t have access to their apps as they have to set up their own passwords and emails,” he said.

However, the students do have to publish their apps to get a class grade. Some students share all of their apps and offer them for free while others sell their apps.

“I have a couple of students who have made several hundred dollars,” Boyer said. “I have been personally selling apps for the last five or six years.”

“In applying for the funds, it was almost like shopping,” Boyer said. “When you apply, you then go on amazon and fill up a shopping cart, sharing what you want for your students.”

He added that he sent the fundraiser out through email and twitter to spread the word that they were raising funds for the tablets for the students, and had the students do the same.

“We were pleased that we had local donors from Craig,” Boyer said.

However, the last “big chunk” came from a company located in Atlanta, Ga. that donates towards educational funds. Over $1,000 was raised.
“It was so easy after the money was collected on the site as Amazon then filled the cart, and two days later the tablets were here,”” Boyer said.

Money was donated for 11 students and one teacher.

“It was a cool surprise for everyone to take their own new up-to-date Fire seven-inch HD tablet home,” he added.

When the students received their free tablet, Guss Brown, a senio, had the class tgive a standing ovation to everyone, especially Mr. Boyer.

“They got so excited,” Boyer said. “Guss was so excited and kept saying, ‘This is awesome!’”

“Now with their own tablet, not only can they use their own apps but they can develop them, test what they make, problem solve and trouble shoot,” Boyer added.

He shared that every day he begins the class by having students check their individual app stores.

“It’s truly exciting as a teacher to hear a student yell out with excitement, ‘I had 56 downloads yesterday!’”

One of Boyer’s students, Cassidy Greenway, designed a coloring book app where a person could choose one of her preset pictures and select a range of colors to paint it with. She also added a canvas where those who download it can take a picture on their phone and then paint it with her app.

“It was rewarding to hear her report that she was having a minimum of 20 downloads per day,” Boyer said, adding that she was also the first one in the class to hit 1,000.

In a previous class, Boyer had a student who designed a game who had over 1,000 downloads in the first week.

“Others have done really well at this also and have started charging for their apps,” he explained, adding that these are usually games apps. “It’s fun as there is a little competition amongst the students. It’s neat to think that there are hundreds of people out there that have something you designed on their phone.”

Last year, Boyer also started a class for gifted students from second through seventh grade. It was so successful, as some of these students had their apps going all around the world. They tracked them and the apps were listed in 20 different countries.
Starting in February, Boyer will repeat this class. He plans to make a game app for them this time.

Boyer chuckled as he explained that there have been no million dollar ideas “yet,” however, added that with the world expanding in technology, it could lead to one.

“It’s a problem to solve and you use logic,” Boyer said.

Some students will be able to use this with programming and technology.

“I am learning too,” Boyer said.

When he gives students skeleton apps, Boyer said that their creative minds are allowed to branch out. ”

“Most of them are becoming more technologically savvy than I am now and it makes it interesting for me,” he said, adding that the students gain knowledge and are allowed to help each other and learn from one another as well.

“I want to show them how to make a hobby profitable,” Boyer said.

Businesses are now using apps to increase awareness of their products, which is Boyer’s next classroom focus.

“I want to show students how they can develop an app and be able to approach a business, showing that they can get 4,000 people this month to know about their product for free,” he said.

Boyer added that maybe his class could work with local businesses as well.

Each of his students has a bank of 10-15 apps in their individual library of apps, with many more free apps available to them.

“I am going to show them how to add these to their bank,” Boyer said.

Several of his students have proven their creative talent by going beyond the “average” student knowledge and creating new avenues for themselves as well as helping each other.

“Having their own tablet now helps the students in advertising as they can now actually look at their existing apps themselves, and it gives them a better idea of their visual presentation and expansion of endless possibilities,” Boyer said.

Students can now test their own apps, which is important in their classroom success.

“I am still processing that we got these,” Boyer said, and he is already thinking about next year’s class. When asked if he had thought about offering a class to the community, he admitted he had not, but would definitely consider it.

“I had looked at teaching a class online,” he said with a smile. “Teaching fulltime and having 3-year old twins limits my extra time.”

By Pam Dudding-Burch

Results from a behavioral survey at Craig County Middle School and High School have teachers and administration diligently working to create assistance programs for students struggling with tobacco and drug use, as well as suicidal thoughts and attempts.

“All of our children are important, and their future is equally important, so we want to do everything we can to keep them in school and learning,” said Chip Gray, interim superintendent.

A Craig County Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted by the Craig Prevention Planning Team, and statistics were recently presented by J.D. Carlin, a prevention specialist from Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare in Roanoke.

Carlin thanked school staff and administration, as well as other outside agencies, community leaders and parents for supporting the CPPT initiatives over the years.

Every two years, the survey is conducted at the middle and high school, with 300-350 participating students.

“This data is then sent to Dr. Redican at Va. Tech and Dr. Sallee at Radford who then processes this information for us,” Carlin said.

One concern is that funding is no longer available from the previous avenues, and that Craig County will have to search for new ways to continue the survey. The survey has been conducted every two years since 2003, except for 2007 due to lack of funding.

Survey questions address alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, and drug use. Questions also address violence, mental health, sexual behavior, personal safety, and health and social activities.

According to the survey, tobacco smoking in Craig County has increased form 22.2 percent in 2005 to 24.8 percent in 2015, whereas use of chewing tobacco or snuff has increased from 8.8 percent to 20.6 percent in the same time frame.

Smokeless tobacco use has increased in the middle school from 6.7 percent to 9.4 percent in the last 10 years, and from 8.8 percent to 21.6 percent in the high school.

However, one of the main concerns is electronic cigarettes and vapors, which 30.9 percent of high school students currently report to use.

Depression and suicidal feelings declined from 2005 to 2011, however have began escalating in the last four years to 27.7 percent. A staggering 15.9 percent of high school students in Craig County actually said they attempted suicide in 2015. Statistics increased at the middle school as well, with 11.1 percent of students claiming to have attempted suicide in 2015.

“Though increasing nationally, it is increasing at a much higher rate in Craig County,” Carlin said. “We want to provide more suicide awareness education. We need to know that these are issues and we need to continue to look at ways to apply for grants and really view these as topics that need our attention.”

The presentation also addressed suspension policies, and how detrimental being out of school can be to a student’s overall wellbeing. This year, Craig County had 140 student in-school suspensions and 37 out-of-school suspensions.

“We would like to get it to zero, and we want to think our administrators are looking for options and alternatives for out of school suspension,” Gray said. “There is a national understanding that children are not being educated if they are not in school.”

“Obviously there are situations in which an administrator may have little choice, such as violent or threatening behavior, things that are clearly criminal, or behavior that disrupts the orderly delivery of an education to other students,” he added.

Preventative education during the 2015-16 school year has included programs such as “Too Good for Drugs” and “Too Good for Violence,” which were taught in the elementary and middle school.

Carlin emphasized, “When parents disapprove of drug use, kids listen.”

Statistics suggest that Craig County teens who know their parents disapprove of drug use are nearly two times less likely to drink alcohol, nine times less likely to smoke marijuana, and almost five times less likely to use prescription drugs when taught the dangers of drug use.

Craig County teens who know there is moderate-to-great risk to drug use are over 50 percent less likely to drink alcohol, 13 times less likely to smoke marijuana, and 7.5 times less likely to use prescription drugs to get high.

Aaron Calfee, school board member, said he was concerned that there aren’t more educational programs for older students, which Carlin said can be difficult due to scheduling.

“It would be something we could write into the grant that would be very attractive,” Carlin added. “Make sure staff is truly and properly trained in how to recognize, identify and initiate conversations, so then we can do referrals.”

Those in need of help are encouraged to reach out for support. For more information from CPPT, call 540-982-1427.

“This is so serious, as it only takes one night and one student, and an entire community is affected,” Carlin added.

NEW CASTLE – The Craig County Rockets hope to come out of this week no worse than third in the Pioneer District softball standings.

Craig comes into the week at 3-3 in Pioneer games with four to play. The Rockets hooked up with James River in Buchanan Tuesday, and the Knights are tied for the lead with Bath County, a team that defeated Craig in New Castle last Friday.

Today, Wednesday, the Rockets have an important makeup game with Covington. Saturday the regular season concludes with a doubleheader at Highland County. Craig has already beaten Covington once and Highland has a weak team, so if the favorites win all week the Rockets could end the regular reason at 6-4 in the district, and that would be good for third place.

“If we play well we have a chance to beat James River, and that would give us a chance to tie for second,” said coach Trent Lipes. “I’d like to come out of this week in no worse than third place.”

Third would be a good spot, because that would put the Rockets in the opposite bracket of the regular season champion for the Pioneer District tournament. That would make an easier road to travel to make the regional.

One thing that will make it tougher is that ace pitcher Nicole Craft won’t be able to pitch the James River game after suffering some shoulder soreness last week. Nicole can still hit and play the infield, but her status as a pitcher is uncertain. She did not pitch last Friday when the Rockets dropped a 7-1 game to Bath County in New Castle.

“She said her shoulder hurt,” said Lipes. “I know she won’t pitch against James River, and we’ll just have to wait and see how she feels after that. It will be up to her.”

Brittany Ratliff and freshman Ashley Dudding pitched against Bath, with Ratliff going five innings and Dudding finishing the game. It didn’t really matter who pitched for Craig on this day as J.J. Ford, the sophomore sensation for Bath, pitched a dominating game for the Chargers. She struck out 16 batters as Bath kept pace with James River for first in the district.

“She’s an excellent pitcher,” said Lipes. “Without her they’re just another team. I think James River has the best overall team in our district, but when Ford is on the mound Bath can beat anyone. She’s good.”

Craig had four hits, including a double by Dudding. Rafliff, Sarah Wood, and Jordyn Frango had singles and Wood knocked in Craig’s only run.

The Rockets are now 7-10 overall. Sophomore Oliva Cole was expected to get the start on the mound against James River.

New Castle – The Craig County track team tuned up for this week’s Pioneer District meet by participating in a four-school event at Floyd County High School last week. The Pioneer District meet is this Friday in Covington.

Craig, Glenvar, and Grayson County joined host Floyd in last week’s meet, and Craig had some strong performances as usual. Christine Surface won the 300 meter hurdles in 53.7 seconds and also took fourth in the long jump at 13’ 5”. Jessica Stebar won the 1,600 meters with a personal best time of 6:02 and Jode Martin won the 800 in 2:56.

Craig County swept the girls’ 3,200 as Brianna Swartwout took first in 13:37, Jessica Stebar was seven seconds behind for runnerup honors, and Kora White was third at 14:41. Swartwout also took third in the 1,600 and White was fourth in that race.

For the boys, Cody McCarty took second in the shot put with a heave of 35’ 10”. Jesse Crowder was fourth in the discus with a personal best of 100’, 3 ½”.

Matt Oulette took fourth in the 100 meters in 12.0 seconds and he was also fourth in the 400 in 55.4. John Lipes was third in the 1,600 meters in 5:27 and second in the 3,200 meters in 11:34. Landon Worrell took fourth in the 800 meter run in 2:42.

Friday’s Pioneer District meet will begin with field events at 2:30 pm.

Catherine Simmons Maxey of Roanoke and Toby and Mary Loritsch of Salem are pleased to announcement the engagement of their children, Olivia Brooke Simmons and Michael Ryan Loritsch.

Brooke is also the daughter of the late David Simmons. She graduated from Craig County High School and is a dental assistant in Roanoke.

Mike graduated from Salem High School and attended Radford University. He works for Industrial Fabricators Inc. in Roanoke.

The couple plan to be married on Dec. 11.

NEW CASTLE – Craig County High School was placed on lockdown Monday morning, as law enforcement officers with drug-sniffing dogs did a search of the school.

For more details, see this week’s Sept. 15 issue of The New Castle Record.

Mike and Chris Ouellette of New Castle are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Britney Nicole Smith, to James Michael Huffman, son of Mike and Betsy Huffman, also of New Castle. Britney is also the daughter of Oscar W. Smith Jr., of Moneta.

She is a graduate of Craig County High School and earned a B.S. in Psychology from Radford University. She is currently a high school teacher in northern Virginia and will receive her master’s degree in special education from George Mason University this spring.

James also graduated from Craig County High School and earned a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Cornell University. He is currently employed by Falfurrias Capital Partners in Charlotte, NC.

The couple plan to be married on Aug. 13.

Jackie Bernice All and Jeremy Scot Thomas are excited to announce their engagement.

Jackie is the daughter of Evelyn All and Gary Crawford, both of New Castle. She is a Craig County High School and National College graduate, and is employed by Roanoke County Department of Social Services.

Jeremy is the son of Linda and Jim Parker and Ray and Darlene Thomas, all of Covington. He is an Alleghany High School and West Virginia University graduate, and is employed by Mead Westvaco.

A September 2011 wedding is planned.

Emily Michelle Peters and Fletcher Paul Abbott were joined together in holy matrimony on June 11 at Colonial Avenue Baptist Church in Roanoke.

The covenant wedding ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Paul Abbott, father of the groom. He was joined by the bride’s pastors: the Rev. Dr. J. Michael Palmer and the Rev. Greg Moser of Green Ridge Baptist Church and the Rev. Scott Hamilton, who currently serves at Green Hill Baptist Church. A reception with dinner and dancing followed.

The bride is the daughter of Kevin and Kris Peters of New Castle. She is the granddaughter of Margaret Peters and the late Robert “Bud” Peters of New Castle and Doug and Darlene Lucas of Fredericksburg and the great-granddaughter of Madge Franklin of New Castle.

Sarah Lucas of Nashville, Tenn., was the maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Chelsey Taylor of Salem, Ore.; Emily Postanowicz of Burtonsville, Md.; Taylor Lucas of Fredericksburg, Kim Hankins of League City, Texas, and Emily Carnahan of Richmond.

The groom is the son of Paul and Sharon Abbott of Fredrick, Md. His best man was Jesse Tosten of New Market, Md. Groomsmen were Mike Arbige of Amsterdam, N.Y.; Nate Hook of Rio Rancho, N. M., Justin Patchett of Lynchburg, Heath Hudnall of Newport News and Benji Hall of Yreka, Calif.

The bride is a graduate of Craig County High School and Liberty University. The groom is a graduate of Cedarbrook Academy and Liberty University, and is the youth pastor at Marysville Berean Church in Marysville, Kansas.

The bride wore her mother’s veil, her Grandmother Peters’ pearls and carried her Great-Grandmother Bryant’s handkerchief.

Isaac Lucas was the ring bearer. Flower girls were Mariah Kilburn, Isabella Kretser, Abigail Niehaus and Madeline Niehaus. Ushers were Jackson Abbott, Chance Abbott, Keagan Abbott, Robert Peters and Matthew Peters. Program attendants were McKenzie Lucas, Michaela Lucas and Makenna Boardwine.

Musicians were the Rev. David McNees and Ben and Jan Bryant, all of Roanoke. Videographers were Nathan and Justin Moe, of Baltimore, Md. Sarah Abbott, sister of the groom, was the photographer, and the wedding planner was Connie Nelson of Roanoke.

After celebrating their honeymoon in Aruba, the newlyweds now reside in Marysville, Kansas.

Barry W. Hoover of New Castle and Carmelita Hoover of Salem are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Ruth Anne Hoover, to James Matthew Duffy, son of Michael and the late Deloris Duffy, of Horsepasture.

She graduated from Craig County High School and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise where she was a volleyball player. She is now a sales representative for GCS Electronics & Communications in Martinsville.

The future groom, who graduated from Magna Vista High School in Ridgeway, is also a graduate and former baseball player for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. He is now a teacher for Magna Vista High and coaches the Martinsville Mustangs, a member of the Coastal Plains collegiate wooden bat league.

The two will be married in May of this year.

The strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” for graduates to process into the auditorium were still echoing when the celebrating began at a recent commencement ceremony.

There was a little pomp and lots of circumstance: graduates’ families and friends whooping and hollering for their favorites, whistling, a bull horn or two.

The moms and dads and grandmoms and granddads and younger brothers and sisters – and in some cases, the graduates’ children – were rightly proud of their graduates.

At least there were no wildly decorated caps and gowns or beach balls bouncing around during the commencement ceremony. And nobody streaked through, as we used to say in Georgia, “nakkked.”

I’m all for beach balls after the ceremony, though. One of my favorite graduation ceremonies was when No. 1 daughter Meredith graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.

After Southern writer-in-residence Clyde Edgerton finished his remarks and the graduates had been duly recognized, a net in the ceiling released hundreds of beach balls made like globes. In other words, the graduates got the world.

I liked Edgerton’s advice to the young people, too. He told them four things: “Listen to your heart. Listen to old people. Talk to children,” and you’re never too happy or too sad to “Listen to the blues.” And that’s when Edgerton pulled out his harmonica and played the blues.

Naturally, the crowd went wild.

I’m certainly not the celebrated writer Edgerton is, but I have a bit of advice for today’s graduates, too.

Choose people.

Craig County, Salem and Glenvar high school seniors and college graduates are getting all kinds of advice right now as they prepare to for their roles in life.

I know making a living, preferably in your field, is considered first and foremost. Even in this iffy job market, graduates dream of big jobs, big salaries and moving to big places.

Do it, if that’s what you believe you want – at least for a little while. But remember the people factor.

It’s tempting to choose jobs and places that sound important. Remember to come home, and to surround yourself with people who are important to you. Notice I said people important to you, not important people.

Keep in touch with your family, your friends, your teachers, people you worked with and played with, and I don’t mean only by Facebook, Twitter and texting.

Come home, too. And when offered a choice between lots of money and enough money and an opportunity to live near family and friends, choose people.