Construction is under way on the Masonic Amphitheatre, which will be located behind the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge.

In the photos above, students from the Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design’s design/buildLAB are on hand as prefabricated amphitheatre pieces arrive in Clifton Forge.

The amphitheatre is scheduled to hold a grand opening on June 23.

The facility was designed and will be built by the Virginia Tech students.

For more information, visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com.

(Photos Courtesy Chuck Almarez)

Thirty newly-minted Registered Nurses who completed the practical nursing program at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College received their pins Thursday evening during a ceremony held at the college’s Convocation Center. Commencement exercises at DSLCC will begin at 7 p.m. tonight. Front row, from left: Tina Dunaway, Kristin Burch, Jeannie Thompson, Laura Dowdy, Janet Dressler Paris Green, Cassie Fornwalt, Leslie Knight, Laura Thurston. Middle row: Tammy Hepler, Lauren Campbell, Billie O’Conner, Brooke Jackson, Caitlin Stover, Heather Dunbar, Heather Marshall, Debra Ballard, Amy Albu, Kim Beard. Back row: Heather Woodzell, Katrina Carroll, Michelle Moses, Jeremy Brookman, Kimberly Howard, Holly Clements, John Applegate, Lisa Caldwell, Victoria Patterson-Sorrels, Stephanie Noel-Branch, Jamee Vestal.

DSLCC Nursing Students Receive Pins

Thirty newly-minted Registered Nurses received their pins Thursday evening during a ceremony held at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College’s Convocation Center.

The ceremony marked their completion of DSLCC’s two-year practical nursing program.

“These students have made their own circumstances,” said DSLCC President Dr. Richard Teaff in his welcoming remarks. “They have dreamed and they will persevere.

“They have chosen a challenging and rewarding path. The nursing program they chose to pursue is one of the most rigorous,” Teaff continued. “These students have earned and deserve our respect and they have earned the right to wear their pins with pride.”

Ward Stevens, assistant vice president for development at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the former CEO of Alleghany Regional Hospital, was the guest speaker for Thursday’s ceremonies.

He told the Class of 2012 that they were joining the ranks of an elite group of citizens.

“You are special and you are important,” said Stevens. “In Virginia, we have about 8 million people. Of those, about 17,000 of them have nursing licenses. That means that only 1.5 percent become nurses. That says a lot. You’re special. You have special skills.”

According to Stevens, that small percentage of Virginia’s population is among the nation’s and the commonwealth’s most trusted professionals.

“A Gallup poll released last November said the most trusted profession in the United States was a registered nurse,” he said. “That’s a position that nurses have held 12 of the last 13 times this poll was conducted. That makes you special and it also creates a great responsibility.”

Stevens went on to offer the Class of 2012 advice on how to keep that trust.

“I want you to always wear your CAP, and I’m not talking about the one you have on tonight,” he said, referring to the hat that is traditionally part of a nurse’s uniform.

“Be Courteous, be an Advocate, and be a Participant.

“Patients are people,” Stevens continued. “Recognize that.
You have to leave your attitude at the door. If you need help, get it. As a nurse, you’re going to be in the thick of things. Ask yourself, what would happen if a nurse wasn’t there to be an advocate for the patient? There would be a lot more dead people.”

Stevens encouraged the nursing graduates to be a “key part of a health care team.”

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, complain, and most fools do,” he said, recalling the words of Dale Carnegie. “I encourage you, don’t be a fool.”

Stevens acknowledged that keeping abreast of the latest changes in the field of medicine was difficult, but was nonetheless a challenge that every nurse had to conquer.
“If you fail at this, it won’t matter if you’re courteous and an advocate,” he said. “Remember, your patients always expect technical competence. You can spend your time fighting change or you can spend your time making sure it is optimizing the care you’re providing for your patient.”

As he closed his remarks, Stevens offered a final piece of advice to the nurses who were about to begin their careers.

“How do you wear your CAP everyday? Work somewhere where you’re allowed and encouraged to be an advocate for your patient,” he said. “Work somewhere where the values of health care feed your growth.

“You’re special,” Stevens reminded the graduates. “You’re important and I want to congratulate you on your accomplishment.”

The invocation was given by Victoria Patterson-Sorrels and the benediction was given by Debbie Williams. Magnolia Perdue provided a vocal selection for the special music and Lynn McAllister led the graduates in the Nightingale Pledge.

The pinning was performed by members of the nursing faculty, which includes Ann May, Lynn McAllister, Karen Persinger and Deborah Williams. Adjunct nursing faculty includes Amy Clarke, Beverley Ellis-Smith, Laura Meadows, Jessica Perry, Nancy Stikes and Chris Taylor.

The Health Technologies Curriculum Advisory Board includes Michelle Browning, Leslie Downer, Melissa Edwards, Sandy Kemper, Ambra Nida, Cathy Trudgeon, Gail Weinsheimer and Vanessa Wilmer.

Members of the Class of 2012 include:

Amy R. Albu, John M. Applegate, Debra Ballard, Kim Beard, Jeremy Brookman, Kristin L. Burch, Lisa Caldwell, Lauren Campbell, Katrina Carroll, Holly Jean Clements, Laura Lea Dowdy, Janet Johnson Dressler, Tina Dunaway, Heather L. Dunbar, Cassie Ann Fornwalt, Paris Neche Green, Tammy Hepler, Kim Howard, Brooke Danielle Jackson, Leslie Knight, Heather Kisamore Marshall, Michelle Coffey Moses, Stephanie Noel-Branch, Billie Ann O’Conner, Victoria Patterson Sorrels, Caitlin Stover, Jeannie Thompson, Laura J. Thurston, Jamee M. Vestal and Heather M. Woodzell.

Alleghany High School has named Craig Walton, left, as valedictorian, and Jeremy Evans, right, as salutatorian for the Class of 2012. The announcement was made Tuesday.

Craig Walton, Jeremy Evans Top AHS Grads

For the first time in several years, Alleghany High School has a valedictorian and salutatorian.

The school has announced Craig Wesley Walton as its valedictorian and Jeremy Alan Evans as its salutatorian.

The announcement was made Tuesday during a reception to recognize the AHS Class of 2012 honor graduates. The ceremony was held in the AHS library.

Craig is the son of Tim and Susan Walton of Clearview Estates. At AHS, he has been a member of the Beta Club for two years, and was vice president for one year. He has been a member of the Key Club for four years and also a member of the Students for Christ Club for four years. He was also a member of the Academic Challenge team for one year.

He has been a member of both the indoor and outdoor track teams, and has been a two-year lettermen for each squad. He has also been a member of the cross country team, earning two varsity letters.

He has earned two Academic Excellence awards from the Jackson River Governor’s School, and in 2008, he attended the Jackson River Governor’s School of Field Ecology.

He has been a member of Boy Scouts for seven years, and in the fall of 2010 he attained his Eagle Scout rank. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow.

Craig attends Dunlap Christian Church where he serves as a junior deacon. He is also employed at Hardees in Covington.

In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, cycling and inner-tubing.

Craig plans to attend Virginia Tech in the fall to study electrical engineering.

Jeremy is the son of Steve and Debra Evans of Clifton Forge. At AHS he was on the A Honor Roll each semester during his freshman, sophomore and junior years. During his junior year he received both the Outstanding Calculus Scholar Award and the Academic Excellence Award.

He has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years, and has served as club secretary. He has a member of the Key Club for four years and the National Beta Club for two years.

This school year he has serves as a tutor at Mountain View Elementary school where he helped fifth graders prepare for their Standards of Learning tests for writing. Last year, he volunteered with the MVES Book Fair where he helped organize books and assisted with counting profits.

Last year he represented AHS at Boys State, and during his sophomore year he participated in the Job Shadowing program where he shadowed an engineer who was an alumnus of N.C. State.

During his freshman year, he attended the Summer Regional Governor’s School for Field Ecology, and last year, he received a Virginia Workforce Readiness Skills certificate of achievement.

During his spare time, Jeremy enjoys reading and camping.

He plans to attend N.C. State in the fall to study engineering.

Craig and Jeremy were among 52 members of the AHS Class of 2012 who were named honor graduates. Others include: Matthew Allan Anderson, Aubrey Michael Batten, Brian Kyle Bess, Benjamin Seth Black, James Michael Boothe, Seth Isaac Bradley, Kayla Elaine Buchanan, Emily Jean Burdette, Jordan Isaac Carroll, Sara Elizabeth Church, Christopher Ethan Dew, Erin Michelle Durham, Brandi Leigh Elmore, Tabitha Louise Green, Amber Nicole Guth.

Also: Callie Logan Hale, Chelsea Mae Harshbarger, Katie May Hepler, Morgan Stewart Herr, Hunter Michael Herwald, Stephen Allen Hosey, Brittany Michelle Huffer, Krista Leigh Humphries, Travis Wayne Hyler, Sally Rose Johnson, Haden Andrew Kincaid, Austin James Lekan, Tyler Drew Linkenhoker, Samantha Renee Lockhart, Erich Ryan Mann, Sarah Katharine Marshall, William Jackson Mason, Rebecca Hope Mays.

Also: Zachary Seth Nicely, Austin McKinley Price. Cheyenne Lee Price, Derek Steven Ratliff, Dakota Gray Scott, Eric Corbin Sites, Ethan Scott Smith, Hannah Brooke Taylor, Anthony Lee Thompson, Kevin James Tremblay, Michael Alan Tyree, Rebecca Elizabeth Vaughan, Benjamin Heath Vess, Kaylyn Marie Walton, Tyler Keith West, Spencer Christian Wilhelm, Kristian Nicole Wiseman.

Members of the AHS Class of 2012 will participate in graduation exercises June 2 at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College at 10 a.m.

Two construction/renovation projects, totaling $2.43 million, converted the Beaver Dam Campground into an equestrian camping area and new 23-site Whispering Pines Campground.

Whispering Pines Campground offers 23 sites, including a universally accessible handicap site, dump stations, water and electric hookups, RV sites up to 50 feet and a bathhouse with showers.

The Beaver Dam Equestrian Campground features 14 campsites and 14 horse stalls, as well as a bathhouse. Renovations to the campground allow for larger trailers.

“Equestrian camping is extremely important to a growing number of our visitors,” said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. “With the development of bridle trails through the national forest, the proximity to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington and private riding trails at the Homestead, equestrian camping facilities are in great demand. We’re delighted to provide this new campground to this important group of visitors.”

Douthat State Park is the perfect “base camp” for anyone looking to spend some quality time communing with nature. The park is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened in 1936. Nestled in the Alleghany Mountains the park features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery. Douthat was named one of the nation’s 10 best state parks by the Outside Family Vacation Guide …and for good reason.

•Ideal for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, geocaching, canoeing, and kayaking
•More than 43 miles of trails (trail map)
•50-acre lake with a life-guard staffed beach
•Tent and RV camping
•Civilian Conservation Corps-built cabins for rent
•Make reservations online

CHS Valedictorian And Salutatorian - Covington High School has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2012. Nneka Tenae Lewis, at left, has been named the salutatorian and Bryder Cornelius Osbourne Jr., at right, has been named the valedictorian. Commencement exercises at CHS are scheduled for June 8.

Covington High School has announced the Class of 2012 valedictorian and salutatorian.

Bryder Cornelius Osbourne Jr. has been named the Class of 2012 valedictorian, and Nneka Tenae Lewis has been named the Class of 2012 salutatorian.

Commencement exercises are scheduled for June 8 at Covington High School’s Curfman Hall.

Bryder Cornelius
“Brynel” Osbourne Jr.

Bryder Cornelius Osbourne Jr., also known as Brynel, is the son of Bryder and Chantelle Osbourne of Covington.

While attending Covington High School, Brynel has acquired numerous academic honors and awards.

In the ninth grade, Brynel was invited to be a Student Ambassador for Virginia and received an Academic letter as a Covington Scholar.

In the tenth grade, Byrnel invited to the Congressional Student Leadership Conference and to the Lead America Conference.

In the eleventh grade, he was invited to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference, the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, and Lead America Conference. He was also named a Junior Honor Marshall and was invited to attend the Regional Science Fair.

In the twelfth grade, he was recognized as a Who’s Who Among Honor Students from the United States Achievement Academy.

Most recently, he was named a Covington High School Honor Graduate and was recognized as Mr. CHS, and annual award for the most distinguished Covington High School Senior.

Brynel has also been involved in many other programs and activities at Covington High School.

Over the last four years, Brynel has been a member of the Covington High School Academic Team, Beta Club, Gifted and Talented Program, Project Discovery, Talent Search, Student Council Association, and Photo Journalism. He has also participated in Varsity Track and Field.

Brynel is best known for his involvement in the music programs at Covington High School.

He has been a member of the Covington High School Chorus, where he has been a District Chorus participant. He is a member of the Jazz Band and the Covington High School Marching and Concert Bands. He has received numerous Varsity Letters and Bars for his participation in these programs. He also made All-Area Band during the ninth and twelfth grades.

Even though Brynel has been busy with numerous activities and program at Covington High School, he has also found time to volunteer with the Alleghany Arts Council as a stage crew member.

Brynel’s Band Teacher, Joe Austin, has stated that “Brynel is a model student in all aspects concerning grades and performance and proven his leadership skills to gain the respect of his peers. He is a fine young person of dedication; he respects authority, is responsible, trustworthy, and strives to give his best in all his endeavors.”

After graduating from Covington High School in June, Brynel plans to attend either George Mason University, Longwood University, or Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and pursue a major in music.

Nneka Tenae Lewis

Nneka Tenae Lewis is the daughter of Crystal Lewis of Covington.

While attending Covington High School, Nneka has received numerous academic honors and awards.

During the summer of her ninth grade, she was chosen to attend the summer Field Ecology Program held at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College.

During the tenth grade, Nneka was nominated to attend the 2010 Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference.

During her junior year, Nneka was nominated to attend Virginia Girls State and served as a Junior Honor Marshall.

During her senior year, she was nominated for the Wendy’s Heisman Award.

She most recently was recognized as Miss CHS, an annual award for the most distinguished Covington High School Senior.

Nneka has not only excelled academically at CHS, she has also participated in numerous programs and activities.

She was a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club during the ninth grade. She was a member of the Spanish Club during the ninth and tenth grades. She has been an active member of the Youth in Government Club for the last three years and has served as Secretary of the club. She has been a member of the BETA Club for three years and has served as Secretary and President of the club. She has been a member of the Art Club for the last two years and played volleyball for Covington High School during the ninth and tenth grade.

Since entering Covington High School, Nneka has been an enthusiastic participant in the music programs.

She is a member of the Covington High School Marching and Concert Bands where she serves as a section leader. She is also a member of the Covington High School Chorus.

Nneka has also found time to volunteer her time in the community by participating in the Beta Club Food Drive.

She has been involved in community activities associated with the Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America Club including Pumpkins in the Park and Thrillin Thursdays.

She has participated in numerous community writing events associated with the Veterans of Foreign World and the Covington Woman’s Club. Nneka has also been able to maintain a part time job working at JKK Cleaning.

Nneka’s Band Teacher, Joe Austin states, “Nneka looks for ways to achieve and excel at her studies.”

Upon graduation from Covington High School, Nneka plans to further her education by attending a college or university and major in a health related field that will allow her to conduct research on the brain.

Two construction/renovation projects, totaling $2.43 million, converted the Beaver Dam Campground into an equestrian camping area and new 23-site Whispering Pines Campground.

Whispering Pines Campground offers 23 sites, including a universally accessible handicap site, dump stations, water and electric hookups, RV sites up to 50 feet and a bathhouse with showers.

The Beaver Dam Equestrian Campground features 14 campsites and 14 horse stalls, as well as a bathhouse. Renovations to the campground allow for larger trailers.

“Equestrian camping is extremely important to a growing number of our visitors,” said DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. “With the development of bridle trails through the national forest, the proximity to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington and private riding trails at the Homestead, equestrian camping facilities are in great demand. We’re delighted to provide this new campground to this important group of visitors.”

Douthat State Park is the perfect “base camp” for anyone looking to spend some quality time communing with nature. The park is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the original six Virginia State Parks that opened in 1936. Nestled in the Alleghany Mountains the park features some of Virginia’s most outstanding scenery. Douthat was named one of the nation’s 10 best state parks by Outside Family Vacation Guide……and for good reason.

•Ideal for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, geocaching, canoeing, and kayaking
•More than 43 miles of trails (trail map)
•50-acre lake with a life-guard staffed beach
•Tent and RV camping
•Civilian Conservation Corps-built cabins for rent
•Make reservations online

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