Author: Admin

$100,000 in Gratitude: Meet the 2025 Dawbarn Education Award Winners!

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge announced its 10 recipients of the 2025 Dawbarn Education Awards this week.

For the past 31 years, the Community Foundation has honored community members for their significant impact on youth in the three local public school systems, Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro. The award comes with a $10,000 prize and a special ceremony in the fall.

“While all community foundations share many common traits, our founder (Buz Dawbarn) had the vision to create something truly extraordinary when he established the Dawbarn Education Awards,” said Dan Layman, CEO of the Community Foundation. “The employees of our public school districts do their absolute best with the resources available to them, and many go well beyond the expectations of their profession every day because they love seeing their students succeed. Through the Dawbarn Education Awards, we have the great privilege of honoring these individuals for that commitment and demonstrating our appreciation for them with a significant financial award. This program is one of the highlights of our year.”

The 2025 Dawbarn Education Awards recipients are:

Russell Beverly, bus driver and custodian, Hugh K. Cassell Elementary School
Pete Echols, band teacher, Kate Collins Middle School
Paige Heizer, teacher, Riverheads Elementary School
Blair Hoffman, agriscience teacher, S. Gordon Stewart Middle School
Stacy Mooneyham, business/technology teacher, Shelburne Middle School
Adreanna Sprouse, preschool teacher, Wayne Hills Preschool
Jonathan Steck, social worker, Waynesboro High School
Beth Thompson, secretary, Valley Academy Regional Alternative School
Tyson Thompson, physical education teacher, Arthur R. Ware Elementary School
Jonathan Wilson, band teacher, Staunton City Schools

Miriam Burrows, the director of educational programs at the Community Foundation, made surprise visits to inform this year’s 10 recipients in person.

“Buz Dawbarn believed that education was the foundation of our democracy, and that the people lifting up our kids every day deserve to be lifted up themselves,” Burrows said. “When we hand out a Dawbarn Education Award to a teacher, bus driver, or school secretary for their kindness, integrity, and service, we’re not just recognizing their hard work. We’re celebrating their humanity. We’re holding these people and these values up in front of our children – our students – and saying, ‘This is what success looks like. These are the qualities that we reward in our community.’”

The superintendents from the three school divisions joined Burrows on the surprise announcements to the recipients in their respective jurisdictions.

“I think it’s a thank you from our community – the broader community outside of our school division – for our employees, for the good work they do,” said Dr. Jeffrey Cassell, superintendent of Waynesboro City Schools. “I think the exciting part is that it goes from support staff to teachers and administrators. It recognizes the people in the community that support our youth.”

Dr. Eric Bond, superintendent of Augusta County Schools, is thankful to work in a school division that honors heroes making a difference in the lives of public school students.

“It’s a celebration of public education as a whole,” Bond said. “Our employees work so tirelessly to take care of our children, teach our children and love our children. This is a way our community reaches out and says, ‘We appreciate you. We think you guys are doing a great job, and we want to celebrate you.’ That’s rare. I’m not sure every community has that. We’re lucky in Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro to have the Dawbarn Education Awards.”

Garrett Smith, superintendent for Staunton City Schools, agreed.

“It just makes me so proud of all their accomplishments,” Smith said. “Our big theme this year is putting high expectations into practice. It’s about excellence for everybody, so to celebrate excellence among our teaching staff – it’s so important to us. For students to have these models of excellence within the school system—people they can interact with and look up to – it just makes a huge difference. Having great teachers is really just a game-changer.”

RECIPIENT BIOS

Russell Beverly

As head custodian at Hugh K. Cassell Elementary, Russell Beverly makes sure the school sparkles. The only thing that shines brighter is his personality.

Also a school bus driver, Beverly wears many hats for the school division. He routinely surpasses his job responsibilities to create special handshakes, build relationships, lend an attentive ear or offer a timely piece of advice.

“Mr. Beverly is just the epitome of service,” Hugh K. Cassell principal Shannon Brake said. “He goes above and beyond every day. He’s just an incredible person. He has a really special relationship with so many of our students. He’ll do anything for the people in this building, not just the students but the staff also.”

For Beverly, it all comes down to showing up every day and giving it his best.

“I feel like I don’t deserve this, because I’m just being me,” Beverly said. “I enjoy being around the students. It’s overwhelming to win this. It was quite a surprise for me. It’s emotional. I’m just an average person working for the school, and I enjoy the students.”

Pete Echols

As kids transition from Waynesboro’s elementary schools into sixth grade, the band room is becoming a safe space for an increasing number of numbers.

Not only has Pete Echols grown the band numerically, he’s had a profound impact on the students who sign up.

“He has built relationships, and he has built a program that has given a band family to our school,” said Marcy Nester, principal at Kate Collins Middle School. “He works with them developmentally from wherever they are. You can come in with prior knowledge. You can come in as a beginner. You can come in, and he will find your place. He will take you from where you are, and work with you and get to know you and your family. He’ll help you get to know your instrumental background and a love for music.”

Echols was appreciative of the award.

“Waynesboro’s such a great place to be,” Echols said. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else or teaching anywhere else. Music is a total passion of mine. Music is just a whole lifelong love for me. I love working with young people, and just showing them, ‘Hey, you can do something you maybe never thought you could.

“Band is so fun, because it’s an opportunity. It’s like a restart. You’re learning something brand new in sixth grade. It’s all about, ‘Hey, can we push ourselves and teach ourselves something we’ve never learned before in a community of other people?’ It’s so much fun to watch students learn. And it’s just a joy for me to be a part of that.”

Paige Heizer

Paige Heizer loves teaching.

She loves the kids in her third grade classroom.

And she loves the Riverheads school district.

Each day, Heizer gives her best to all three.

“Mrs. Heizer is an amazing teacher, and she is an even more amazing person,” Riverheads Elementary principal John Matherly said. “She takes on lots of responsibility here, not only for her students, but also for other staff. She’s the chair of our social committee. She drives the spirit and morale of everyone she works with.

“She’s worried about not just her kids, but her colleagues. She works hard to make this a wonderful place to be. Her room is warm and inviting, and she tries to make the whole school match that.”

There’s a saying in her classroom: Once a Heizer kiddo, always a Heizer kiddo.

She works hard to create a family atmosphere, and her colleagues, administrators, parents and guardians of her students notice.

“This is a huge shock,” Heizer said. “It’s just very humbling. It means a lot. I’ve said from the beginning that Riverheads has been my dream school. My family has gone there on both sides. Everybody knows everybody. This is where I’ve wanted to be. I didn’t go here, but I’ve spent the past 12 years investing and getting to know families I’ve taught. It’s just nice to know what I’ve put forth is making an impact.”

Blair Hoffman

Future Farmers of America started in Weyers Cave in 1925.

One hundred years later, Blair Hoffman, agriscience teacher at Gordon Stewart Middle School, is proudly carrying on the tradition.

The Augusta County teacher of the year in 2024, Hoffman works tirelessly to educate students in an incredibly relevant and important field to Augusta County.

“Blair just goes above and beyond,” Stewart Middle School principal Fonda Morris said. “When you think about what the Dawbarn award means, she embodies every aspect of that. She’s very deserving.”

Hoffman was emotional about the recognition.

“This is very overwhelming. I’m so appreciative of this,” she said. “I look at teaching, not just as a career, but as a lifestyle for me and my family. This is really impactful to me. I put my heart and soul into this program. I do it for my students. I try to be the kind of teacher I want my kids to have one day.”

Stacey Mooneyham

As a child, Stacey Mooneyham would practice being a teacher on her stuffed animals.

Later in life, when schoolwork didn’t always come easy, she let the teaching dream go.

Ultimately, Mooneyham left the world of computer programming and found her way in a classroom.

The business teacher at Shelburne Middle School, Mooneyham was Staunton’s teacher of the year in 2024.

“She’s everything to this building,” Shelburne Middle School principal Lisa Warren said. “She is passionate. She is caring. We call ourselves ‘The Herd,’ and she is a leader in ‘The Herd.’ She is the first to find balance in Staunton City School’s high expectations, but also making sure everyone is taken care of socially and emotionally. She is the first to make sure our kids have food for the weekend. She runs a program called Highlanders for Hope here, where we provide support to staff or students who need some extra love. She runs a coat closet for us. She’s just an amazing person.”

In addition to working with students each day, Mooneyham hopes kids can draw inspiration from her journey to the classroom.

Even if finding your life calling doesn’t happen immediately, it can still happen.

“It is such an incredible honor to receive a Dawbarn Award, to be recognized in this way still feels surreal,” Mooneyham said. “I am so thankful that I get to be at Shelburne, for some students during a really hard time in their lives and I get to love and encourage them daily. Middle School can be rough.

“At the heart of what I do is planting seeds to grow and prepare them for the next level, develop their soft skills, set them up for a promotion, applying and getting the job they want, and giving them the confidence to step out and follow their dreams.

“It is such a rewarding job. All of it – teaching the students, providing for them and supporting them. And it’s a pleasure to serve the Staunton community in this way.”

Adreana Sprouse

Adreana Sprouse, a preschool teacher at Wayne Hills Elementary School, was Waynesboro’s teacher of the year in 2024. According to Wayne Hills principal Sarah Ross, Sprouse’s ability to consistently go above and beyond illuminates the whole preschool.

“She’s such a great light,” Ross said. “She brought a great perspective of kindergarten. She knows what the kids need to be ready for. Also, she brings this huge, fun experiential learning side to her. She does eggs. She watches snails under water. There’s always a really fun project going on that her kids are excited about.”

For Sprouse, teaching is just the fulfillment of her life’s calling.

“It’s always amazing to be recognized by your peers,” Sprouse said. “It’s just a lovely way to celebrate the profession of teaching. I’ve always loved people. For little kids, it’s just so amazing to see their excitement about eggs, and the changing leaves; just to help them discover what life is about, and their interaction with it, and how they can be an integral part of it.”

Jonathan Steck

Whenever he’s needed, Jonathan Steck shows up.

A social worker at Waynesboro High School, students know that Steck is “their person,” whether they need to share good news or bad news.

“He’s probably the best adult I know,” said Bryan Stamm, principal at Waynesboro High School. “I think he’s a good example of how to be an educator, how to be an adult, how to be a man, and how to be a member of a community. He’s invaluable. He’s the ultimate wild card. He’ll counsel me if I’m having a rough day and need to bend somebody’s ear all the way down to our students that might be hitting life’s circumstances. He’s the ultimate community guy.”

Steck was overwhelmed with the award.

“This is an absolute shock,” he said. “This means everything to me. Lots of times social work is like a message in a bottle. You never know if you’re reaching the people you want to reach. When you hear that you are, it’s just an absolute fabulous and wonderful experience.”

Beth Thompson

Some students have a tougher time navigating school than others.

For the students who may need a little extra care, they’ll find it in the presence of Beth Thompson, secretary of Valley Academy Regional Alternative School.

The first face students see each day at the school is a friendly, welcoming one.

Thompson had decades of experience in school secretarial work. For C.J. Vandevander, principal at Valley Academy, Thompson’s intangibles were just as important.

“I needed someone who was organized with good management skills,” Vandevander said. “I also needed someone who could connect with this population of students, and somebody who could be more than just a secretary. Someone who could be a family member and a big sister to some of the staff members, a mom and grandmother outside of their extended family. Beth just checked all of those boxes.”

At school, she’s known as Mama Bear.

Perhaps no better analogy describes her care for the students.

“I’m honored – and quite honestly shocked and surprised – I never thought it would happen to somebody like me who does the work that I do,” Thompson said. “It’s beyond a pat on the back. I do this job with so much love. To be recognized for the work you do behind the scenes, it’s just really nice to have that recognition.”

Tyson Thompson

It takes a special educator to live up to the nickname Coach T.

Tyson Thompson, the physical education teacher at A.R. Ware Elementary, is just that person.

For decades, the moniker was associated with Hunter Talbott, a beloved physical education teacher at Shelburne Middle School.

Thompson, a fierce advocate for kids, is cut from the same cloth. The former college basketball standout finds his calling in a gymnasium.

It’s no longer filling up a stat sheet.

It’s now filling kids with hope.

“Not just in this building, but for Staunton as a whole, Tyson has had an impact for a very long time,” A.R. Ware principal Billy Brown said. “He is a friend, a confidant, a mentor and a safe space for kids, especially kids who may not have it in other places. He is a role model for all of our youth. He is just an amazing individual. I love him.”

Thompson prefers to work behind the scenes.

The award came as a huge surprise.

“It means a lot, man,” Thompson said. “It just means that all the time you put in, and the things a lot of people don’t see are appreciated. I just want kids to know they always have someone they can count on – someone in their corner – good, bad, whatever the case may be. Something school-related, or something outside of school, if they need someone to talk to, I’m always here for them.”

Jonathan Wilson

Staunton High School band teacher is also decent at math.

When an opportunity opened for him to move from the middle school to the high school, Wilson jumped at the opportunity.

He knew that either way he’d be working with the same kids.

In high school, however, he’d get them for four years compared to three years in middle school.

Wilson loves music and the students that much.

“Mr. Wilson has brought such a passion and a love for what he does, and that overflow to our students is contagious,” Staunton High School principal Tammy Lightner said. “The band numbers, and their passion and desire to be part of a program that is thriving is amazing. He has such a passion for what he does, and every student feels that. He gives them permission to be who they are as a musician as well as a student.”

Wilson was thrilled with gratitude at receiving a Dawbarn Education Award.

“I’m very surprised, and very grateful,” Wilson said. “I love music. I love people, and I get to do both of those at the same time. Staunton is really supportive of performing arts. The administration supports us. The community loves the arts, and I’m so thankful I got to start here eight years ago. I can’t imagine going anywhere else.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Has a New Home

STAUNTON – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County has a new local program partner.

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge has agreed to serve that role for the international, book-gifting program with The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly Parton’s 501c3 organization.

The program mails a high quality, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five, at no cost to the families.

Prior to the Community Foundation’s involvement, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was administered by the United Way of Staunton, Augusta County & Waynesboro.

The timely transition is good news for local participating families.

“First and foremost, by stepping into this role so quickly we can ensure that the children previously enrolled will experience no interruption in the delivery of their books,” said Dan Layman, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge. “We are also committed to making sure that all eligible families in our community know about the program and how to enroll their children.”

Augusta Health has always played a significant role in making sure children born at the hospital receive enrollment information about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Krystal Moyers, administrative director of community partnerships and communications at Augusta Health, believes the Community Foundation was the right community partner to continue the administration of the program.

“It’s such a relief,” Moyers said. “This is one of the programs, as we go through the transition with United Way, that I was highly invested in, not just in my involvement on the United Way board (of directors), but because of the Augusta Health partnership. We really wanted to ensure that it safely continued. Finding a partner that was invested and cared about it as much as I did – and our Augusta Health team did – was very important to me.”

Miriam Burrows, the director of educational programs at the Community Foundation, will serve as the main coordinator for the program.

“Adding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the educational programs we offer feels like a perfect fit,” Burrows said. Buz Dawbarn, a member and driving force of the founding board of directors for the Community Foundation, once said, “‘The single most important thing we’ve got to do as a society is educate people.’ “I believe that’s true,” Burrows added. “It’s a beautiful thing when a child falls in love with a book, but that’s just the beginning. A love of reading and a love of learning can be a real gift to our community’s future.”

The uninterrupted continuation of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is good news for parents like Staunton resident Sarah Vincent.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been a really fun program that we’ve enjoyed since (my son) Will was a baby,” Vincent said. “Reading is part of our bedtime routine every night, and this program keeps new books coming right to our door. That’s a win for me as a mom, because it’s one thing off of my to-do list. The selection is great, too. He (Will) loves receiving his book in the mail from ‘Miss Dolly.’ It’s just something special for him, and honestly for me, too.”

Although the books are free for families, there is a cost to the administering organization. The Community Foundation is assuming the responsibility for raising 50% of the enrollment fee for each child, which is presently $2.60 a month. The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to providing funding for the remaining 50 percent.

“We have relationships with donors throughout our community who we believe will be eager to support this initiative,” Layman shared.

Community members, local businesses, civic groups and others can make tax-deductible contributions directly to the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge (www.cfcbr.org) and designate their gifts to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Fund.

To learn more or find out how to register your child, you can email Mariam Burrows at mburrows@cfcbr.org.

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 250 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More(™).

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.

To Learn More and to Donate to our Dolly Parton Imagination Library Chapter
CLICK HERE

SAW Housing Summit

August Health, Valley Community Services Board, The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge will host the SAW Housing Summit Oct. 11^th and 12^that the Holiday Inn in Staunton.

The summit comes at a time when housing costs have spiked, rental units have become sparse, homelessness issues persist, and housing inventory is low for the workforce needed by our area employers.

“Housing is our single most expensive essential need, yet our community’s supply does not match the demand for safe, quality, attainable housing for everyone,” said Dan Layman, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge. “We all feel the consequences of this imbalance regardless of our own circumstances.

“Therefore, we all have a stake in working together to chart a different course. This is why the Community Foundation is invested in the success of the upcoming Housing Summit, and why we stand prepared to invest in solutions that will emerge when we have a shared aspiration for housing in our community.”

The summit is the most recent collaborative work between the four organizations. The strategic partnerships deepened during the pandemic and have continued since that time.

Now, the local organizations are collectively bringing together potential partners, both public and private, from across the community to explore housing challenges and solutions over the two-day period.

“Housing affects all of us – every single one of us,” said Lydia Campbell, community-based services manager at Valley Community Services Board. “We all must come together to understand the spectrum of housing issues, from homelessness all the way to home ownership, and decide how each of us who live in the SAW area will care for our community and our neighbors.

“Imagine how much we could do if everyone was not only on the same page, but in the same book, and maybe even on the same line of the same paragraph. SAW would be ending homelessness and curing the housing crisis in record time!”

The summit will provide a combination of speakers on relevant topics, along with times for individuals and agencies to think collectively through possible solutions.

“Presentation topics will include defining and unraveling common misconceptions around affordable housing, assessing our region’s housing landscape, the connections between housing, health, and economic development, how to better promote the development of attainable housing stock, and funding solutions and success stories from around the state,” said Olivia Raines, housing program manager of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.

Housing insecurity is typically defined as any household paying more than 30 percent of income to secure housing. Krystal Moyers, the administrative director for community outreach and partnerships at Augusta Health, sees a correlation between housing insecurity and her work at the hospital.

“Without consistent shelter that is safe, accessible and free of pests and other pollutants, significant health conditions will occur,” Moyers said. “Augusta Health is committed to collaborating with community partners to determine sustainable housing solutions, and in turn improve the overall health of Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro.

“Our community is rich with nonprofits and other organizations who believe housing is a fundamental need and basic human right. They are aligned with Augusta Health in their dedication to ensure housing equity for all.”

Community Grants Celebration

The ovations were a little louder than the standard golf clap.

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge hosted its annual grants celebration at the Orchard Creek golf and swim club in Waynesboro on Wednesday.

In total, the Community Foundation awarded $518,022 to 143 area nonprofit organizations.

“We take great pride in supporting such a broad spectrum of critical and creative charitable work in our community,” said Dan Layman, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge. “Our community is very fortunate to be served by such a diverse and robust nonprofit sector. Through this annual grants program, we are distributing over $500,000 of the $4 million we anticipate giving back to our community this year.”

Playing off the golf theme, representatives of each nonprofit organization received a scorecard with a list of fun activities. They were also asked to choose a musical instrument so that they could toot their own horns, whistle for their work, and play beautifully and exuberantly together.

It created a festive atmosphere.

“This was so fun,” said Clara Metzler, newly appointed executive director of Project Grows. “This is my first time, so I don’t know what these events are usually like. It was a ton of fun, and I made so many connections. It gave me a better picture of the nonprofit landscape in the Valley. This was like a gold mine. It was great.”

Metzler was also thankful to be a grant recipient.

“It helps us do the work that we need help doing,” she said. “This helps underwrite the funding for some of our key programs.”

Debra Freeman-Belle, CEO executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta, agreed.

“After attending this event for several years, I thought this year’s was the most fun,” she said. “It was the most rewarding with the most networking opportunities. It highlighted relationship-building and not just handing us a check, and that’s beneficial to all of us.”

Freeman-Belle knows the funding will have a huge impact.

“For the Club specifically, the only way we’re able to keep our rates affordable is from community funding like this grant,” she said. “It literally means access to affordable care for kids and households that are 200 percent of the federal poverty line or below. It’s the difference between access and no access.”

Sharon Coplai, executive director of Renewing Homes of Greater Augusta, enjoyed the celebration.

“It was great, creative and fun,” Coplai said. “I think everybody enjoyed being introduced to all of the nonprofits in our area in a quick, fun fashion. We depend on this funding. It makes up a big part of our support.”

Complete listing of nonprofit grantees.

Financial Boost for 18 Nonprofits

Financial Boost for 18 Nonprofits

Eighteen local nonprofit organizations just received a financial boost to do much more good in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge (“Community Foundation”) recently announced a special round of grants to 18 local organizations.

The one-time only grants, which range from $50,000 to $150,000 for a total of $2.3 million, are intended to make a meaningful and positive impact on the community. These are made possible by two donor-advised funds administered by the Foundation.

“These two funds were created through the generosity and foresight of the Clifton Forge Waynesboro (CFW) Telephone Company,” said Carl Rosberg, retired President of NTELOS (formerly CFW). “As we exit the pandemic, we are pleased to distribute what remains in the funds to make a meaningful immediate and lasting difference in our community. We are grateful for the support of the Community Foundation in helping us fulfill the philanthropic intent of these funds.”

The diverse group of recipients were chosen by several former NTELOS and Lumos Networks executives. The work of these 18 organizations ranges from providing health and human services, addressing food insecurity and homelessness, offering education and youth development, and enriching our community through arts and culture.

“Community foundations naturally bring together people who care with causes that matter,” shared Dan Layman, the Community Foundation’s CEO. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with community leaders to facilitate grants of this magnitude and long-term impact.”

The recipients are:

ARROW Project: To facilitate sustainable growth of mental health services.
Augusta Health Foundation: To support increased options for remote healthcare access.
Augusta Regional Clinic: To introduce and sustain affordable oral surgery.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank: To increase its capacity to address food insecurity.
Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation: To establish a medical laboratory technology program.
Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton, and Augusta County: To create a new teen center.
LIFEworks Project: To develop the River City Bread Basket.
Mary Baldwin University: To fund new scholarships for local residents.
ShenanArts: To build new cultural programs for all ages.
Sin Barreras: To grow their services for local immigrant families.
Staunton-Augusta Family YMCA: To support affordable, quality childcare.
Valley Alliance for Education: To fund creative ideas to educate local youth.
Valley Mission: To better serve the needs of those who experience homelessness.
The Wayne Theatre: To develop a new outdoor performance venue.
Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry: To sustain their cold weather shelter for the homeless.
Waynesboro Family YMCA: To improve health and wellness facilities for all ages.
Waynesboro Players: To enhance opportunities for youth development via the arts.
Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra: To expand musical offerings and sustain youth education.

These grants, some of which the Foundation will distribute in their entirety this year while fulfilling others over several years, will give a tremendous lift to these local nonprofit organizations.

“With this generous grant the LIFEworks Project will be able to open a client-choice, completely free, supplemental grocery outlet to meet the needs of ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) households,” said Adrienne Young, co-founder of LIFEWorks, an organization that provides practical support to everyday people. “This endeavor will be a game-changer for those struggling to make ends meet, and we are grateful and humbled to be a part of better outcomes for families.”

The grant to the Augusta Regional Dental Clinic will make possible new critical services for patients.

“There is literally no affordable oral surgery care available for low-income residents in our area,” said Sophie Parsons, Executive Director of the Augusta Regional Dental Clinic. “Patients who need wisdom teeth extractions, who suffer from dental injuries or other complex dental pathologies must travel to neighboring counties or even to Richmond. This is now about to change, and we cannot wait to welcome patients in our new oral surgery program.”

With this grant the Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County will realize their long-term goal of creating a teen center.

“According to recent data from the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, there were nearly 400 delinquency cases in our small region,” said Debra Freeman-Belle, CEO and Executive Director of the local Boys & Girls Club chapter. “This initial teen center funding from the Community Foundation will help us create a safe and supervised space for local teens to spend their free time, which National Collaboration for Youth studies show can help reduce juvenile crime rates by up to 30 percent.”

“Once developed, our teen space will promote positive behavior, reduce negative outcomes, and provide a supportive community for SAW teens.”

The CFW Foundation, a private foundation established in 1990 and later known as the NTELOS Foundation, transferred its assets to the Community Foundation in 2015 to create the NTELOS Wireless and Lumos Networks donor-advised funds. The advisors to these two funds are distributing the bulk of the assets through these 18 grants.

2023 Youth Philanthropy Council Celebration!

STAUNTON – Thirteen local nonprofit organizations were awarded grants totaling $30,000 at the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge’s 2023 Youth Philanthropy Council Grants Celebration Tuesday night.

The YPC is a grant-making body comprised of 21 students from all of the local public high schools as well as Stuart Hall School and Ridgeview Christian School. Held at the Staunton Innovation Hub, the celebration was a culmination of a nine-month journey for these students.

Led by Community Foundation Director of Educational Programs Miriam Burrows, the students met monthly at the HUB to learn how nonprofits function and about current challenges in the community. This informed the creation of the YPC’s funding priorities which would guide their evaluations and grant decisions.

The YPC chose to support programs and services that provide equal access to mental health resources, trauma counseling for elementary age children, and programs for residents who need help meeting their basic needs. They were particularly interested in learning about initiatives which attempt to PREVENT the crises which instigate these needs.

On Tuesday night, students like Fort Defiance senior John Emmett Souder got to see the impact of his efforts.

“Today was really cool to see everybody (after we had been arguing about all of the decisions) be really happy with the final result,” Souder said. “It was cool to be able to present together, and be able to put faces with the organizations that we heard so much about.”

The local nonprofit organizations receiving grants were:

ARROW Project
Artis Transitions, Inc.
Blue Ridge CASA for Children
Creative Works Farms
EMBRACE
Mental Health America of Augusta
New Directions Center
On the Road Collaborative
Sin Barreas
The Life Work Project
Valley Children’s Advocacy Center
Valley Hope Counseling Center
Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS)

Leaders in the nonprofit community were grateful to be recognized by the students.

“I’m ecstatic, because they are young people that chose us,” said Susan Venable, president and CEO of Artis Transitions. “They’re passionate. They are the future, and I’m just overwhelmed with joy.”

Claudia Lopez-Nunez, executive director at New Directions Center, agreed.

“It’s unfortunate that domestic violence and human trafficking is an ongoing problem,” Lopez-Nunez said. “Knowing that the younger generation is seeing it as the problem it is, and want to do something about it to contribute, brings us hope for the future.”

To Dan Layman, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, seeing young people fully invested in causes that matter is why the Youth Philanthropy Council exists.

“Not only do we need to take care of the needs of today, we need people taking care of the future,” Layman said. “This is one of the ways in which we are investing in how we care for our community in the future.”

If the 21 kids in the program with Burrows are any indication, Burrows believes the community’s future is safe.

“The care they exhibit in this process is really beautiful,” Burrows said. “They respect each other’s opinions. And they’re genuinely interested in the work of our nonprofit community. They are the helpers!”

Safiya Jarvis is the current chair of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge board.

She echoed the thoughts shared by Burrows.

“It’s a wonderful event,” Jarvis said. “They’ve done a great job. They take their role very seriously as they go through these grant applications, and they are committed to their community. It’s wonderful to see them in this capacity with so much passion for the community.”

It’s equally rewarding for the students. “Honestly, I feel like it was very fulfilling,” said Breya Smith, a Waynesboro High School senior who spent two years on the Youth Philanthropy Council. “Coming in last year, I wasn’t sure what was going on, but it definitely brought a sense of community just within one room. To be able to spread that out to other organizations was very impactful as well.”

Announcement of 2023 Dawbarn Education Awards

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR OUR STUDENTS, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITY

Ten remarkable individuals have been selected as Dawbarn Education Award recipients and will receive a $10,000 cash award each. For 29 years, the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge has awarded individuals for going above and beyond their formal job responsibilities to make a real and lasting impact on the lives of students in the public schools of Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro.

The Dawbarn Education Awards were created in 1992 when the late H. Dunlop “Buz” Dawbarn established an endowment at the Community Foundation. Buz said “the single most important thing we’ve got to do as a society is educate people. Democracy isn’t going to work in the long run if we don’t produce educated citizens.”

The Foundation presented the first awards on Monday October 10^th in 1994, and a total of 287 awards over 29 years. The accompanying cash awards have totaled over $2 million.

The 2023 Dawbarn Education Award Recipients are:

CHESNE BASKA, LIBRARIAN AND MEDIA SPECIALIST. WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Chesne Baska has been the Librarian and Media Specialist at Wilson Middle School for almost three years. In that time, the student book check-out rate has increased by 110%. Her principal Sarah Davis shared, “For some of our English Language Learners, the library has become a safe place of reflection and a place to learn how to play Uno. For shy students, the library has become a place of congenial conversation and a platform for courage. For some of our struggling readers, the library has become a place where they experience success – sometimes for the first time! This is ALL attributed to Mrs. Baska. She is sunshine personified.”

BRADLEY DEWITT, BUSINESS TEACHER AND COACH. STUARTS DRAFT HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. DeWitt goes above and beyond his formal job responsibilities each day in the classroom, and on the field and court as he coaches football, basketball and tennis. In the classroom, along with working with each student to help them succeed in their academic studies, he is a voice of encouragement.

He is the guy students go to if they need help with school, sports, or life in general.

DIANE LUNDSTROM, “RETIRED” YET STILL TEACHING 5^TH GRADE, BERKELEY GLENN ELEMENTARY

Diane Lundstrom served Waynesboro City Schools for 33 years as a fifth grade teacher, all in the same room. Day in and day out, you could find her in room 8 in Berkeley Glenn Elementary School.

Hundreds of students walked through her classroom door and were immediately enveloped in a loving and caring environment. Watching Diane in the classroom is like taking a master class in teaching.

Diane officially retired in 2021. This year, when the call came that Berkeley Glenn was short a fifth-grade teacher, she agreed to job share – once again back in Room 8.

FONDA MORRIS, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, E.G. CLYMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Clymore’s current theme for students, “Throw Kindness Like Confetti,” is a theme principal Fonda Morris models well. She encourages her staff to show great effort, enthusiasm and creativity, and she fosters in them a sense of pride in school and community.

Despite the long nights being a principal, she still found time to coach a Junior Olympic travel volleyball team when the team was left without a coach. After taking first place in a tournament where trophies were not distributed, she took it upon herself to create and purchase T-shirts celebrating her team’s success.

Fonda is well respected in so many communities throughout Augusta County because of her strong leadership and dedication. She is truly like no other. She gives 100 percent of herself 24/7. Even when experiencing challenging circumstances, she continues to be a champion.

BARRY NELSON, HEAD CUSTODIAN, WILSON MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

Barry Nelson became the head custodian at Wilson Memorial High School in 2019.

Barry stands by the front door as many mornings as he can and greets students as they enter the building. Seeing these students take their first step in the building each morning – with a smile on their faces because of Barry’s warm greeting – is deeply heartwarming.

Barry regularly works beyond his set work hours. He also works weekends and holidays.

There is not a time during Barry’s day that he’s not thinking about others and doing everything he can to make sure everyone in the building has their needs met.

CHARLES NESMITH, BAND DIRECTOR, SHELBURNE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Mr. Nesmith consistently goes above and beyond. He’s incapable of not investing his heart and soul into every activity that he prepares for students.

He is committed to equity in the band room – which entails making sure students without financial means are also able to participate in band events that other students enjoy.

His absolute love for music and his dedication to reaching as many students as possible is evidenced by this year’s sixth grade class having over 50 percent participation in the band program, the largest class of musicians to ever come through Shelburne.

To increase participation in district band tryouts, he volunteered to let students shave his head if 35 students auditioned for districts. As a result, over 50 students auditioned. He held true to his word.

LORI PELTONEN, MEDIA SPECIALIST, TEACHER, STAUNTON HIGH SCHOOL

Ms. Peltonen was one of eight finalists for the Mary Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award.

She is an experienced master educator who is essential to the success of students at Staunton High School. Her impact goes far beyond her formal responsibilities as the school’s library media specialist.

On a daily basis, Ms. Peltonen ensures students’ technology needs are met to support their learning. She’s also active in co-teaching with her colleagues and offering classroom-based learning opportunities for students.

She has an expansive, positive, school-wide impact.

DAWN PRYOR, COOK, LEADER IN THE WAYNESBORO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS BOOSTER CLUB, CONCESSIONS CHAIR

Dawn is a line cook at Waynesboro High School. She is also part of the Booster Club’s Executive Committee, and she is the chairperson for concessions for all sports.

Dawn is simply a one-of-a-kind person. Everyone at Waynesboro High School and in the community knows her, and what she is all about.

She’s been doing this for 30 years. Most days, you have to force her to leave the building. She cooks. She cleans. She works the concession stands every night there is an athletic event and does it all with a huge smile on her face, which is usually accompanied with a tremendous hug.

ANGELA SMALL, VETERINARY SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR, VALLEY CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER

Angela is a two-time Valley Career & Technical School teacher of the year.

She has always demonstrated an understanding that out-of-school and in-school struggles can evoke emotions and behaviors in students that present a challenge to students’ education and ability to learn.

She enjoys not just being a great teacher, but a mentor that her students can look up to for guidance, and someone who will lend an ear and listen to what her students have to say.

MATTHEW SNYDER, 6TH GRADE MATH TEACHER, KATE COLLINS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students in Mr. Snyder’s class are engaged and on task. He has high expectations for his students and establishes procedures that ensure a safe learning environment in which he can engage students in multiple learning experiences.

He also serves as the junior varsity baseball coach. Mr. Snyder has taken his baseball team to read to elementary school classes, and he works with his players to build community beyond the baseball field.

He is always attending his students’ concerts and other activities and showing his support. He will sit at the lunch table and talk with students, even when he’s not on lunch duty. He comes to hear the elective assembly about class choices, even though it’s not a requirement for him. He is simply interested in the lives and success of his students.