Arts & Entertainment

RCHS Speakers Reflect on Learning Through A Pandemic

Rockbridge County High School’s Wildcats ferociously fought against the challenges of Covid, working to get the most out of an unprecedented high school experience.

PMHS Speakers Say Class ‘Should Be Proud’

Parry McCluer High School’s mascot, “Fighting Blues,” has never been more fitting for a graduating class than that of 2023. Working through an untraditional scholastic experience, these Blues fought hard to make the most of their high school careers.

VBS Calendar

Six students received their diplomas during Rockbridge Christian Academy’s commencement Saturday, the largest graduating class in the 30-year history of the school. Among the scenes were (clockwise from above William Dudley after receiving his diploma; Pastor Hunter Phillips, principal, handing a diploma to Ashton Henley, the co-salutatorian; valedictorian Nathaniel Clark giving his address; Ella Snow walking out with her diploma; cosalutatorian Jonathan Harper giving his address; Sacki Phillips, administrator and teacher, delivering the commencement address; the graduates switching their tassels; Pastor Phillips handing a diploma to Chloe Bahhur; and Pastor Phillips praying with the graduates. (Ethan Blevins photos)

Dudley Offers Advice To Graduating W&L Seniors

The fifth annual Woods Creek Run 4 the Kids benefit race on May 13 successfully raised funds to benefit two local youths with cerebral palsy.

Carolyn Bradley, 258-2720

Each year the Waddell Elementary kindergarteners, working with the Roots and Shoot Intergenerational Garden volunteers, grow sunflowers from seed and transplant them from the classroom to the school garden. Next year, as first-graders, they will harvest the flower heads, save the seeds and give them to the new kindergarteners. This month’s event featured volunteers from the Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners, Blue Ridge Garden Club and the community at large.

Parry McCluer and Rockbridge County high schools celebrated the classes of 2023 in commencement exercises at VMI’s Cameron Hall last week. On Thursday night, 237 RCHS seniors received their diplomas, while 82 students received their diplomas during the PMHS graduation Saturday morning. Some of the scenes from both graduations can be found on this page. For stories and more photos, see pages B6 and B7. (all photos by Stephanie Mikels Blevins)

Calvary Brethren Church in Buena Vista will be holding its vacation Bible school Sunday, June 4, through Friday, June 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each day.

On Sunday, May 28, the Rev. Bernard Bangley led the 11 a.m. worship service at the Collierstown Presbyterian Church. Guest pianist was Susan Irvine. The congregation celebrated Pentecost by wearing red and giving to the Pentecost Offering in support of children and youth activities. Following the worship service the community Memorial Day Service was held at the top of Cemetery Hill.

The Tommy Bare Memorial races took place on Friday and Saturday at the Natural Bridge Speedway, with 47 drivers from eight states. Tommy Bare was a well-known local racer who passed away in 2020. Among the scenes were, AT TOP LEFT, car racing legend Rick Mast (left) of Rockbridge Baths talking with Booper Bare, son of Tommy; ABOVE AND AT TOP RIGHT, racer Tyler Bare of Rockbridge Baths, grandson of Tommy, at the track; BELOW, Natural Bridge Speedway promoter Tiffany Kidd carrying a trophy;AT BOTTOM RIGHT, racer Larry Ramsey by his car. See next week’s newspaper for a story on the event. (Ronnie Coffey photos)

Magnolia Avenue in Buena Vista was alive with art Saturday as the Buena Vista Arts Council presented its annual Artapalooza. Among the scenes were (clockwise from above) students in the Blue Forest Theatre Academy presenting a scene from “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.”; Rockbridge Master Gardener Bobbi Lahah helping a youth with a spider, or airplane, plant; children making and decorating clay pots; a child tie dying a backpack as part of a BVAC fundraiser; children painting; and members of the Blue Forest Theatre Academy presenting a scene from “Frozen: the Musical.” (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

Memorial Day ceremonies are once again planned for Buena Vista and Lexington this weekend.

Wednesday, May 24

Mondays

WWI Homing Pigeons Topic Of Marshall Talk

The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Buena Vista Woman’s Club drew a large crowd to the historic Paxton House on Sunday afternoon. The attendees enjoyed refreshments, looking at memorabilia and catching up with friends. Among those attending were club members (above) Judy Loughhead and Edna Harris, who noted that her own 100th birthday is coming up in December. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

The Late Night Stumblers will kick off the 2023 Music in the Garden 10th anniversary summer concert series at Boxerwood this Friday evening from 6:30 to 8. The foursome, new to the meadow stage, play a mix of country, Americana, and rock and roll. Band members include Callum Baxter on drums; Taylor Mason on bass guitar; Travis Odell on lead guitar, banjo and mandolin; and Bryce Teague on rhythm guitar and vocals. Admission is $5, free for members. Children and parking are also free. Pass-the-hat proceeds go to the musicians, who have donated their performances to Boxerwood. The gate opens at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Meals can also be purchased from a food truck starting at 5:30 p.m. In the event of rain, the concert will be canceled. For more information and “iffy” weather updates, visit Boxerwood on Facebook or the web (www.boxerwood. org) or call (540) 463-2697.