What’s new

The ribbon cutting for the Fall Line Trail originally scheduled for May 22 has been postponed. A new date is to be determined.

The Hanover County School Board appointed Jon Patterson as the new principal of Oak Knoll Middle School. Patterson is currently an assistant principal at Chickahominy Middle School. He will begin his new role at Oak Knoll on July 1 with the retirement of current Oak Knoll Principal, Caroline Harris.

The Hanover County School Board appointed Jamie Mullenaux as the new principal of Pole Green Elementary School. Mullenaux is currently the assistant principal at Cool Spring Elementary School. She will begin her new role at Pole Green on July 1 with the retirement of current Pole Green Principal Rhonda Voorhees.

National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week 2025 is scheduled for May 18–24, 2025. This annual observance honors the dedication and vital contributions of EMS professionals. The theme for this year is "We Care. For Everyone."  Ways to participate and show appreciation include: community engagement, expressing gratitude, social media support and educational opportunities. For more information, resources and ways to get involved, visit the official EMS Week website at emsweek.org.

Upcoming events

In partnership with residents at Verena at the Glen, an older adult community in Glen Allen, The Arc of Hanover is sponsoring a 1950’s dance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The dance will take place at 10286 Brook Road, Glen Allen, on June 13th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a free, inclusive event. Registration is encouraged, and light refreshments will be served. 1950’s attire is optional. Interested attendees should RSVP through The Arc of Hanover website https://www.thearcofhanover.org/events-calendar. For questions or more information, contact Diane Gallegos, Executive Director of The Arc of Hanover, at diane@thearcofhanover.org.

Downtown Ashland Association presents: Demystifying AI, a discussion about understanding AI and its uses with Virginia Commonwealth University professors, Jason Merrick and Christine Holzem. This discussion will be held at the Ashland Theatre on May 20 at 6 p.m.

Children ages 8–12 are invited to discover the surprising world of stamps with retired teacher, John Moore, leading the way at the Ashland Branch Library 201 S. Railroad Ave. For more information, call 804-798-4072.

The Celtic Festival will be in Central Virginia from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 17 at 17205 Mountain Rd. (Rte 33) , Montpelier, VA 23192. For more information, visit https://www.montpeliercenter.org/celtic-festival.html.

Celebrating milestones

Mark Beckett, the principal of Chickahominy Middle School, has received the Power Partner award from the Virginia PTA, a recognition given to principals who demonstrate a commitment to welcoming families and creating a thriving school community. Congratulations!

Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) are celebrating their 2025 graduates from the Next Generation Leadership Academy: Megan Astrouski, Sarah Billups, Laura Britt, Allyson Goyette, Tiffany Johnson, Mashay Samuel, Candace Spencer, Kelsey Thompson, and Kristina Williams. Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized two Atlee High School students for winning two awards presented by the Virginia Theater Association. Jamie Nelson was awarded Best Student Director and Parrish Lewis received the All-Star Cast award. Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized Hanover High School nurse, Jennie Miller, for successfully completing the requirements to be awarded the National Board of Certified School Nurses credential. Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized the following students who were selected to participate in the All-State Chorus:

Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized Allison Mullens, the principal of Cold Harbor Elementary School, as the 2024-25 HCPS recipient of the R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership. As a recipient, Mrs. Mullens will receive a $30,000 grant – a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant and $20,000 to be used for school initiatives. Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized Atlee High School Band Director, Paul Rozecki, and the Atlee band for being named a Virginia Program of Honor. Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized the inaugural 10 members of the HCPS Leadership Cohort. These members were selected as strong leaders who are aspiring to be future school administrators:

Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized Jude Lenhart, a senior at Mechanicsville High School, for winning first place in the VHSL State Championship for Speech. Congratulations!

At the HCPS Board meeting, the board recognized Rural Point Elementary School student Naomi Mattara as the 2024-25 HCPS Spelling Bee champion. Mattara spelled 50 out of 50 words correctly in the county bee to win the bee and participate in the regional competition. Congratulations!