Ava Conway, a distinguished student who received an associate degree with the highest honors, served as the keynote speaker for the event. At just 18 years old, Conway hails from Eastern View High School, where she is set to graduate with an advanced diploma on May 18. Ranking in the top 10 percent of her class, Conway is faced with a choice between three universities for her continued education.
During the ceremony, Germanna conferred a total of 1,307 degrees and credentials upon 867 students. Conway, who plans to pursue a master’s degree in fine arts to fulfill her dream of becoming a drama teacher, reflected on her journey through Germanna’s Scholars program, which allows students to earn degrees without leaving their county. This initiative, spearheaded by Culpeper businessman Joe Daniels and generously supported by him and his wife Linda, provides significant opportunities for local students.
Conway’s decision to join Germanna’s Scholars program stemmed from her dissatisfaction with her previous educational experience. “I knew that I didn’t want to only attend my high school full time, and I wanted the opportunity to get ahead and earn my associate degree before I moved on to a four-year university,” Conway explained. “I decided to apply to Germanna, and after attending I realized that it was the change that I needed.”
Expressing her lifelong passion for acting, Conway emphasized the importance of pursuing her dreams despite skepticism from others. “The first thing I ever said I wanted to be was an actress,” she recalled. “There was always some part of me that wanted to perform.” Conway’s determination to pursue a career in the arts is a testament to the value of following one’s passions and the transformative power of education.
Germanna Community College’s commitment to providing innovative educational opportunities extends beyond the Scholars program. The institution offers various Early College programs, including the Gladys P. Todd Academy and the Future Educators Academy, which aim to empower students and prepare them for future success in their chosen fields.
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Amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump’s executive orders, local communities are grappling with confusion and fear sparked by social media posts warning of ICE raids and undercover operations.
The president issued numerous Executive Orders, some of which reinforced the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. In addition to targeted raids on known criminals across the country, the Trump administration has mobilized troops at the U.S.-Mexico border and reinstated the previous “Remain in Mexico” policy. This policy requires individuals seeking asylum to stay outside the U.S. while awaiting a decision on their applications.
These enforcement measures have sparked concern among those residing in the country illegally. Despite the Trump administration’s assurances that it is focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, certain groups have seized on the uncertainty, pushing political agendas that confuse the undocumented community, causing fear and confusion. Numerous social media posts, in both English and Spanish, warn people to avoid common locations like grocery stores and shopping centers to prevent encounters with ICE.
(The Center Square) — Despite budget increases in the hundreds of millions and multiple statewide education initiatives, Virginia students still aren’t showing a definitive recovery from pandemic learning lows.
Their test scores from January 2024 declined from their 2022 scores – the scores that caused Gov. Glenn Youngkin to call for major education reforms – in several areas.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “nation’s report card,” measures several subjects but is most known for its 4th and 8th grade math and reading tests.
(The Center Square) – The White House took steps to make good on its promise to cut the federal government down to size by giving federal workers a choice: return to the office full-time or leave with eight months of pay.
The Office of Personnel Management told federal workers Tuesday night that they have until Feb. 6 to decide to stay or go. If they step down, they will continue getting all pay and benefits and be exempt from in-person work requirements until Sept. 30.
However, the Trump administration said that even government employees who stay on could still eventually lose their jobs as the president reshapes the federal government and its workforce.
Two amendments to the Virginia Constitution were killed in committee Tuesday, leaving just five alive in the 2025 legislative session.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
