Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Mountain Gateway, UVa lab schools get preliminary approval
Lab school applications from Mountain Gateway Community College in Clifton Forge and the University of Virginia have been approved by the Virginia Board of Education College Partnership Laboratory Schools Standing Committee.
Both lab schools are expected to be considered for approval by the Virginia Board of Education at its March 27-28 meeting, according to a news release from the state education department. If approved, they would be the commonwealth’s fifth and sixth lab schools.
The community college’s proposed lab school would offer students an information technology focus covering areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing and information technology support. Mountain Gateway would partner with public school divisions in Alleghany Highlands, Buena Vista, Bath County, Botetourt County and Rockbridge County.
UVa’s proposed lab school would have a specialized focus on infusing STEM and computer science education, including data science, into its curriculum. It would partner with Charlottesville City Public Schools and be embedded in Charlottesville Middle School.
Lab schools are designed to stimulate the development of innovative education programs for Virginia students from preschool through grade 12, the release states.
— Susan Cameron
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Artisan conference scheduled for April 25-27 in Abingdon
The inaugural Southwest Virginia Artisan Conference will be held at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace in Abingdon from April 25-27.
The conference will include discussions, workshops and networking opportunities. A reception will be held April 25, and welcoming ceremonies are scheduled for 9 a.m. April 26.
Artist Jason Flack of Johnson City, Tennessee, will be the keynote speaker on Friday. He will discuss arts in Appalachia and the role of artists in communities.
Scheduled seminar topics include using a cellphone to elevate craft product photography, sales and customer service, tax help and the art of social media.
The conference is presented by ’Round the Mountain Artisan Network.
Through March 25, tickets are $90 for general admission or $60 for ’Round the Mountain members. From March 26 to April 18, ticket prices will rise to $105 for general admission and $75 for members. From April 19 to April 25, general admission tickets will be priced at $130, or $100 for members.
To register and to learn more, visit the website.
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Legislation would rename Lynchburg VA clinic for WWII soldier
Newly introduced federal legislation would rename the Lynchburg VA Clinic after Private First Class Desmond Doss, a Medal of Honor recipient from Lynchburg who saved dozens of lives in World War II.
The bills were sponsored by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-Virginia, and Rep. Bob Good, R-Campbell County, according to a news release from the senators’ offices.
Doss was inducted into the Army in April 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the release said. As a Seventh-Day Adventist, he could have tried to refuse enlistment on grounds of being a conscientious objector. Instead, he enlisted as a self-described “conscientious cooperator,” going on to pursue medical roles in the Army.
While serving with his platoon in 1944 in Guam and the Philippines, he was awarded two Bronze Star medals for exceptional valor in aiding wounded soldiers under fire, the release said. Later on, during the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 75 wounded infantrymen atop the area known by the 96th Division as the Maeda Escarpment or Hacksaw Ridge, which earned him a Medal of Honor.
Doss was wounded four times in Okinawa. He was evacuated on May 21, 1945, aboard the USS Mercy and was brought to Hawaii, according to the release.
The legislation would rename the Lynchburg VA Clinic as the Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic.