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Winter Weeks of Welcome: Pottery night becomes paint night

By Caroline Herbert, arts and culture reporter 

On Tuesday, January 28,  New Student and Family Programs hosted a pottery night at Squires Student Center, one of the final  Winter Weeks of Welcome (WWW) events. 

“With all of our programming, we aim to create welcoming spaces for new students and their families. We really hope that by attending the Winter Weeks of Welcome, students start off on a good foot and get to know other people, and feel a little more at home on campus,” said Maeve Marley, Programs Coordinator of New Student and Family Programs at Virginia Tech. 

The event took an unexpected turn when organizers ran out of clay within the first thirty minutes due to higher-than-expected attendance. “This event was advertised as a pottery night, but we had so many more students attend than we expected. We ran out of clay in the first thirty minutes, and now it is a hangout and paint night,” said Marley. The Hokies on Track staff quickly adapted by adding tables, bringing in painting supplies, and playing a Disney movie in the Squires ballroom. Despite the change, the event exceeded expectations. 

Aanya Suri, a first-year fall transfer from California, has found the  Weeks of Welcome (WoW) events extremely beneficial. “It’s like a third place for us to interact and talk. It’s not just going out or getting food; it’s an activity we can do together,” Suri said. “Painting and pottery are hands-on things I can do with a group of friends or people I’m meeting.” 

Marley emphasized that the primary goal of the WWW events is to welcome new first-year and spring semester transfer students, helping them connect with others and learn about Virginia Tech. This semester, they are welcoming 300 new students and aim to make them feel part of campus life. 

The events also serve an educational purpose. “Whether it’s learning something small like where the Commonwealth Ballroom is or something bigger, we have more involved and specific events,” Marley said. For example, a paint night hosted by the Sexual Violence Prevention Education (SVPE) office facilitated conversations about healthy relationships, teaching students about the office and its resources.  

Another event at The Lyric Theatre allowed students to bond while watching “Pitch Perfect” and learn about the theater, a popular spot in the Virginia Tech community.  

Katie Robbins, a Hokies on Track (HOT) intern, shared how these events impacted her since attending as a freshman. “I got into this because I went to these events my freshman year and really liked them, so I applied to be a Weeks of Welcome leader,” Robbins said: “It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had.” Coming from a small town in West Virginia, Robbins understands the challenges of starting at a big school without knowing many people. “It’s a really good experience to be that one person someone can reach out to because starting college is a hard, confusing time,” she added. 

While the primary target for the WWW is new spring semester students, New Student and Family Programs welcomes students of all classes and continues to bring Hokies together.

A Taste of Home: Virginia Tech celebrates the 50th International Cafe Hour

By Elizabeth Hill, education reporter

 Braised pork with rice, sweet potato balls and brown sugar bubble tea at the International Cafe Hour (Photo: Elizabeth Hill)

The aroma of braised pork and rice mingled with the sweet scent of brown sugar bubble tea at Virginia Tech’s Deet’s Place on Jan. 31 as students and community members gathered for the 50th International Cafe Hour. This milestone event, hosted in collaboration with the Taiwanese Student Association, celebrated Taiwanese culture and traditions, reinforcing the university’s mission to foster a welcoming environment for international students and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Since its formation, the International Cafe Hour has provided students with a platform to share their cultures, develop a sense of belonging and connect with the wider community. These free events featuring food, presentations and interactive activities have become a vital part of campus life, enriching the student experience and encouraging global connections.

Fawna Zwart, assistant director for campus and community engagement at the Cranwell International Center, has led the initiative since the beginning. “I think one of the biggest goals is to help international students feel more welcome and more at home here at Virginia Tech,” Zwart said. “What I have discovered is that when students share their culture, they just light up. It helps them develop a sense of belonging, express pride in their culture and also helps them find their people.”

The event started as a small gathering in the Cranwell Center’s community room, offering students a space to connect. “We had 112 people in the first hour,” Zwart recalled. “We had a line out the door.” The overwhelming response quickly turned the event into a campus favorite, necessitating a move to a larger venue. Today, it takes place in Deet’s Place, where attendance continues to grow.

As participation increased, so did the offerings. In collaboration with Virginia Tech Dining Services, the program now provides authentic cuisine that resonates with the featured country or region. “We get their home recipes, and the chefs choose a sweet, a savory and a beverage,” Zwart said. This approach ensures each gathering feels like a taste of home for international students while inviting the broader campus community to explore global flavors.

Each cafe hour is unique, showcasing different cultures through food, music, presentations and hands-on activities. To mark the 50th event, organizers extended the celebration to three hours, offering attendees a deeper dive into Taiwanese culture. The event featured information boards, traditional dishes and a Mandarin calligraphy station. Attendees also participated in trivia with questions about Taiwan and the chance to win tickets to a Moss Arts Center performance. The Global Education Office (GEO) and the Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) were also on hand to connect students with international opportunities.

A student learning the art of Mandarin calligraphy (Photo: Elizabeth Hill)


For Maya Collins, a student eager to explore different cultures, the event offered an immersive experience. “This is my first time at an international cafe hour,” she said. “Since I have not had the opportunity to study abroad, this event made me feel like I teleported to a new country, even if it was just for a couple of hours.”

Beyond the event itself, the Cranwell International Center strives to maintain long-term cultural engagement. A key element of this initiative is the creation of “culture boxes”—collections of decorations and artifacts representing different countries.

Student groups receive a small budget to curate these materials, ensuring a meaningful representation of their heritage. “I have created the culture boxes for them because many of them don’t have things from home,” Zwart said. “You know, they are restricted with their two suitcases to get here. They are not packing all the things from home, so I try to buy a few things for them that they can use and decorate with.” These boxes serve as valuable resources, not only for the cafe hours but also for student organizations presenting at local schools and community events.

With its growing popularity, the International Cafe Hour has become a highly sought-after opportunity for student groups, with several already expressing interest in participating next year. Zwart envisions the program as a living travelogue, offering the entire community a chance to learn about different cultures and break down barriers. 

The impact of this program extends far beyond the walls of the cafe itself, highlighting the importance of international education outside of the traditional classroom setting. Experiences like these foster crucial intercultural skills, such as communication, empathy and adaptability, that are essential for success in today’s globalized world. These skills aren’t always effectively taught in lectures or textbooks; they are best learned through direct interaction and shared experiences, like those offered at the International Cafe Hour. 

By fostering global awareness and mutual understanding, the International Cafe Hour prepares students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Through food, conversation and shared traditions, the event continues to bridge cultures, create connections and celebrate the diverse voices that make up the Virginia Tech community.  

House bills take aim at University Protestors

By Wilbert Ramirez, Politics Reporter

Student Protesters sit on the Graduate life center lawn at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, VA. Friday April 26, 2024 (Photo, Wilbert Ramirez)

Two House Bills introduced in the Virginia General assembly seek to stifle student protesters’ demands.

House Bill 2529 and H.B. 2207 have drawn the criticism of Students for Justice in Palestine at Virginia Tech. The Instagram page run by “sjpvtech,” called to action against the bills by posting a template to contact representatives in the Virginia General Assembly.

House bill 2529 introduced by Del. Micheal Jones (D) and Del. Dan Helmer (D), seeks to prohibit public institutions in the state of Virginia from divesting all funds from “any country or territory that is not the subject of an active sanctions program administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.”

“It would make it harder for Virginia tech to divest, but not impossible said Shahed Sanuri, a first-year graduate student at Virginia Tech and co-president for Students for Justice in Palestine. “So the movement is only stronger and only grows stronger and from the way we’ve seen people come together, to we combat these bills.”

H.B. 2529 would make it difficult for any student organization to have any significant policy change at all public institutions in Virginia. The bill appears to narrowly focus on the demands of many of the protestors across the Commonwealth that were arrested at public universities in 2024 around the state that included: the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Mary Washington.

The pro-Palestinian protestors at Virginia Tech were arrested the night of the April 28 in front of the Graduate Life Center Lawn at the public university. 82 individuals were arrested, and the University President Tim Sands released a statement on April 29, after the night of the arrests.

A student protester is arrested on the Graduate Life Center lawn at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg VA. Sunday April 28, 2024 (Photo, Wilbert Ramirez)
Shahed Sanuri, Co-President of Students for Justice in Palestine at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, VA. Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025. (Photo Wilbert Ramirez)

House Bill 2207, which is a companion bill, introduced by Del. Terry Kilgore (R) and it is aimed at tackling terroristic threats on public institutions in the state of Virginia.

The companion bill to H.B. 2207, H.B. 1284 introduced by Sen. Bill Stanley was struck down on Jan. 27 by a Virginia Senate Education Subcommittee.

“It would put a lot of innocent international students as well as other people who are legally here, but not citizens at risk for simply participating in protests or even so much as like posting about their support for Palestine,” says Bella Gilbert, a sophomore majoring in Political Science Virginia Tech and outreach coordinator for SJP at Virginia Tech. “And even though one of the bills says, that deportation is conditional on pro-Hamas expression, we can safely assume that it will just be contingent on pro-Palestinian support.”

Critics from the Pro-Palestinian organization have expressed that these bills if they were to pass, they would make it more difficult for their organization to protest on public institutions.

“The bills basically ban protests from campuses and when we say, ‘liberation for Palestine is liberation for all’ this is what we mean. This is why we’re fighting for the liberation Palestine now and we’re fighting against these bills because these bills don’t just affect the Palestine movement that they affect any movement that’s to come. It just portrays a deep sense of U.S. imperialism and how the U.S. government tries to just target student protests,” Sanuri said.

“These bills are very narrowly tailored, by the way and are in reaction to the camp and the protests last year the arrest. I feel like anyone can look at these bills and see that they are a direct attempt to silence our movement,” Gilbert said.

In recent months the SJP voiced their grievances against the university’s policy 5000 which was altered in Aug. 2024 by university administrators at Virginia Tech, the policy change restricts encampments on university property from midnight to 6 a.m.

“Regardless of whether the bill is possible or not, regardless of what the government wants to do, regardless of how the administration wants to silence us, just know that Palestinian movement will always grow stronger, and we’re always going to fight for the liberation of Palestine,” Sanuri said.

H.B. 2529, as of Jan. 25, 2025, is being analyzed in a fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget that informs lawmakers about the financial consequences of the bill.

H.B. 2207 as of Jan. 24, 2025, is also currently under analysis in a fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget.

It is unclear where many lawmakers stand on the bills given the controversial actions and consequences of each bill need to first be assessed in the new session of Virginia’s legislature.

Virginia General Assembly Moves Towards Repealing Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

By Evvy Fite, health & wellness reporter

The Virginia Capitol building. Photo courtesy of Capitol Classroom.

In January, the Virginia General Assembly voted “yes” on a constitutional amendment that will bring hope to hundreds of thousands of Virginians.

Since 2006, the Constitution of Virginia has stated that “only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by” the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges overruled this and similar lines in state constitutions, many are concerned that the Trump administration and overwhelmingly conservative Supreme Court will attempt to overturn this precedent, which would leave each state to decide whether to allow same-sex marriage.

Senate Joint Resolution 11 (SJ 11), which was first introduced in January 2024, amends Section 15-A of Article I of the Constitution of Virginia, repealing the prohibition of same-sex marriage and affirming the right to marriage. If SJ 11 is passed, the Constitution will now state that “the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of persons, and marriage is one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness.” The amendment protects the rights of Virginians to marry legally, regardless of sex, gender, or race. SJ 11 is moving through Virginia’s General Assembly right on time, as members of the Republican party are actively calling for a reversal of the previous decision on same-sex marriage.

If made into law, this amendment could improve the mental and physical health of the approximately 300,000 Virginians who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. According to a study published shortly after Obergefell v. Hodges, “LGBT persons experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse because of repeated experiences of social stigmatization.” This only worsens when the LGBTQ+ community is denied freedoms such as marriage to the person they love. A 2010 study on mental health of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals in states with marriage equality versus those without showed that “LGB persons living in states with bans had a nearly 37% increase in any mood disorder, 248.2% increase in generalized anxiety disorder, 41% increase in alcohol use, and 36% increase in any psychiatric co-morbidity.”

Delegate Rozia Henson. Photo Courtesy of vahousedems.org.

Delegate Rozia Henson of Virginia’s 19th House of Delegates district stated that “especially with the current climate in Washington and the extreme right Supreme Court,” the potential threat to marriage equality “provides uneasiness and burdens people’s state of mind.” His hope is that the bill brings to Virginia’s LGBTQ+ community “the peace of mind that they will know that no matter what happens in Congress, you can marry who you love in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and [if Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned], you know the position the Commonwealth is in, and what we’re willing to do to fight for our constituents.”

The physical wellness of LGBTQ+ Virginians will also be impacted if SJ 11 is passed. Many studies have shown that “chronic stress can produce long-lasting changes in the brain, including structural changes and loss of brain volume in some regions, that are linked with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.” Additionally, long-term stress can lead to physical problems, including digestive issues, sleep problems, and increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.

Beyond general physical health, researchers found that there was a 14% decrease in suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth when their states legalized same-sex marriage ahead of Obergefell v. Hodges. Despite the growing tension and fear as attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community shift, Virginia may serve as a safe haven for its citizens, leading to a lower suicide rate than in states where same-sex marriage will become illegal if Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned.

Although it has been passed by both houses of the 2025 General Assembly, SJ 11 is far from the finish line. In order to become part of the Constitution of Virginia, it will have to be passed again by both houses of the 2026 General Assembly. If the amendment makes it through the second round of General Assembly voting, then it will be on the ballot in 2026 for Virginians to vote on whether or not it becomes part of the constitution. Although Virginia will elect a new governor in 2026, this will not affect the amendment’s prospects, as the Governor of Virginia plays no role in the process of amending Virginia’s Constitution.

Virginia is a highly divided state politically, with the majority of the state being rural and Republican, while Richmond and Northern Virginia overwhelmingly vote Democrat. This may present a challenge for SJ 11 to be voted into law, particularly with the current political climate of extreme views and divisiveness.

Despite this, Delegate Henson says that SJ 11 currently has strong bipartisan support from Virginia’s lawmakers, and that he is hopeful for its chances of passing the next few barricades and being voted into law.

Winter weather prompts worries regarding student attendance and well-being in local school districts  

by Kyndall Hanson, education reporter 

January brought freezing temperatures and chilling winds to Southern Virginia, making local school districts weigh the costs of school closures with student well-being. Operational decisions made by administrators prompted backlash from local parents and community members.  

“There are two sides to this,” commented Christina Chrisley on a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Facebook post notifying of a two-hour delay in the district. “Is attendance important? Yes. Is the student body and their safety during travels and waiting for buses in freezing temperatures, their health and well-being, more important? In this situation, I think so.”  

According to the National Weather Service, areas across Montgomery County received 0.5-3 inches of snowfall from Jan. 6-7. Persisting freezing temperatures and icy road conditions in early January brought community members to express concerns regarding school operations through comments on MCPS Facebook posts.    

An MCPS Facebook post notifying of a two-hour delay receives over a hundred comments, reactions, and shares.  

During January, MCPS schools had two closures and two two-hour delays due to inclement weather. Pulaski County Public Schools (PCPS), a neighboring district, had two closures and four two-hour delays. The two days MCPS was closed, Jan. 6-7, were teacher workdays at PCPS and not considered closures due to weather conditions.  

Robert Graham, superintendent of PCPS, said the district considers the weather forecast, temperatures, windchill, and the possibility for dangerous weather events when determining school closures on the basis of inclement weather.  

According to MCPS policy, “the division superintendent or superintendent’s designee may order the closing, the delay in opening, or the early dismissal of any or all Montgomery County public schools in order to protect the safety and welfare of students, staff, and patrons.” MCPS was unable to provide comment on the explicit considerations taken into account in determining school closures or delays. 

“Dr. Bragen, please think about some of our rural areas that have not been cleared and whose roads are sheets of ice, some teachers are still without power, and the temperature won’t go above freezing,” commented Alana Benavides, addressing Superintendent Bernard Bragen Jr. on an MCPS Facebook post. “It will feel like single digits, even at 9 a.m. when some students are having to wait for their bus at a stop – at those temperatures, frostbite is possible. Some of us have been fortunate enough not to worry about these things, but many other people do.” 

According to Dr. Anne Washofsky, director of the pediatric residency program and interim section chief of pediatric hospitalists at Virginia Tech Carilion, children have a larger body surface area to mass ratio than adults, making them lose body heat more rapidly and be at a greater risk for cold weather-related ailments, such as hypothermia or frostbite.  

“Kids aren’t always able to recognize or get out of environments that expose them to the risk of hypothermia,” said Washofsky. “That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to make sure that they’re appropriately clothed, in particular, including a hat to help hold heat in their head when they go outside.”   

MCPS transportation bus stop lists detail that students taking the bus are expected to be at their stops “five minutes prior to pickup time.” Stops for elementary school students may require up to 0.3 miles of walking and up to 0.5 miles for middle or high school students, meaning additional time spent in the cold on winter mornings.  

According to Washofsky, brief periods spent waiting outside for buses in freezing temperatures, within a 20-minute window or less, are likely safe for children when they are appropriately dressed for the weather.  

“Wearing hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, long sleeves, multiple layers, and making sure children are wearing stuff that’s water resistant is really important, said Washofsky. “Once you get that cold, that wet or damp, you’ll lose heat more quickly.”  

While getting to school in cold weather may pose safety concerns, staying home for extended periods of time may have adverse health implications as well – especially for those who rely on the National School Lunch Program.  

“It’s not just school lunches, but a lot of kids get their breakfast at school too – it might be two meals of the day,” said Washofsky. “Those might be their two biggest or primary meals based of family’s ability to otherwise provide.” 

Six of 20 schools in the MCPS system offer free breakfast and lunch to students when school is in session. When schools are closed due to severe weather under severe weather code B and road conditions are deemed safe, meal services are available for pickup at specified locations. The district’s two January closures did not fall under severe weather code B. 

An informational graphic by MCPS depicts the district’s severe weather codes.  

“Maybe it would have been better to simply open the schools for students and families without heat or power and offer meals like other counties are doing – for those who can make it there safely, of course,” said Lauren Black on an MCPS Facebook post. “Prioritize being human and empathetic rather than focusing on attendance and accreditation.”  

According to the Code of Virginia, school closures due to “severe weather conditions or other emergency conditions” result in the addition of make-up days to the school calendar. Schools must be in session for 180 teaching days to avoid reduced funding due to closures. 

“It’s not just that period that they’re outside in the cold, but there are a lot of other things that play into health if school is being canceled because it’s too cold to be able to go in,” said Washofsky.  

Road salt raises larger questions for local waterways

By Evan Hull, environment, climate, and sustainability reporter

In response to winter weather sweeping across the east coast, the Virginia Department of Transportation deployed its usual slew of road salt. Experts say that while the popular ice and snow combatitant isn’t causing too many headaches in the NRV, it could in the future.

“Everything we do in the terrestrial environment creates ions,” said Joel Snodgrass, head of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation. “When they get in water, they dissociate, they dissolve, and they kind of pass through everything. So, if we put [salt] on the road, it gets washed into the soil, into the groundwater, and ultimately into surface waters like streams, wetlands, and lakes.”

Anywhere from 15 to 32 million metric tons of road salt are dumped on roads every year in the United States according to the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. With the NRV being geographically more susceptible to ions, such as calcium, entering groundwater systems, road salt adds another layer of complexity to the pollution problems we face.

“During the winter, you get these big spikes in salt runoff,” Snodgrass said. 

Researchers worry about winter chloride spikes in local waterways, but they are more concerned about the continual elevation of groundwater contamination, which has become a global problem.

“Road salts are part of this bigger phenomenon that’s going on basically everywhere in the world, in fresh water systems, where the amount of ions in the water is increasing,” Snodgrass said. “In other words, the water is becoming more saline in nature. It has more dissolved solids in it.”

Other runoff pollutants cause issues all year long.

“It’s not just salt that comes off these roads,” Snodgrass said. “Every time someone uses their brakes, particles come off their brake pads and collect on the road—all the belts, engines, and tires.”

When heavy metals are released onto roadways, most commonly cadmium, copper, and zinc, they can interact with road salt in harmful ways. The International Erosion Control Agency says road salt mobilizes heavy metals, permitting these materials to quickly infiltrate groundwater systems and contaminate plants and wildlife.

Additionally, high concentrations of sodium can reduce the permeability of soil, increase surface runoff, and raise erosion rates, directing pollutants straight toward major waterways.

But these aren’t new issues. In fact, stormwater management facilities such as Virginia Tech’s Duck Pond and Stroubles Creek are great examples of how runoff pollution is managed in southwest Virginia.

“Stormwater management facilities in the NRV serve two purposes,” said Kafi Howard, stormwater engineer for the town of Blacksburg. “The first is to mitigate volume increases due to developments like roads and commercial buildings.”

Even in less-urbanized areas, such as the NRV, large developments increase impervious surfaces, meaning that high volumes of road salt and other harmful materials run into waterways very quickly. Stormwater management facilities help hold that water back, and slowly release it in a less harmful manner.

“There’s also quality control,” Howard continued. “A lot of newer stormwater facilities incorporate mechanisms to filter pollutants.”

Howard noted that many older stormwater facilities do not have filtering systems, noting the importance of properly functioning stormwater ponds and wetlands.

“The New River Valley has quite a few streams that are impaired, which means they are not meeting water quality standards,” Howard said. “So it’s super important that those facilities function and help reduce these pollutants.”

In localities as close as northern Virginia, we can see what happens when pollutants are unfiltered by stormwater facilities.

“In Tysons Corner, Virginia, there is enough salt going down that people are losing their wells,” Snodgrass said. “The well becomes so contaminated that all their appliances start to rust.”

The question then turns to the economy. Does keeping roads clear of ice and snow boost the economy enough to justify the cost of maintaining highly contaminated waterways?

“There’s a whole social aspect to this,” Snodgrass commented. “There’s an economic piece to this. If it snows and nobody can get to work for three days, that slows down our economy, right? Now it’s in our mentality.”

Although road salt helps lower the freezing temperature of water, keeping the roads clear and economies moving, it comes with hidden costs, and not just in the environmental price we pay. According to the EPA, NBC, and Vox, the U.S. spends an estimated $2.3 billion to apply road salt, and another $5 billion to repair infrastructure and vehicle damages annually.

With a huge price tag, several alternatives have been considered including acetate deicers and organics, both of which can release equally harmful chemicals into waterways according to the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program. Neither option is nearly as cost-effective as road salt.

While waterways in the NRV do not currently have to give a second thought to the application of road salt, they should certainly keep a close eye out as commercial developments continue to pop up regularly, contributing to higher concentrations of pollutants entering local streams.

“I think that the consideration of road salt and stormwater management is certainly something that needs more investigation,” Howard said. “We all want clear streets and easy access in the winter, but we need to recognize that there is a price to pay for our convenience.”

Prioritizing Violence Prevention: Community Builders

by Bianca Campoverde, crime, safety, and justice reporter

James Madison Middle School’s Community Builders program prioritizes violence prevention by creating comfortable, supportive environments that help students build a foundation for a bright future.

Gun violence is not just an isolated problem but a public health crisis that affects communities nationwide. In the United States, it remains a pressing concern, particularly among young people. The impact of gun violence on communities, schools, and families is devastating. However, efforts are underway to prevent it. One initiative is the James Madison Middle School Community Builders program in Roanoke, Virginia.

The program incorporates strategies to de-escalate conflict without resorting to violence by teaching students to recognize the signs and respond appropriately. This approach creates a generation of young people who are more informed, responsible, and proactive in preventing violence.

Students are also involved in community outreach and awareness campaigns, giving them a sense of responsibility to create safer environments for themselves and others. This engagement has a ripple effect throughout the community, as students who are educated in community safety advocate for change in their families, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Early intervention for middle school students is crucial, as this period serves as a pivotal turning point in their development. During this time, students develop the skills to navigate real-world challenges, avoid harmful behaviors, and build habits that will guide them toward success in high school and beyond. The program aims to curb violence and build a reliable foundation for students through early intervention and comprehensive support systems.

In speaking with various high school students, Joshua Johnson, youth development intervention coordinator for Roanoke City Public Schools, noted, “Many of them felt like they were becoming detached from school and less motivated around middle school. This is why we wanted to target them during this transition period, looking at some positive experiences that combat some of the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) they’ve had.”

This detachment can be linked to a range of factors, including personal struggles, family challenges, and exposure to ACEs. These factors not only impact academic success but can also increase the likelihood of involvement in violence.

Regarding logistics, the program tracks participating students’ data to identify areas of challenge where resources and support can be provided to alleviate external factors outside of the school environment. The program offers support through conflict resolution, healthy coping strategies, and other resources.  In an effort to reach as many students as possible, those outside of the program who display academic struggles are contacted and directed toward it.

“I affectionately call them our temperature changers. They’re a small group, but depending on where they come in that day-good or bad-they can really change the temperature of a room. Those are the kids we really want to pour a lot of attention into, making sure they don’t slip through the cracks, ensuring they are seen, heard, and feel like they belong,” Johnson said.

In addition to educational resources, the program creates a stable and comfortable environment where students experience inclusivity, strong ties to their school and peers, healthy relationships, and an overall atmosphere that encourages their self-esteem and nurtures their self-worth. These elements are essential for building resilience in the face of external challenges.

Corey Allder, director of Community Engagement for Roanoke City Public Schools, said, “If students are engaged and have a sense of belonging, they are less likely to be a part of a violent group or community violence.”

The goal of the program is to provide students with real-world experiences and career opportunities to combat community and domestic violence, while also raising awareness about gun violence prevention. Allder and Johnson were tasked with developing a program to help students set and work toward personal goals.

From visiting colleges, businesses, and government agencies to organizing events at their school, students in the program learn to cultivate their leadership skills. They demonstrate the program’s effectiveness through their academics and overall attitude toward their community. These opportunities help students understand their potential and the importance of goal setting. The exposure helps broaden their understanding, motivating them to pursue academic excellence and future career aspirations.  

“It could be a good opportunity to find ways to be more adult and find more ways to be better in life,” said Javon Kotz, an eighth grader at James Madison, when asked what about the program interested him.

Kotz hopes to attend Radford University in the future to pursue a degree in real estate.

“I feel like some people don’t want to sell a home; they just care about the money. I want people to know what they’re buying and not get ripped off. I want them to get a good deal, not just a house that’s terrible,” Kotz said.

By emphasizing these emotional and social aspects, the program is working to address the root causes of violence.  

The General Assembly’s decision to provide two years of funding for the pilot of the Community Builders program is an important first step. However, the program remains temporary, and long-term funding and community support are essential for its success to be sustained. The results from this initial phase will help shape future efforts to expand and refine the initiative. Ensuring that more students benefit from its resources and guidance.

Gun violence remains a significant challenge in many communities, but through early intervention and comprehensive support, programs like James Madison Middle School’s Community Builders are taking steps to prevent it before it begins. With continued support, the program will play an important role in shaping a safer, more positive future for students, families, and communities.

Supplying Passion: A Mini Documentary

By Alice Buckley and Lindsey Cook

New River Art & Fiber is a small business in Blacksburg, Virginia, owned and operated by a Virginia Tech alumna. While still relatively new on the downtown scene, the shop has become a staple for locals and a home base for many of Virginia Tech’s architecture and industrial design students. 

Two of these students give us a glimpse into what it takes to be an architecture student, and share why the shop often serves as a lifeline for them.

Many Miles, Many Years, Many Potential Impacts: The Mountain Valley Pipeline

By Emelia Delaporte and Sean Weinstock

After a decade filled with controversy the 303-mile-long Mountain Valley Pipeline became operational on June 13, 2024. Crossing several Appalachian counties, the pipeline has been a flashpoint for environmentalists concerned with the impact of expanding fossil fuel use on global warming, local industry and residents anxious to secure a reliable low cost energy source. This News Feed NRV mini-documentary provides an overview of the pipeline and presents both environmental and natural gas industry perspectives.