A lifelong Scout and now Scoutmaster of Troop 432 at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Alan Meekins recently received Scouting America’s Silver Beaver Award, honoring his decades of dedication to the Scout Oath and Law. The award is the highest honor …

Rag & Bones, Richmond’s volunteer-run bicycle co-op has become a vital hub for the city’s bicycle community. Dedicated to making biking affordable and accessible, the non-profit offers low cost refurbished bicycles and parts and a welcoming space where anyone can …

Armstrong and John Marshall high school’s choral director James Johnson is among 200 quarterfinalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award. The award, presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum, recognizes educators who have made a significant and lasting …

When parents learn their child has Down syndrome, they often go through a spectrum of emotions—from shock and disbelief to fear and guilt. For some, the diagnosis comes during prenatal testing; for others, it may arrive weeks after the baby …

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer fun, with City-operated pool openings offering extended holiday hours. SwimRVA, a nonprofit known as the community hub for aquatics in the Richmond region, aims to keep kids safe throughout pool season and “drown-proof” …

This year’s Richmond Public Schools top 2025 valedictorian, Marylord Dansou, is a first-generation American who achieved a 5.3 GPA, reflecting her academic excellence.

Youth enrichment and college-prep programs for underserved students helped shape Joe Massie, who was raised in Church Hill by a single mother. As a first-generation college graduate, he knows firsthand the impact such programs can have.

Janine Y. Bell’s embrace of Afrocentricity began during her college years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Though Howard University was her first choice, she ultimately found herself at Chapel Hill, where a growing community of African …

When Jaeda Perry’s mother faced limited daycare options, she turned to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.

Meg Garner’s journey with the ASK (Assistance, Support and Kindness) Childhood Cancer Foundation began nearly three decades ago during a college internship at the Medical College of Virginia —now Virginia Commonwealth University.

Christine DeFilippo’s journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) began while she was on vacation in 2017. She first noticed a tingling sensation in her legs, followed by waves of hot and cold. Soon after, her legs felt like Jell-O, and she …

Stress is an unavoidable part of daily life for many. Economic uncertainty, political unrest, workplace pressures and unresolved trauma contribute to the chronic strain on individuals and communities. This ongoing toll fuels burnout, strains relationships and costs the global economy …

A recent report from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has reaffirmed what many have long believed — arts education has a profound and positive impact on the academic, social and emotional development of school-age children. However, this crucial …

The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Leyla McCalla uses folk traditions and African rhythms to bridge the past and present, exploring the experiences of the Black diaspora. Her blend of folk music, showcasing her mastery of the cello, banjo and guitar, …

Margaret “Meg” Turner discovered her passion for woodturning six years ago. It began with a class at Woodcraft, a local woodworking store for professionals and hobbyists. Captivated by the craft, she made it her main hobby and is now the …