Sherman Washington, 31, of Richmond watches the demolition of the Creighton Court public housing community along Nine Mile Road in Richmond’s East End on Monday. He moved into the community when he was a 1-year-old. He left in 2008. “I’m just glad that it’s gone,” he said. “I’ll miss it though. I have a whole lot of memories. There was a whole lot going on out here. ... My son doesn’t have to live out here.”

According to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Creighton Court’s demolition will be in three phases and will expand from 504 housing units to 700 units. The entire project is expected to take up to 10 years. An informational meeting for tenants will be held June 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. behind the Creighton Court Property Management Office.

Coach Anthony Grigsby of Blackwell’s RVA Trojans gives batting tips to one of his T-Ball players, Miles Clay, 5, of Richmond last Saturday during the opening game of the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League’s 56th opening season.

The school year is nearly complete, but these signs that express care and concern are sure to remain in the minds of John B. Cary Elementary School students, teachers and staff throughout the summer.

The Richmond Public Schools 2022 valedictorians plan to study art, business, biology, nursing and pre-med when they enter college in a couple of months. But first they will graduate from their respective high schools between June 13 through June 15. We’re so proud of this group of amazing and awesome young scholars! Yay to them and their families and friends! Best of luck moving forward! From left: Anthony Rodriguez Ortiz, George Wythe High School, GPA 4.46. Jermesha Artis, Thomas Jefferson High School, GPA 4.79. Jermesha plans to attend Norfolk State University on a full scholarship to major in biology and participate in the marching band. Debora Arteaga Ortega, Huguenot High School, GPA 4.86. Debora, who has an associate’s degree from Reynolds Community College, will attend the University of Richmond as a business major. Lindsey Diggs, Franklin Military School, GPA 4.76. Lindsey will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study biology and pre-med. Taliya L. Moss-Melendez, Richmond Community High School, GPA 4.94. Taliya will attend the University of Virginia on a full scholarship. Sanaa Hayes, Open High School, GPA 5.03. Sanaa will attend William & Mary and will major in biology. She is the top 2022 RPS valedictorian. Angel Shepperson, John Marshall High School, GPA 4.36. Angel will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to major in 2-D Animation with a minor in Illustration. Damarious Banks, Armstrong High School, GPA 4.1. Damarious will attend Norfolk State University to major in pre-nursing and nursing on a full academic scholarship.

Purple blooms in Church Hill

Ten-year-old twin sisters Alicia, left, and Alivia Odhimbo, focused on their creative chalk art skills during Art 180’s “The Big Show,” a block-style celebration hosted on June 3 at 114 W. Marshall St.

The Burke family of Richmond enjoy rounds of jump rope during ART 180’s “The Big Show” on June 3.

Celine Anderson of The Visual Arts Center bends to view artwork created by (from left) Raelyn Fines, Kerry Mason, Emily Barber and Caiden Storey during Oakwood Arts’ June 4 celebration of the renovated Oakwood Church in the city’s East End.

Chris Jackson and Liv Taylor enjoy art work inside the renovated church.

The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League opened its 56th season last Saturday at Hotchkiss Field in Richmond. The MJBL’s partners include the Richmond Police Athletic League, the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, local churches and other local youth-serving groups. Also, the Richmond Squirrels and Major League Baseball helped supply uniforms and equipment for the young players to introduce them to the fun and excitement of baseball. In this photo, Coach John Garland quiets team members of Blackwell’s RVA Trojans during the opening ceremony of the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League’s 56th opening season.

Last Saturday’s opening ceremony included Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith, left, Flying Squirrels COO Todd “Parney” Parnell, center, and William Forrester Jr., MJBL executive director.