Laurel Ridge鈥檚 FEA Has Grown!听 Welcome, Juniors (Class of 2028) and Welcome Back, Seniors 鈥� from Mrs. Lori Killough, Director

It鈥檚 that time of year again! Whether you are one of our 19 returning seniors or one of our 26 new juniors, we are thrilled to have you as part of the FEA family.

The Future Educators Academy is a community of aspiring educators who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. Our success is built on the dedication of our exceptional students, the encouragement of supportive families, the guidance of outstanding mentor teachers, and the commitment of our faculty and staff. Together, we will continue to learn from one another, celebrate accomplishments, and overcome challenges as we prepare the next generation of teachers.

At FEA, we believe in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. While academic excellence remains a priority, we are equally committed to developing the professional dispositions, leadership skills, resilience, empathy, and ethical decision-making that define outstanding educators. Through rigorous coursework, meaningful field experiences, and opportunities to serve and lead, you will continue building the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to positively impact future classrooms and communities.

As we begin this new academic year, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity, step outside your comfort zone, ask questions, build relationships, and support one another. Every lesson you learn and every experience you have brings you one step closer to becoming the educator you aspire to be.

We are excited to see all that you will accomplish this year. Welcome back, and here’s to a year filled with growth, achievement, and unforgettable experiences!

Seniors Showed Their Spirit, Jean Spirit!

We kicked off our new academic year on Aug. 17, and it seems a new(er) tradition in some of the high schools is for seniors to decorate their jeans for their senior year. A few of our seniors sported some really awesome creations!

FEA First Week Was Contagious

Our first week was full of excitement as both juniors and seniors started off with lots of energy and enthusiasm! Juniors completed their first college course, SDV 101 (College Success Skills), that included a team-building and getting-to-know-you activity.

The seniors鈥� week was packed with guest speakers on several topics, including the Common App, financial aid, leadership, library resources, and AI and citations. They also worked on a teacher licensing diagnostic test along with tutorials and guidance. Seniors also organized and staffed some great activities to help welcome the juniors to FEA that included: friendship-bracelet making, Ask a Senior Q&A session, various group games, and hand painting.

Finally, we topped off the week with an ice cream party on the patio and group pictures! Many students commented that they would like to have more time to spend with one another. Their infectious spirit was felt by those around them!

Seniors Will Soon Start the College Application Process

Last March we held our Transfer Institution Day at Laurel Ridge, where several universities came to speak about their admissions processes, transfer requirements and student education opportunities. Now that seniors are, or will soon be, applying to four-year colleges, this is a reminder that FEA has Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) regarding guaranteed admission with the following universities:

• Lynchburg University
• Mary Baldwin University
• Old Dominion University
• Shenandoah University
• University of Mary Washington

Because of these MOUs, seniors would apply directly to these universities instead of through the Common App which should make your application process a little easier and your application fee should be waived. If seniors have further questions or need additional details regarding admissions and transfer requirements of these universities, please contact the FEA Office. 

Important Information for Parents and Students

Recent information from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and/or Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has been provided to your students including:

• Safe Storage of Firearms, Medications, and Substances

Please contact the FEA Office if you have not received this information or would like another copy.

Don鈥檛 Miss Out, Laurel Ridge Has a Lot to Offer

There are many opportunities for students to get involved in campus happenings.  Be sure to check out the Student Life website for a calendar of events and more details!

Also, don鈥檛 forget to visit all the support and resources that are here for students.

Reminders

• Attendance:听We听are required by the school systems to track and report attendance daily.听Please听email听fea@laurelridge.edu听with any听attendance alterations听(absences, early dismissals, late arrivals),听no later than 8 a.m.听the听day of听occurrence.听For听early dismissals/late arrivals,听students will need to听check听in听(or out)听with听the听FEA Office (The Lodge, Rm. 325) before going elsewhere.听听
• Practicum Days:听If students are absent/leaving early/arriving late, please email听your听Laurel Ridge听practicum instructor听(Professor Johnson or Professor Strickler),听your cooperating teacher at the elementary school, and听include听fea@laurelridge.edu听to notify them of听any changes听no later than 8a.m.听that morning.听
• Cell Phones:听鈥淣o Cell Phone Use鈥澨齩n campus.听Should emergencies arise, parents听should听contact the FEA office at (540) 868-7235.听
• Snacks:听FEA听provides听a听snack听at no cost to FEA students,听but听it听may not always be what students want. We听also听have vending machines听in Cornerstone Hall;听however, students would need to听purchase听these items themselves.听Students may also want to听bring听a drink in听their FEA tumblers or fill听them听at the water filter stations听around听campus.听
• Transportation: Waiver formsmust be听submitted听and approved if听a听student is not听using the public school听system听transportation听(even if only occasionally).听Please contact the FEA office if you need a form.听
• If a student is struggling,听please reach out to the FEA Office at fea@laurelridge.edu or phone听(540) 868-7235听so that we can connect you with the right resources.听

Important Dates for FEA:

• Sept. 4 鈥� Virtual Day
• Sept. 7 鈥� Labor Day Holiday
• Sept. 25 鈥� First Day of Practicums
• Oct. 1 鈥� The Opens (Seniors)
• Oct. 13 鈥� Field Trip to Belle Grove (Juniors)
• Oct. 19-23 & Oct. 26-30 鈥� Virginia College Application Weeks (Seniors)
• Nov. 2 鈥� Virtual Day
• Nov. 25-27 鈥揟hanksgiving Holiday/Closed
• Dec. 7-11 鈥� FEA Finals Week
• Dec. 14-Jan.15 鈥� Students Continue in Practicums on Days Their School is in Session
• Jan. 19 鈥� FEA Spring Semester Begins
• Mar. 19 鈥� Teacher Education Program Transfer Institution Day 2027 at Laurel Ridge

吃瓜头条 is the first community college in Virginia approved to offer two new Fiber Optics programs:  Fiber Splicing Specialist and Fiber OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) Specialist.

With the addition of these two FastForward courses, the college鈥檚 Workforce Solutions division is now offering three levels of its Fiber Optics workforce training program, which also includes Fiber Optic Installer and Fiber Optic Technician. Fiber optic cables are used to provide high-speed internet, TV and phone services, all of which remain in high demand.

In the Fiber Splicing Specialist course, students will learn the setup, operation, maintenance and reporting aspects of fusion splicing. Through hands-on training, they鈥檒l learn how to use fusion splicing equipment and to prepare and splice single and ribbon fiber and fusion splice connectors. In the Fiber OTDR Specialist course, students will learn best practices when it comes to preparing and testing installed fiber links.

Additionally, Laurel Ridge is offering a Certified Mission Critical Operator (CMCO) course starting Sept. 1. These operators ensure mission-critical facilities, such as data centers, are able to run without interruption through ensuring that power, cooling, networking and safety systems are reliably performing, and quickly responding to any incidents that could affect that performance.

鈥淭hese are very high-level, advanced courses,鈥� said Workforce Solutions Program Manager Sam Brill. 鈥淢ost employers do not have anybody on staff who is skilled at this level, so they have to call in contractors and bring people in, which gets really, really expensive. We鈥檝e heard from employers about their needs, and we鈥檙e meeting those needs. The jobs are everywhere. It can be local if you want to stay local, or you could work for a contracting company and travel, which often appeals to younger workers.鈥�

Evan Manich will be teaching the Fiber Splicing program. He said he has done fiber splicing with Shentel for about eight years.

鈥淚鈥檓 the guy who trains all the fiber splicers, anything that involves working in fiber,鈥� said Manich. 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of a passion project of mine. I love being able to show new employees, or employees who are trying to come over to fiber, the tricks of the trade. It鈥檚 a fast-growing, stable career path that can see progression. You鈥檙e learning a trade that鈥檚 really become essential to everything that everyone does on a day-to-day basis.鈥�

Daniel Judy, manager of the Middletown Data Center, will be teaching the CMCO class.

鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of a foundation class for data center technicians,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t gives you a foundation of what is a mission-critical environment, what does that look like, what do you take care of, what are some of the things that are associated with a facility that is mission critical.鈥�

Judy said he is excited about helping to create a pipeline of skilled technicians.

鈥淟et鈥檚 bring up the skillset that we currently have in the valley, along with the understanding of what actually goes on in mission-critical facilities,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are also other facilities besides data centers that are mission critical, such as emergency rooms.鈥�

Workforce Credential Grant funding will cover two-thirds of FastForward program costs for eligible students. For those who qualify, G3 funding will pick up any remaining tuition costs.

These courses are ideal for someone who is already in the industry and looking to skill up, as well as for someone new to the industry who wants to go through all three levels of the Fiber courses, Brill said. For now, the two new Fiber programs are being offered at the college鈥檚 Fauquier Campus, but will be coming soon to the Middletown Campus. The CMCO course is being offered in Middletown.

Learn more about the programs by calling Workforce Solutions at 540-868-7021.

吃瓜头条 reminds prospective students that college may be more affordable than they think. During a recent interview on The Valley Today, Director of Financial Aid Buddy Wilson shared that students pursuing degrees, workforce credentials and career training programs have access to a variety of financial aid opportunities, including federal grants, state assistance, G3 funding, FastForward support and scholarships. He encouraged anyone considering college, whether they are a recent high school graduate or an adult returning to school, to explore their options and connect with the college’s financial aid team for personalized guidance.

One of the key messages from the conversation was that cost should not prevent students from taking the first step. Laurel Ridge offers financial aid assistance throughout the application process and helps students identify funding sources they may not realize are available. Programs such as G3, help eligible students prepare for high-demand careers, while FastForward funding supports short-term training programs that lead to new job opportunities, in some cases in just a matter of months. The college also awards millions of dollars annually in grants, scholarships and work-study support, thus creating pathways for students to achieve their educational and career goals.

For those thinking about enrolling, Laurel Ridge offers information sessions, campus visits, open houses and other events designed to answer questions and connect students with resources before classes begin. College leaders emphasized that it is never too late to explore financial aid options and encouraged prospective students to learn more, complete the FAFSA and discover how Laurel Ridge can help them gain skills, earn credentials and move forward with confidence.

Learn more about getting started at Laurel Ridge: 

• laurelridge.edu/getstarted

Financial Aid Information:

• laurelridge.edu/financial-aid

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FEA Faculty & Dean Win Awards at Annual Recognition Celebration

Future Educators Academy (FEA) faculty received the Collaboration Award at 吃瓜头条鈥檚 annual Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony in May.

Additionally, Dr. Nicole Munday, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, received the 2026 Distinguished Administrator Award! She was nominated by multiple faculty and staff members who had these things to share about her:

鈥淪he operates with transparency and a can-do attitude, helping navigate challenging situations or to brainstorm solutions in a collaborative and transparent way; she also embodies a wealth of integrity; Nicole weighs decisions in a measured way, and she always shares her rationale and considers feedback as a working piece of her deliberations; Nicole鈥檚 leadership is a steadying influence that helps those working under her maintain their composure and follow by example; she provides insightful suggestions for how to improve processes while still protecting faculty鈥檚 time and main focus on teaching; she truly relies on her faculty鈥檚 knowledge and expertise, and she is often a voice speaking up on college committees and workgroups to consider the faculty鈥檚 point of view鈥�.

Dr. Munday, we are so proud of what you do for us and the college every day!

New Student Orientation

On May 19, the FEA welcomed incoming students and their families to New Student Orientation. Hosted by returning FEA seniors, the event marked the beginning of these students’ journey toward simultaneously earning both an Associate of Science Degree in Education and a high school diploma.

The evening introduced students and families to the academic expectations of college coursework, FEA policies and procedures, practicum requirements, student support services, and program logistics. Current FEA seniors, Skyla and Derek, shared their experiences and offered words of encouragement to the incoming class.

Parents and students then participated in separate sessions. Parents met with FEA Director Lori Killough, who offered encouragement and practical guidance on supporting their students as they transition into the responsibilities and expectations of college while still in high school. New and returning FEA students took part in team-building activities led by FEA Professor Jennifer Strickler.

The evening concluded with optional campus tours, and students and families left excited to begin classes on Aug. 17.

FEA Students and Professor Join the 20th Anniversary Celebration for the Luray-Page County Center

On June 11, FEA seniors and Page County residents, Emilee and Sophia, along with FEA professor Jennifer Strickler, a Page County resident, participated in and were recognized at the 20^th anniversary celebration. 

As We Begin a New Academic Year, Laurel Ridge Has a Lot to Offer 

There are many opportunities for students to get involved in campus happenings.  Be sure to check out the Student Life website for a calendar of events and more details! 

Also, don鈥檛 forget to explore all the support and resources that are here for you as a student. 

A Few Odds and Ends to Note for Back to School 

• Attendance: We are required by the school systems to track and report attendance daily, and they take this seriously. Please email fea@laurelridge.edu with any attendance alterations (absences, early dismissals, late arrivals), no later than 8:00 a.m. the day of occurrence. For early dismissals/late arrivals, students will need to check in (or out) with the FEA Office (The Lodge, Rm. 325) before going elsewhere.  
  • Practicum Days:听If students are absent/leaving early/arriving late, please email听your听Laurel Ridge听practicum instructor听(Professor Johnson or Professor Strickler),听your cooperating teacher at the elementary school, and听include听fea@laurelridge.edu听to notify them of听any changes听no later than 8:00 a.m.听that morning.听
• Cell Phones:听鈥淣o Cell Phone Use鈥澨齩n campus.听Should emergencies arise, parents听should听contact the FEA office at (540) 868-7235.听
• Snacks:听FEA听provides听a听snack听at no cost to FEA students,听but听it听may not always be what students want. We听also听have vending machines听in Cornerstone Hall;听however, students would need to听purchase听these items themselves.听Students may also want to听bring听a drink in听their FEA tumblers or fill听them听at the water filter stations听around听campus.听
• Transportation: Waiver forms听must be听submitted听and approved if听a听student is not听using the public school听system听transportation听(even if only occasionally).听Please contact the FEA office if you need a form.听
• If a student is struggling,听please reach out to Mrs. Killough sooner rather听than later, via email听at听lkillough@laurelridge.edu or phone听(540) 868-7235听so that we can connect you with the right resources.听

Important Dates for FEA

• Aug. 17 鈥� First Day for FEA Students 
• Aug. 24 鈥� Fall Semester Officially Begins 
• Sept. 7 鈥� Labor Day Holiday 
• Sept. 25 鈥� First Day of Practicums 
• Oct. 13 鈥� Field Trip to Belle Grove (Juniors) 
• Nov. 2 鈥� Virtual Day for FEA 
• Nov. 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday/Closed 
• Dec. 14-Jan.15 鈥� Students Continue in Practicums on the Days their School is in Session 
• Jan. 19 鈥� FEA Spring 2027 Semester Begins 

Choosing a college path can feel overwhelming, but here at 吃瓜头条, we make that process personal and approachable. On this episode of 鈥淭he Valley Today,鈥� outreach specialist and career coach Thomas Monk shares how his role is centered on helping prospective students of all ages navigate everything from applications and financial aid, to career exploration and transfer opportunities.

With a simple philosophy that “half the hurdle is just getting started,” Monk serves as a trusted first point of contact, connecting students to the right resources while making what can seem like a complicated process feel easy.听

The conversation also highlights Laurel Ridge’s guaranteed transfer agreements with 37 Virginia colleges and universities, expanding workforce and tech programs, and the college’s commitment to meeting students wherever they are in their educational journey, whether that is exploring college for the first time, returning after years away, or preparing for a new career. 

Learn more about getting started at Laurel Ridge:听

• laurelridge.edu/getstarted

Schedule a visit: 

• laurelridge.edu/visit听

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A rewarding nursing career may be closer than you think. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael was joined by Laurel Ridge Director of Marketing Guy Curtis, Dean of Health Professions Dr. Scott Vanderkooi, and Interim Director of Nursing Dr. Amanda Hodges to discuss the many pathways into nursing and other healthcare careers. 

The conversation highlighted a common misconception that becoming a nurse requires four years of education at a university. Through Laurel Ridge’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program, students can complete their education and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in about two years. Graduates are entering a field with strong demand and excellent employment opportunities throughout the region. 

The episode also introduced Laurel Ridge’s new weekend RN cohort, launching in spring 2027. Designed for working adults, the program combines online coursework with weekend labs, simulations, and clinical experiences, making it possible for students to continue working while pursuing their nursing degree. 

Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, EMT, paramedic, career changer, or someone exploring healthcare for the first time, Laurel Ridge offers flexible options to help you reach your goals. The discussion also covered G3 funding, which may help eligible Virginia residents significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs for high-demand career programs, including nursing. 

Prospective students and families are encouraged to attend an upcoming nursing information session to learn more about admission requirements, program options, funding opportunities, and career pathways. 

Learn more about Laurel Ridge Nursing: 

• laurelridge.edu/nursing听

Schedule a visit: 

• laurelridge.edu/visit听

Explore G3 funding: 

• laurelridge.edu/G3

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吃瓜头条 is celebrating Virginia Intern Day 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Middletown Campus. The Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VIEW), of which the college is a member, is hosting the networking event, complete with panel discussions and recognition of internship success stories.

The event is free, and interns, their hosts and employers are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided. The registration deadline is Monday, July 27.

鈥淚nterns and their employers from our region are coming to the college to share their experiences and discuss the benefits both students and employers gain from internships,鈥� said Sonya Foor, the academic and career support coordinator at Laurel Ridge. 鈥淲e will have a panel of local employers sharing their insights, as well.

鈥淰irginia Community College System Chancellor David Dor茅, in line with the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges鈥� Accelerating Opportunity six-year strategic plan calling for significantly increasing the number of students participating in paid internships and apprenticeships, has directed community colleges to emphasize work-based learning opportunities. Laurel Ridge Career Services is raising awareness of the value of internships and fostering increased connections between our faculty members and area employers.鈥�

Internships play a critical role in preparing students for the workforce while giving regional employers early access to emerging talent. Internship participation in the Shenandoah Valley is on the rise in industries such as healthcare, technology, education and public service.

鈥淭his is a professional development opportunity for interns, as well as a celebration of their contributions to businesses and organizations,鈥� said Mary Sullivan, project coordinator for Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership 鈥� Valley Internship Experience Workgroup (VTOP-VIEW).

VIEW is also hosting a Virginia Intern Day Tuesday, July 28, at James Madison University. 

To register for the Laurel Ridge event, visit .

鈥嬧�婬ilary Echols writes fiction and nonfiction that inspire a love of learning, an appreciation of others, and a curiosity about the natural world. After studying English and elementary education in college, she spent a season in the classroom and eventually had the privilege of homeschooling her own children. She currently lives and writes in Virginia with her husband, kids, and a chocolate lab named Bear. She is represented by Lori Steel of SteelWorks Literary.

Toni R. Settles is an author, literacy advocate, and founder of Well Read Child, an organization dedicated to increasing access to diverse children鈥檚 books. A proud Washingtonian and mother of two, she creates stories that celebrate identity, confidence, and imagination. Through books, school book fairs, and community programs, Toni works to ensure every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read and the dreams they pursue.

A wild thunderstorm may have disrupted the order of events at Laurel Ridge鈥檚 20th anniversary celebration for the Luray-Page County Center (LPCC) on June 11, but it wasn鈥檛 enough to put a damper on the spirits of those in attendance. Speeches by President Kim Blosser, current students, alumni and supporters were moved inside Jenkins Hall, as was the buffet line, but a stoppage of the storm and cooler temperatures lured diners back outside to the large tent erected for the occasion.

The original LPCC opened in September 2006, in the former Vanity Fair Wrangler Annex building on North Hawksbill Street in Luray. The new 13,000-square-foot center located near the Walmart on land donated to the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation opened five years ago. With this new site, Laurel Ridge has been able to expand its class offerings with the presence of on-site trades and science labs.

鈥淭his week, we started our first cohort of the certified nurse assistant program,鈥� said President Kim Blosser, who noted that the center has been home to a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program since 2022.

The PTA course had been operated as an accredited satellite site for Germanna Community College鈥檚 program, but starting this fall, Laurel Ridge will be an accredited independent operator of the program.

In the 20 years since its inception, the LPCC has served 2,875 students. President Blosser was one of several speakers to pay tribute to longtime LPCC Manager Judy Suddith.

鈥淎lmost since the very beginning, Judy Suddith has been a constant presence here,鈥� said Dr. Blosser. 鈥淪he has been an adviser, and has now taught hundreds of students. She serves as a mentor to many students.鈥�

In more recent years, Suddith has added teaching English classes to her duties.

鈥淚 told her my plan, and she was just as determined for me to succeed as I was,鈥� student Sophia Wolf, who wants to become an art teacher, said of Suddith. 鈥淪he has given me the support and drive to succeed in my education. I leave this campus knowing that she isn鈥檛 just my adviser and my teacher 鈥� she鈥檚 my very best friend.鈥�

Jessica Knight, who is the vice president of administration and executive operations at Pioneer Bank, graduated from Laurel Ridge in 2007. She said she was the very first work-study student at the LPCC.

鈥淏efore this beautiful building existed, Laurel Ridge was already helping me and so many others pave our path to success,鈥� said Knight, who chose the college for its affordability and proximity.

Former Page County Public Schools Superintendent Donna Whitley-Smith, the vice chair of the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Board, was the evening鈥檚 final speaker.

鈥淚 have been a witness of how this college has impacted lives and opened doors,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he presence of this college says something important about our community 鈥� we鈥檙e willing to commit to a better future for those who follow us.鈥�

Just shy of 3,000 Page County residents have been served by the LPCC since it first opened in 2006. The vast majority 鈥� 2,573 鈥� have taken college credits. The remainder have taken Workforce Solutions classes 鈥� 226 鈥� and Adult Education classes 鈥� 76. Our credit students have earned an average of 14 credit hours each. The 923 LPCC students who have graduated from the college have earned a combined 1,564 degrees and certificates.

The college鈥檚 most recent issue of The Laureate provides a more in-depth focus on the LPCC.