Our Community gathered together last Wednesday for one of the last times this school year for the Community Awards. This awards ceremony provides the opportunity for our community to recognize the accomplishments of some of our students, faculty, and staff. During the ceremony, faculty and staff awarded a number of special school awards to students, while also recognizing those that have earned the Iron Bishop Award or their Eagle Scout. We also had the opportunity to celebrate our faculty and staff, recognizing work milestones and awarding several school awards to those who continue to make a difference across our campus. View Photos from Community Awards >>

Community Award Recipients:

Faculty & Staff Milestones: Debbie Burton - 25 years, Liz Parthemore - 25 years, Tabitha Lang - 15 years, Linda Proffitt - 10 years 

Faculty Awards:

The Zimmer Award, Awarded to Mr. Matt Porter
Established in 1997, the Zimmer Award is presented by the senior class to that faculty member or administrator who demonstrates the deepest love and concern for the school. 

The Elinor Bass Hopkins Memorial Award, Awarded to Mrs. Susan Brown
Established in 2016 by Emmy Ellison ’96 to honor Elinor Hopkins, the late wife of long-time Senior Master James W. Hopkins, who devoted her life to better her community. A deserving faculty member, member of the staff, or spouse of a staff or faculty member is recognized with this award for his or her dedication to the VES community and for making an outstanding contribution to the school and its students.

The Smith Family Awards, Awarded to Mr. Alex Rivenburgh and Mr. Matt Porter
The Smith Family Award is made through contributions to VES by Jean Smith and Gordon Smith, Jr., parents of Gordon Smith III ’62 and Clark Smith ’65. It recognizes excellence in teaching and the making of meaningful connections with young men and women. 

Student Awards:

James Ira Pritchett III '30 Big Brother Award, Awarded to Dave Darko '23
Originally presented in 1927, Dr. Drake Pritchett ’33 renamed this award in 1950 in memory of his big brother, James Ira Pritchett ’30, a former recipient of the award. Since Dr. Pritchett’s death in 1998, his family has given the award in memory of their mother, Sarah Whitney Pritchett; their father, Drake Pritchett; and his big brother, James Ira Pritchett III. This award honors the senior boy and senior girl who have done the most to help new students adjust to life at VES.

James Ira Pritchett III '30 Big Sister Award, Awarded to Maya Barrera '23
Originally presented in 1927, Dr. Drake Pritchett ’33 renamed this award in 1950 in memory of his big brother, James Ira Pritchett ’30, a former recipient of the award. Since Dr. Pritchett’s death in 1998, his family has given the award in memory of their mother, Sarah Whitney Pritchett; their father, Drake Pritchett; and his big brother, James Ira Pritchett III. This award honors the senior boy and senior girl who have done the most to help new students adjust to life at VES.

Red Cross: High School Scholarship Program Award, Awarded to Vane Peniche '23
The recipient must be an active participant in the high school’s blood drive program and should exhibit a leadership role in the coordination and recruitment of blood drives.

Eagle Scouts, Earned by Jackson Bauer '23, Josh Schindler '23, and Jim Smith '23 
The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. 

Rotary Club Ethics Awards, Awarded to Nikitha Prahbu '23 and Clark Watts '23
Each year the Rotary Club of Lynchburg honors young men and women in their senior year of high school who have displayed exemplary ethical ideals. The Rotary Club recognizes students who best exemplify the following ethical ideals: True to Themselves, Strong Work Loyalty, Honest and Trustworthy, Win and Lose with a Smile, Diligent in their use of their talents, Developed a sense of gratitude and appreciation, and Exemplify the motto: Service Above Self.

The Bank of the James Ronald V. Dolan Citizenship Award, Awarded to Joseph Staggers '23
The Bank of the James Ronald V. Dolan Citizenship Award was established in 2006 to commemorate the enduring and positive influence Ron Dolan had on our community. As a founding board member of the Bank of the James, Ron was an accomplished businessman and exemplified good citizenship in everything he did. The Bank of the James honors his memory by granting this award to students who have demonstrated the characteristics Ron personified: outstanding citizenship qualities that show loyalty, trustworthiness, integrity, and a general concern for the well-being of others.

The John H. Bell Community Service Award, Awarded to Mykala Smith '24
The John H. Bell Community Service Award is given each year to a student who has shown themselves to be a champion for the virtue of serving others. The award is not merely a reflection of hours of service completed, but of a demonstrated commitment to the kind of service which makes a tangible difference in the world around them. The award is given to one who best demonstrates the true spirit of selfless service and leadership inspired by the life of VES parent and prominent Lynchburg cardiac surgeon, Dr. John H. Bell.

Thomas Moore Carruthers ’20 Memorial Athletic Award, Awarded to Caroline Carrington '23
This award was established in 1938 by Thomas Moore Carruthers ’20 in memory of his brother, Elmer Irving Carruthers ’20, who gave his life for his country in World War II. After Thomas’ death in 1983, his widow continued the award in memory of her husband. Since 1995, the Carruthers family has given the award in memory of both brothers. The award recognizes the top VES scholar-athlete.

Iron Bishop Athletic Awards, Awarded to Jackson Bauer '23, Dave Darko '23, Patrick Dirom '23, Phoebe Hanning '23, David Herbert '23, Brennan Olmert '23, Tucker Olmert '23, Mo Scott '23, Olivia Tompkins '23, Jim Smith '23, and Will Varner '23
The Iron Bishop Award is given to students who have participated on a competitive team each season during their time at VES. These students represent the true spirit of the student-athlete who has displayed dedication, leadership, and growth both on and off the VES playing surfaces.