The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS — Bath County schools have benefitted from several recent donations.
The Bath County Christmas Mother program recently donated $1,000 to the Bath County High School “Chargers Care”?effort to support students and families in need.
Chargers Care will be used solely for benevolent support of the Bath County students and their families. Bath County school counselor Caroline McKean will provide primary oversight of the program.
Wright Way Motors in Covington also donated $250 to both BCHS and Valley Elementary School to support Bath County students and families.
“The Christmas Mother donation and the Wright Way Motors donations have created a firm foundation for an ongoing effort to support Bath County students and families,” Superintendent Sue Hirsh said. “We deeply appreciate their support of our Charger families.”
The Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust recently donated $5,000 to support the BCHS E-Sports team.
Preservation Trust Secretary Sonya McKay presented the check to E-Sports coach Ryan Borden. Coach Borden said this support will allow him to expand membership and field an additional team.
Currently, the Charger E-Sports team has 13 members and has scrimmaged successfully with teams from across the state.
This gift allowed for the purchase of the high capacity hardware and the connectivity needed for the Bath County team to compete on equal footing with much larger schools across the state.
Last year, the Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust donated $5,000 to initiate a Robotics Club at BCHS.
“Bath County Chargers thank the Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust for their generous support of our young people,” Hirsh said.
These donations were announced during the recent November meeting of the Bath County School Board. Also during the meeting, the school board was updated on recent BCHS Band activities.
The band has been busy preparing to perform its “Welcome to the Jungle” marching band show.
On Monday, Oct. 19, the band had the opportunity to participate in a clinic with Scott Rikkers, the director of the James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes. He brought approximately 10 section leaders who are also music education majors.
The band performed for them and then received feedback on balance, blend, tone and effect.
All participants followed COVID regulations during the clinic.
“It was an incredible opportunity for our kids,” said Melinda Hooker, the BCHS band director.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, and Monday, Nov. 2, the BCHS band gave its “Family and Friends” performances.
These two shows allowed all families to attend and still remain with the 250-person gathering limit. Again, all COVID guidelines were followed.
“It was wonderful for our kids,” Hooker said. “Just marching on the field was a great exhilaration for them.”
Hirsh also recognized the efforts of the BCHS Band.
“The BCHS Band has a competitive, exciting show despite all the changes we have made due to COVID,” she said. “The students have a ‘never give up’ attitude and continue to strive for excellence.”
In action following closed meeting, the school board:
— approved Terry Bradley and Cathy Snead Snyder as substitute teachers;
— approved the application of a non-resident student.
