The Shadow
LOW MOOR — The Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC) has named Sarai Warrick
as its first-ever Adviser of the Year, recognizing her outstanding service, leadership, and
dedication to expanding college access for students in Southwest Virginia.
Warrick, a 2023 graduate of Washington and Lee University, currently serves as the
college adviser at Alleghany High School. She began her role during the 2023-2024
academic year, the inaugural year of the newly combined high school formed after the
merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Schools, and Jackson River
Technical Center into Alleghany Highlands Public Schools in 2022.
As the first college adviser in the school’s history, Warrick faced the unique challenge of
establishing a college and career advising program from the ground up, working closely
with the school counseling department. Her efforts laid the foundation for a student-
centered, high-impact initiative designed to benefit Alleghany students for years to
come.
In her AmeriCorps role with VCAC, Warrick has supported students throughout the
Alleghany Highlands as they explore postsecondary options. She has helped students
understand college programs, guided them through application processes, and provided
personalized feedback on resumes and future planning.
“Congratulations to Sarai Warrick on being named the Virginia College Advising Corps’
first-ever Adviser of the Year,” said a VCAC program coordinator. “Sarai built a highly
effective advising program at Alleghany High School while also serving as a trusted
leader among her peers across the state. Her dependability, insight, and commitment to
students have made her an indispensable member of our advising community.”
AHPS staff echoed that praise. “Ms. Warrick has spent countless hours getting to know
our students and working with them in her role as a college adviser,” said Vicki Dooley,
a counselor at AHS and site supervisor for VCAC.
“She has helped students find programs to fit their interests and complete college,
scholarship, and financial aid applications. She has also taken students to visit several
colleges and post-secondary programs this year. Ms. Warrick is a wonderful colleague
and all of the counselors will certainly miss her when she leaves this summer. But we
wish her the best in her new adventure,” Dooley said.
“In my role as superintendent and in my role as a parent, I know Ms. Warrick made an
incredible impact on many AHS students,” added Kim Halterman from the AHPS
leadership team. “She’s even reviewed award essays late into the evenings for our
students, sought out summer opportunities for them, and more.”
Beyond her school-based work, Warrick played a key leadership role within VCAC’s
statewide adviser team. She regularly shared valuable resources, mentored fellow
advisers, and supported VCAC staff on critical initiatives. At Alleghany High School, she
also helped organize events celebrating Black History, further demonstrating her
commitment to student enrichment and inclusivity.
Warrick will soon begin a new chapter, pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at
the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.
“I am hoping that through this program, I will learn more about educational policies and
remain in the field of education,” she said.
“Being the first adviser at the newly consolidated Alleghany High School has been
incredibly rewarding,” Warrick added. “From the very beginning, I felt welcomed as part
of the AHS team. Supporting our students as they explored their next steps allowed me
to witness tremendous growth and potential, and I’m genuinely excited to see all they’ll
accomplish beyond high school. I’m proud to have played a role in helping them shape
their futures. I’ll always carry with me the lessons, memories, and relationships built at
Alleghany. Thank you, AHS!”
Warrick will be succeeded by Ellie Lafon, a Virginia Tech graduate, who will step into
the advising role at AHS for the 2025–2026 school year.
“During the interview process, she expressed how excited she is to live and learn about
the community of Alleghany and get started with the work. I am confident that she will
do well,” Warrick said.
The Virginia College Advising Corps, based at the University of Virginia, places recent
college graduates in high schools across the Commonwealth to serve as full-time
college advisers. These advisers help students navigate the often-complex college
admissions and financial aid processes, committing to two years of service to make
higher education more accessible, particularly for students from low-income families,
rural areas, or those who will be the first in their family to attend college.
Before beginning their placements, advisers complete intensive summer training to
prepare for the role and ensure they are equipped to support students effectively from
day one.
As Warrick prepares to begin graduate school, her work at Alleghany High School has
helped build a strong foundation for future college and career advising. Her efforts
during the school’s first years as a combined high school have created a program that
will continue to offer strong support for students.
About Alleghany High School
Alleghany High School serves students in grades 9-12 within Alleghany Highlands
Public Schools. The school division has approximately 2,700 students and is jointly
funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington. To stay connected, follow AHPS
on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and on Instagram at @ahpublicschools. For more information, visit www.ahps.k12.va.us.
