The Shadow
Alleghany Highlands, Va. (VR) – It’s a fine week to start this new column, as the Alleghany Highlands displayed remarkable community spirit this week through outstanding athletic performance and meaningful cultural celebrations. The Alleghany County track team made national waves at the Adidas Outdoor Track Nationals, with four incredibly talented young women placing 59th among the country’s top high school teams. The relay team of Ja’Kara Heighter, Hannah Hipes, Cambria Ransom, and Tyaieja Smith demonstrated exceptional determination, clocking an impressive 52.20-second performance. “Coach Bartley pushes us to be the best athletes we can be,” said team member Tyaieja Smith, embodying the community’s commitment to youth development. Congratulations to each of them.
The Juneteenth celebration at Green Pastures Recreation Area highlighted the Alleghany Highlands’ progress in racial reconciliation. The historic site, originally created during segregation as a recreational space for African Americans, served as a symbol of unity and community healing.
The week’s positive momentum continued with the unveiling of the new state-of-the-art field house at Casey Field, featuring modern facilities built entirely by local labor. City Manager Alan Dressler emphasized the project’s significance: “We designed this space with input from coaches, trainers, and athletic directors to support our student athletes.”
These events underscore the Allegheny Highlands’ resilience, highlighting a community that celebrates achievement, embraces diversity, and invests in its future. The positivity continued flowing from our beautiful mountains this past week with an incredible announcement. Nicole Kellison Tucker was named the Official Chief Executive Officer of Lewis Gale Alleghany Hospital. Tucker is an Alleghany native with over a decade of experience at the Alleghany Hospital.
If you have some good news from around the Highlands, be sure to share! Send your good news to news@virginianreview.com.
