By Paxton Smith and Sylvia Ghazarian

In a few short weeks many of us will return to college or university. As a junior, I know firsthand the time pressures we face. Classes start early in the morning and some don’t end until 10 pm. Not to mention the sleepless nights writing papers and studying for exams. It’s an exciting – but busy time with barely enough time to eat and little time to prepare for the unexpected.

College is not a 9-to-5 job. Our personal lives and our school lives are deeply integrated, with many of us living on campus or walking distance from it, but only a few campuses have 24-hour access stores open for when we have an urgent need. That’s where vending machines come in, providing snacks, sodas, and yes, even contraceptives.

As a college junior, my friends and other students understand that in the quest for broader access to contraception, vending machines have emerged as a progressive and innovative solution, empowering individuals with greater control over their reproductive health choices. As advocates and federal officials champion broader contraceptive access, the presence of vending machines (which are available 24/7) selling Plan B, condoms, and other essential health products like ibuprofen and pregnancy tests is proving to be a critical lifeline, particularly for students facing the dilemma of choosing a college in a state where abortion is banned and/or the college is located in areas that lack access to reproductive health centers – contraceptive desserts.

In recent years, the fight for reproductive rights has reached a pivotal juncture, with state-level restrictions on abortion and limited access to contraception threatening to undermine hard-won advancements. Recognizing the urgent need for proactive measures, advocates have been tirelessly advocating for solutions that provide individuals with the tools to take charge of their reproductive choices. Vending machines, placed strategically on college campuses and in public spaces, have emerged as a discreet and accessible option to meet these needs.

Moreover, vending machines do more than just provide access; they foster a culture of empowerment and destigmatization. Their public placement not only helps elimate barriers to contraceptives, but also prompts a more open dialogue surrounding sexual health. Despite public placement, however, their very nature allows anonymous purchase of reproductive health products because there’s no cashier. Taking unnecessary interaction out of the access equation helps to reduce the shame and embarrassment that some individuals may feel when seeking out these essential items.

There are now 39 universities in 17 states with emergency contraceptive vending machines, and at least 20 more considering them, according to the American Society for Emergency Contraception. We can thank a number of advocates and organizations for that, including Emergency Contraception for Every Campus (EC4EC), a by-student-for-student organization.

Many of the efforts for the vending machines are student led. We understand our needs more than anyone can, and these vending machines not only help meet our access needs, being open at all times and in central locations, but they also help meet our cost needs. The beauty of a school owned and operated vending machine is that the school can choose the price of products. In the vending machines across the country already, emergency contraception is often sold at a fraction of the price of what drug stores would sell it for. If a school chooses not to fund or subsidize the items in the vending machines, students could potentially work with local reproductive health nonprofits to keep the machines stocked with menstrual products, emergency contraception, and hopefully in early 2024 the new over the counter birth control pill. Ideally the school will take up the responsibility for these vending machines, serving as tangible manifestations of an institution’s commitment to its students’ well-being and reproductive health.

It is vital to acknowledge that vending machines alone cannot address the systemic challenges faced by the reproductive rights movement. Broader access to contraception and abortion requires comprehensive policy changes and legislative efforts that extend far beyond college life. Nevertheless, vending machines serve as a practical and impactful step in the right direction, offering immediate assistance to individuals seeking reproductive health products without judgment or obstacles.

To make vending machines a ubiquitous resource, colleges and universities must take the lead in adopting and promoting this initiative. By partnering with reproductive rights organizations and health providers, institutions can ensure that vending machines are well-stocked, easily accessible, and affordable across campuses. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can be launched to dismantle any lingering stigma surrounding the use of vending machines for obtaining contraceptives and other reproductive health products.

Vending machines selling Plan B, condoms, and other health products represent a powerful stride forward in the battle for broader access to contraception and reproductive health choices. As students grapple with the impact of abortion bans in their life, these machines provide a much-needed lifeline of support and empowerment. By advocating for the installation of vending machines on college campuses and beyond, we take a meaningful step towards creating a society where individuals can make informed choices about their reproductive health without unnecessary barriers.

Paxton Smith is a pop musician, abortion rights activist, and a UT Austin college junior. She currently serves on the board of directors at WRRAP. Sylvia Ghazarian is executive director of the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP) and works with and mentors students.

The post Empowering students’ reproductive choices: The vital role of vending machines appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Miss Virginia Katie Rose will promote healthy choices and substance use prevention to students in Virginia elementary schools as part of Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s Miss Virginia school tour program.

The Miss Virginia Organization and Virginia ABC share the combined goal of educating students about making positive decisions to better prepare for success.

Supported by the Virginia ABC community health and engagement mission to prevent high risk and underage alcohol use, Miss Virginia educates elementary school students about the risks of alcohol and other drug use. The tour is funded by a $17,500 ABC grant and features several program options for elementary schools across the state, which can participate in person or virtually live.

A George Mason University graduate, Rose earned a law degree from the University of Richmond this year. As Miss Virginia, she plans to also champion her social impact initiative focusing on raising awareness for domestic violence and keeping individuals safe.

Rose feels that ABC’s campaign to prevent substance abuse underscores her commitment to improving the lives of children in dangerous circumstances.

“I know that I want to encourage and have a platform for every child to make healthy choices for themselves and feel that they have a safe place to come forward if they choose to do so,” said Rose. “Substance abuse prevention efforts must begin in Virginia’s elementary schools.”

Since 1953, the Miss Virginia Pageant has provided a platform for young women to advocate for causes and issues important to them. Virginia ABC has a long-standing partnership with the Miss Virginia Organization.

Last year’s Miss Virginia, Victoria Chuah, visited 67 elementary schools reaching 18,369 students promoting healthy decision making and leadership through the Miss Virginia school tour program.

“Virginia ABC and the Miss Virginia Organization have collaborated to meet students where they are with age-appropriate information about drugs and alcohol to protect them from dangerous behaviors as they grow older,” said Virginia ABC community health and engagement director Katie Crumble. “This early communication sets the stage for a lifetime of promoting health and safety by being informed, approachable and good leaders.”

School programs

Miss Virginia provides the foundation and encouragement for young students to understand healthy choices and be aware of the harms of substance use.

The Miss Virginia school tour messaging aligns with the Virginia Standards of Learning of Advocacy and Health Promotion, Essential Health Concepts and Healthy Decisions focusing on substance use prevention as outlined in the SOLs. In accordance with these standards, two versions of the presentation based on grade level (Kindergarten-first grade and second-fifth grades) are available.

Each student who participates in the program receives a copy of Virginia ABC’s educational health and safety activity workbook. The workbook encourages powerful connections when a teacher or caregiver shares the experience of completing the book with a child. Workbooks will be shipped to each school prior to the scheduled visit.

Students will:

• learn what positive choices are and how to make them, and how to say “no” when something is not healthy for their bodies;
• learn what it means to be a leader in their community and among their friends; and
• be able to identify who is a trusted adult and understand the role they play in their lives.

Schools interested in scheduling a Miss Virginia presentation may request a school tour stop by visiting www.abc.virginia.gov/education/programs/miss-va

The post Miss Virginia partners with Virginia ABC for school tours promoting healthy choices appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is seeking entries for its Virginia War Memorial 2023 Veterans Day student essay contest. The annual competition is open to all Virginia middle and high school age public, private and homeschooled students.

The essay topic for the 2023 contest is “A Virginian Who Served in The Military During the Korean War Era Who Inspires Me.” Students may consider a member of their family, of their community, or any Virginian who served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, anywhere in the world, during the Korean War Era (1950 – 1953) as their subject.

One winner will be selected from among all middle school entries (grades 6-8) and one from high school entries (grades 9-12). The two students who write the winning essays will each receive a prize package courtesy of McDonald’s Restaurants of Richmond and Hampton Roads.

The student winners will also be invited to come to Richmond to read aloud their essays and participate in the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond on Friday, Nov. 10.

Contest details

• Essays should be 500-750 words in length and utilize interviews and primary sources whenever possible. Entries will be judged on clarity of thought, adherence to the contest theme and guidelines, proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Students are encouraged to contact Sylvia Marshall, Virginia War Memorial archivist (Sylvia.Marshall@vawarmemorial.org ) for additional resources regarding Virginia’s Korean War Era veterans if they wish.
• Detailed information regarding rules, guidelines and how to enter are available online.
• All entries must be submitted to the Virginia War Memorial website by 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, Oct.15.
• For additional information or questions, please contact Crystal Coon, Assistant Director of Education, at crystal.coon@vawarmemorial.org or at (804) 786-2060.

The post Middle and high school students invited to participate in Veterans Day essay contest appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Two Augusta County Public School buses were involved in an accident this afternoon resulting in two students being sent to Augusta Health.

The buses were transporting students home from Riverheads High School, Beverley Manor Middle School and Riverheads Elementary School when one bus rear-ended the other bus at approximately 3:35 p.m. The buses were travelling north on Route 11 when the first bus slowed for a passenger vehicle in front of it that had stopped to make a left turn. The second school bus failed to brake in time and struck the rear of the first bus, according to Virginia State Police.

Two students were transported to Augusta Health with non-life-threatening injuries. Ten students were treated at the scene.

The remaining students were screened and released to their families or transported to their homes by another bus.

The family of each student involved in the accident received a personal phone call from an administrator to notify them of the situation.

Counselors and school psychologists will be available to assist students and staff at these schools Friday.

The driver of the at-fault bus was cited for following too closely.

Virginia State Police is investigating the crash.

The post Two students injured in Augusta County school bus accident Thursday appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Eastern Mennonite University’s fall 2023 enrollment total of 801 students includes a 60 percent increase of transfer students.

Fall enrollment numbers reflect selective growth in the undergraduate, graduate and Intensive English Program (IEP) academic areas at EMU. Census data collected on September 10 reflect undergraduate, graduate, dual and non-credit enrollment on the main Harrisonburg campus and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

“I am pleased to see increases in the number of transfer students, full-time graduate students, and in specific undergraduate and graduate program areas,” EMU Vice President for Enrollment and Strategic Growth Mary Krahn Jensen said. “EMU has worked diligently to attract a diverse and talented pool of students who will contribute to the vibrancy of our campus.”

The class of 2027, which consists of 236 students, represents 18 states and six countries. Thirty-five percent of students identify as first-generation (an increase from last year) and 44 percent identify as Black.

Top majors are nursing and psychology, followed by business administration and STEM-related fields: biology, computer science, pre-professional health and engineering. IEP increased by 9 percent from 77 to 84 students.

“EMU continues to invest in strategic ways to help all of our students succeed and ultimately graduate. While there is no one-size-fits-all strategy to student success, many departments across campus work closely with one another to help our students ‘find their ROAR’ at EMU,” Zach Yoder, assistant provost for student success, said. “In addition, this year marks the fifth consecutive year that we have had a 75 percent or higher first-year student retention rate.”

Full-time graduate students increased from 218 to 221 with increases in the biomedicine, counseling and nursing programs. Combined graduate and seminary enrollment stands at 462 students.

The post Sixty percent more transfer students ‘find their ROAR’ at EMU in fall enrollment numbers appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

At the start of this school, 4.8 percent of teacher positions remained vacant in Virginia schools.

A year ago, only 3.9 percent were vacant.

Sixteen percent of the Commonwealth’s teachers were not fully licensed in 2022-2023, a 14 percent increase from the previous school year, according to a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC).

JLARC commissioned the study in November 2022 and results were presented to the commission Tuesday morning.

JLARC raised concern in the fall about the quality and quantity of Virginia’s teachers after the COVID-19 pandemic and after student enrollment declined. At the same time, fewer individuals were choosing to become licensed to teach in Virginia.

A continued deficit was seen between fully licensed teachers and teachers leaving the profession: 5,482 individuals. Vacant teaching positions also remained above the Commonwealth’s historical trend. The study revealed the 10 public school divisions with the highest vacancies for the 2023-2024 school year. The highest is 40.4 percent in Danville City.

Smaller portions of Virgnia teachers are becoming fully licensed than 10 years ago, according to the JLARC study. Teachers cite personal reasons for leaving the profession, and 46 percent are just unhappy as teachers.

Seventy-five percent cited inadequate support for them as teachers. Forty-three percent cited the need for better pay, 32 percent said better systems to manage student behavior and 30 percent said better support for teachers in the classrooms.

Direct pathways to full licensure better prepare teachers, however, direct pathways cost more. A provisional license is more affordable for most who are pursuing teaching.

Residency programs provide rigorous preparation, but only three are available in Virginia. The programs prepared less than 100 individuals for the 2022-2023 school year.

The VDOE registered a new teacher apprenticeship program in January 2023. But, first, the JLARC study recommended barriers that should be eliminated for individuals pursuing the profession. The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), developed in 2007, is the only test of its kind in the United States, and creates unnecessary barriers for a traditional prep program.

Becoming a teacher in Virginia also means individuals must take the PRAXIS test, a national measure of content knowledge.

While the PRAXIS is evolved, the VCLA has not changed in more than 15 years. Only 86 percent of VCLA test takers pass the test. The JLARC study recommends that the Virginia Department of Education replace the VCLA with a more relevant and nationally-recognized test or eliminate it. A waiver for VCLA was recommended.

Another barrier to becoming a teacher in Virginia is the cost: $57,000 per individual for a traditional pathway. Ten of 14 cite financial reasons for not completing a prep program to become a teacher.

North Carolina and Maryland have larger scholarship programs for teachers: in 2023, N.C. offered $11.3 million and Maryland offered $12 million.

Across school divisions in the Commonwealth, the study determined that clarification is necessary for some aspects of teacher licensure, including what documents are necessary and what courses should be taken.

The VDOE does not publicly share course and license transfer information.

JLARC Senior Associate Director Justin Brown said 2,600 went through prep programs last year. He added that the state needs a database to determine what works and what does not work in preparing teachers.

“We must acknowledge and celebrate that a quality teacher is necessary for student success,” said VDOE Secretary Aimee Guidera. She added that no profession can operate without quality information.

Virginia continues making teacher raises a priority in the budget every year, because teachers are crucial to public school education.

The post Blockages in Virginia’s teacher pipeline discourage pursuit of profession appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The Blessing of the Colors is a military tradition during which the flags of the U.S., the Commonwealth of Virginia, Fishburne Military School and Augusta Military Academy are blessed.

FMS will hold the Blessing of the Colors ceremony in Hitt-Millar Fieldhouse on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at 3 p.m. The event is open to the public.

The ceremony originates from when combat was conducted in close quarters and was necessary for soldiers to determine the location of their regiment in the heat of battle. The regiment would carry its colors into the fight. The colors are a set of large flags, unique to each regiment, that each soldier could identify immediately. As time passed, the colors took on a more mystical significance than mere identifying markers on the battlefield.

For this reason, the colors are escorted and guarded during ceremonies. The honored practice of carrying the colors into battle was discontinued because members of the Color Party were prone to casualty. Today, the National and Organizational Colors still join their units in formations and ceremonies to signify past accomplishments, and present and future hopes. FMS carries forth the honoring of the colors in the Blessing of the Colors annual ceremony.

This year’s ceremony will be officiated by Dr. Paul Mark Simpson of Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University with guest speaker BG William W. Alexander, Jr., a retired superintendent of FMS.

The post FMS carries on military tradition of Blessing of the Colors in Friday’s annual ceremony appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The Rotary Club of Waynesboro has awarded its 2023-24 District to On the Road Collaborative.

On the Road is a nonprofit organization that works with youth by providing after school programs and transportation. The nonprofit serves 80 to 95 students at Kate Collins Middle School who are from low-income households, but is open to all students.

Rotary Club funding will enable the nonprofit to increase Technology- based Career Enrichment for Middle (and High) School Youth. The $8,000 grant will fund several career enrichment programs:

• STEM (Robotics, MakerSpace, Coding, etc.) – purchase robotics kits, materials for a maker space like 3D printer, and laptops and iPads for Coding and other computer science projects
• Photography, Music Production, and other Visual Arts – purchase cameras, tripods, and other arts equipment

The Rotary Club of Waynesboro awards community grants to organizations who are working to make a difference in the community.

The post On the Road Collaborative awarded $8K grant from Rotary Club of Waynesboro appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Blue Ridge Community College President Dr. John Downey is usually unsure what to share when someone asks him: What’s new?

“But, this year, so many things are new at Blue Ridge Community College that I’m more than comfortable fitting them altogether in an entire presentation focused on that question: what’s new?,” Downey said at Hotel 24 in downtown Staunton on Thursday morning to guests of a breakfast hosted by BRCC.

First of all, Downey has a new boss: Virginia Chancellor David Dore visited BRCC and 22 other community colleges in the spring.

Downey’s priorities for BRCC include doing well in the accreditation process, which occurs every 10 years, addressing the needs of the local community and the college’s budget.

Downey shared two achievements of BRCC for 2023: Virginia Business Magazine ranks the Weyers Cave community college as No. 6 best in the Commonwealth.

“That tells me that the college’s work to allotting our programs and services to the high demand workforce in college transfer needs to the community is working,” Downey said.

And personal finance website WalletHub determined that BRCC is second among Virginia’s community colleges.

WalletHub’s rankings are best on cost and finances of community colleges in Virginia, and BRCC comes in after Northern Virginia Community College and before Tidewater Community College.

“Those colleges have tremendous resources that Blue Ridge Community College doesn’t enjoy,” Downey said.

BRCC has new transfer and workforce programs to offer students, including in agriculture, designed to meet the needs of local industry. Augusta and Rockingham counties are the largest agricultural counties in the Commonwealth.

Nine new Associate’s of Science degrees will soon be available, as well as one new Associate’s of Art degree. Both will address credit transfer concerns for students.

BRCC is also expanding its heavy equipment course offerings at the Weyers Cave campus. The courses enable Virginia to assist supply chain issues which have hurt the American economy in the last two years.

In addressing the nurse shortage in America, BRCC is expanding its openings for a CNA degree.

In a partnership with the Waynesboro Players, community theater shows are performed on campus.

In late October, Shenandoah Cabaret will perform at BRCC to benefit the Shenandoah Hunger Symposium.

Also in the college’s Fine Arts building is an art gallery in which is displayed works by students, faculty and community artists.

Exotic animals live on campus with the school’s veterinary technology program. The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged many families to adopt exotic pets.

“With that comes a new need to be sure our veterinary technology students are exposed to the health care needs of those animals,” Downey said.

BRCC’s truck driving program trains 200 truck drivers per year, and is scheduled to have a new $2.7 million training range at the Weyers Cave campus. Previously, the program was conducted at the Augusta County Government Center where a new courthouse will be constructed. The new range will take two years to build. BRCC’s program must be out of the government center in Verona by December 2023.

Downey said that what is not new at BRCC is continued dedication and commitment.

With a declining birth rate in the United States, community colleges are important in the training of future members of the workforce. In addition, Downey said that three factors are keeping some Americans out of the workforce: opioid addiction, video game addiction and childcare needs.

The post BRCC president talks program expansion, truck driving range to ease workforce shortages appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

A Loudoun County man who was arrested at a school board meeting addressing transgender rights in 2021 has been pardoned by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Scott Smith was arrested at a school board meeting in June 2021 and was charged with disorderly conduct after a contentious meeting where Smith alleged his daughter was sexually assaulted in a high school bathroom. It is unclear how the sexual assault, which was alleged to have happened at the hands of someone from another school, had to do with transgender rights.

Youngkin announced an absolute pardon to Smith on Sunday, who Youngkin’s office said in a news release was “wrongfully prosecuted and convicted for standing up for his daughter.”

Youngkin, who was swept into office in large part due to a strong parent rights movement, had been silent on the issue until recently.

“Scott Smith is a dedicated parent who’s faced unwarranted charges in his pursuit to protect his daughter. Scott’s commitment to his child despite the immense obstacles is emblematic of the parental empowerment movement that started in Virginia,” said Youngkin. “In Virginia, parents matter and my resolve to empower parents in unwavering. A parent’s fundamental right to be involved in their child’s education, upbringing, and care should never be undermined by bureaucracy, school divisions or the state.

“I am pleased to grant Scott Smith this pardon and help him and his family put this injustice behind them once and for all.”

Circuit Court Judge James Brown said in June he believed Smith’s behavior could have incited violence and agreed with the Commonwealth’s Attorney that the case should go to trial.

According to media reports, a September 25 jury trial was pending for Smith. He had originally also faced a charge of obstructing justice but that charge was dismissed after an apparent clerical error by a General District Court judge.

Court records allege that Smith had his fist clenched by his leg, leaned forward, and called a woman at the school board meeting an expletive.

In June, Smith expressed his frustrations about the court process saying he did nothing wrong and called on Youngkin to speak up on the issue which had gained national attention.

“My feeling is we had another leftist judge in here. He basically said I deserve to be slapped. That’s worse than what I did. Cussing? He cursed. I am tired of Loudoun County judges,” Smith said, according to a WJLA article. “I am tired of the law system here. I am absolutely tired of it, and it’s finally time after two years, I have yet to hear from our Governor Glenn Younkin about any of these matters.”

The post Youngkin grants ‘absolute pardon’ to Loudoun County man in school board meeting case appeared first on Augusta Free Press.