Nyanyano, a coastal town in Ghana, West Africa, is a time warp from Sperryville, Virginia, but that’s where Kara Draper, a Rappahannock teacher turned agent for change, began her environmental journey. She first went to Ghana in 2024, seeking a cultural deep dive...
Over 100 people — classmates, teachers, school principals and superintendent, families — gathered around the Rappahannock County Elementary School gazebo last Thursday for a candlelight memorial in remembrance of Jorge Alfredo Hernandez Velasco, a 13-year-old student...
He had just finished the seventh grade, but Jorge Alfredo Hernandez Velasco left his mark — he had a smile that could light up a room. You hear that about him over and over when you ask people what they remember about Jorge. He tragically died at his Sperryville home...
RCHS ‘will always be a part of who we are’ Rappahannock County High School held its commencement ceremony May 30, a rainy Friday evening that didn’t dampen the high spirits in the school gymnasium, where 56 seniors received their diplomas and proud families and...
Economics 101: Each time Rappahannock County High School (RCHS) senior Ryan Atkins leaves campus to work on an air-conditioning unit or heat pump, he represents the concept of supply and demand. Part of a national trend, more than half of Atkins’ fellow seniors said...
The Rappahannock County High School drama department presented its rendition of “Beetlejuice Jr.” last weekend, a musical based on the 1988 movie turned Broadway show that follows “the story of a strange and unusual teenager” grieving the loss of her mother. Students...
Songwriter celebrates 25 years of making music with kids For a quarter century, Paul Reisler and his collaborators at Kid Pan Alley have inspired nearly 3,000 songs, written and performed by about 80,000 school kids across the United States. Reisler — songwriter,...
Officials urge public to back schools in county budget After several months of fundraising and a strong lobbying effort in Richmond, an increase in state funding is looking unlikely for Rappahannock County Public Schools (RCPS) this year. If the school system can’t...
‘We are not trading in the trades for ballet at the high school’ Rappahannock County school officials unveiled plans for a new fine arts academy at the high school, and presented updates on the career and technical education (CTE) program at Tuesday’s School Board...
County budget tensions: property taxes, schools The Rappahannock County budget is composed of thousands of line items, but the annual debate centers on two: property taxes that provide 49% of the revenue, and public schools which account for 52% of the spending. ...
Background: Co-owner, Waterpenny Farm in Sperryville; director, Rappahannock Nature Camp; member, Rappahannock County School Board representing the Piedmont District since 2008; member, Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection Education Committee; former vice...
Here’s what you need to know The 7th Annual Student Storytelling Contest, sponsored by Foothills Forum and the Rappahannock News, kicked off last week, calling on students to tell stories about generosity, honesty and kindness. Who can participate? The contest is open...
Join our community and receive the latest updates and stories from Rappahannock County directly to your inbox. Stay connected with local news and events by subscribing to the Foothills Forum newsletter.