Riverheads honors former assistant principal; Wilson, MBU theater; and Eco-Camp: The Chalkboard
GREENVILLE — Stephanie and Leland McCray recently presented a plaque and portrait in memory of former Riverheads assistant principal Dennis Case to current principal Matt Stevens. The ceremony took place at a Riverheads basketball game Friday, Feb. 9.
A fundraising effort by the the Riverheads Class of 2003 helped purchase the plaque and portrait, which will be hung in the office. The office will be renamed in memory of Case.
Case came to Riverheads in 1975 after 20 years at Staunton Military Academy, first as an English teacher before becoming chair of the English department and then the school's headmaster for two years.
Case became assistant principal at Riverheads High School in Augusta County, serving in that role until he retired in 2008.
Wilson Memorial presents "Once Upon a Mattress"
FISHERSVILLE — Wilson Memorial High School’s annual spring musical, "Once Upon a Mattress," will take place February 16-18 in the school auditorium, located at 189 Hornet Road in Fishersville. Tickets (students/seniors $5, adults $12, preferred $20) can be purchased online at: https://our.show/wmhs-once
Stage direction is by John Tindall, vocal direction by Austin Gilbert, and choreography by Sarah Wendtlandt.
“It has been a joy to work with this amazing cast and crew for our production of 'Once Upon a Mattress,'" said Gilbert. "The students have put in so much effort, love, and passion into putting this show together and working together with the creative team has been an amazing opportunity. We are so excited to let the hard work pay off and share a delightful and witty story with you all.”
The cast has been rehearsing since October, and a dedicated team of students on the backstage crew has also been attending rehearsals.
"It is such a joy getting to work with all these talented teens, and I am so fortunate to be a part of it all," Tindall said. "Rehearsals are hard work, but fun, and the show is a blast. Pure entertainment."
Tindall called the production a very broad musical comedy and a fresh take on the "Princess and the Pea" fairy tale.
"You're going to leave the theater with a smile on your face, and humming one of the many great tunes from this classic show.” Wendtlandt said. “Learning the choreographed dances has not only been fun but has taught these teens life-long skills like problem solving, team-work, patience, and most of all, confidence. They have blossomed more with every rehearsal as they have connected with themselves and each other."
There will be three performances:
Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Online/ in advance: $20 preferred, $12 adult, $5 student/ senior
At the door: $20 preferred, $15 adult, $5 student/ senior
Chesapeake Bay Foundation offering Eco-Camp
Middle school students passionate about nature, science, and the environment can experience a summer adventure at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)’s Middle School Bay Eco-Camp. The five-day overnight summer camp experience is designed for students entering sixth, seventh, and eighth grade who are interested in spending time outdoors and learning about the unique Chesapeake Bay.
“Bay Eco-Camp offers one of few summer opportunities for middle schoolers to get hands-on, up-close experiences with remote Bay ecosystems,” said Tom Ackerman, vice president of education at CBF. “During their adventure, campers will canoe, boat, interact with critters, and explore beaches and historic Chesapeake Bay communities.”
The camp is held at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center. Port Isobel is a 250-acre island campus that is part of the Tangier Island community in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. Throughout this ecologically diverse landscape, students will explore underwater grass beds, study vibrant oyster reefs, and discover the beauty of salt marshes surrounding a historic fishing community.
“I really enjoyed learning about the Chesapeake Bay and the flora and fauna that inhabits it,” said Callen Moore, eighth grade student from Virginia Beach. “Every day was filled with fun activities and exploring the environment.”
Campers can choose between two sessions available: July 15–19 or August 12–16. Space is limited and registration closes on June 3 for the first session and July 5 for the second. Student pick-up and drop-off will take place in Crisfield, Maryland. Interested students can learn more and register here.
Mary Baldwin spring play
STAUNTON — "Intimate Apparel" is the story of Esther, an African American seamstress working in New York City in 1905. Amid crafting corsets and chemises for wealthy clients, Esther begins a letter correspondence with a man named George, a laborer helping to dig the Panama Canal.
Mary Baldwin University is presenting the show Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at Fletcher Collins Theater.
The story is inspired by playwright Lynn Nottage's own great great grandmother, Estal, a woman whose life is lost to history but imagined by Nottage through the play.
Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for adults, and free for MBU students. Visit here for the ticket reservation link.
"This play brings the stories of family ancestors and immigrants, what Esther states 'hardly seem worthy of words,' into a more focused light," said Director JP Scheidler. "It weaves possible and unexpected relationships into being with such care it stirs curiosity for our own family trees. We are all encouraged to connect with what we have; some branches may be out of the reach of genealogy but are not entirely lost to our imaginations."
The cast:
Esther — Amaya Warner
George — TyRon Simmons
Mayme — Riane Tolliver
Mrs. Van Buren — Sage Mocko
Mr. Marks — Jake Raiter
Mrs. Dickson — Anneka Russ
More: Woodrow Wilson retires. Well, at least the man who played him, as impersonator steps down.
More: Charges dropped against 2 suspects in Augusta County ATM robbery that wasn't a robbery
— Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Riverheads honors late administrator; Wilson, MBU theater; and Eco-Camp
