Local

Brandon Ray Brown: A Sister’s Story

I first visited an Out of the Darkness Walk in September of 2016, after losing my younger brother, Brandon Ray Brown, in December of 2015. Brandon’s suicide on December 8, 2015, just two days passed his thirty-sixth birthday, was the most horrific tragedy my family has ever faced. However, it was not as shocking as... Read More

Health, Local, Mental Health

November 3, 2017

Out of the Darkness Walks for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) continues its goal raise suicide awareness in our area through the Danville-Pittsylvania County Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are 3-5 mile walks taking place in hundreds of communities across the country this year with the proceeds benefiting the American... Read More

Health, Local, Mental Health

October 25, 2017

Access to Averett Means Access to the Future

Averett University recently welcomed its largest freshmen class on record this August. The 371 new students come from 16 states and 15 foreign countries. “We are so excited about this incoming class,” says Stacy Gato, Vice President of Enrollment Management. “This is such a diverse group of young people, with many from new regions that... Read More

Averett, Local

October 23, 2017

Access to Averett Means Access to Community

In 2014, the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness (CCECC) was established to be the regional hub for linking students and faculty with community partners to create distinctive learning experiences and career opportunities as well as to strengthen the social and economic vitality of our region. Dr. Alexis Ehrhardt, Executive Director of CCECC says,... Read More

Averett, Local

October 10, 2017

Access to Averett Means Access to Relationships

In 2009, the city of Danville and Averett University formed one of the first public private partnerships in the tobacco warehouse district now known as the booming River District. Averett, along with Danville Regional Foundation, took over the former Dimon, Inc. headquarters building that had sat vacant for eight years. The building was transformed into... Read More

Averett, Local, People

October 3, 2017

Renewed Energy

In Danville, Averett University is known as “your hometown university.” It’s a title Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks doesn’t take lightly. “I feel the label ‘hometown university’ is earned not given. It comes from tremendous community engagement and outreach on our part, and the things we do to enhance the quality of life in the... Read More

Community Strong, Local, People

October 3, 2017

How Do We Reach the Extraordinary?

We are presently living in remarkable times. The first three months of school have been uniquely successful largely due to the very positive opening of school in August, followed by significant changes in school climate and culture in many of our schools. These changes are the result of a host of strategies including: changes... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

September 13, 2017

Violence is an Epidemic Destroying Southern Virginia

If you listen to the well-informed leaders in our community, there are many issues facing Danville and surrounding areas. Turn in one direction and you’ll hear that obesity is the greatest health danger we face. Turn in another direction and it’s the school system. One leader will say it’s a lack of jobs, while others... Read More

Health, Lifestyles, Local, News, Publisher's Letter, Web Exclusive

September 4, 2017

Accreditation Results – What is Being Measured?

The VDOE publicly released overall statewide school division and school pass rates for 2016-2017 state assessments on August 15. State accreditation ratings will be released to the news media and general public on September 13. As superintendent, I am the first to acknowledge that the accreditation process is only “one” measure of school performance. The challenge with the... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

August 3, 2017

How Do We Interrogate Our Own Reality as a Learning Organization?

Happy New Year and Welcome Back as we begin the 2017 – 2018 school-year. While many businesses have only one grand opening, Danville Public Schools has a grand opening every year. We are excited to begin the new year of learning not only for our students but for ourselves as leaders of learning. By... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent