Valeria Edwards took her seat as the interim Horsepasture District representative during the Henry County School Board’s recent meeting at Magna Vista High School.
“I know you’re going to do a great job,” Mary Martin, a former school board member, said during public comment. “Your resume speaks for itself.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here, it’s a pleasure to serve,” Edwards said.
The meeting also included a student showcase and approval of the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Perkins Grant.
Career and Technical Education Coordinator Kyana Smith presented the Perkins Grant, a federal program supporting career and technical education at both secondary and post-secondary levels.
“We hope to see an increase in this year’s funding,” Smith said. The division is seeking a $27,458 increase to support technology, equipment, student activities, professional development, and software subscriptions. Funding is expected in July 2025.
In other matters, the board:
Recognized several students for academic excellence and national honors, including Chandler Motley – African American National Recognition Award, Kennedy McPherson – Rural National Recognition Award,
Breanna Boyd – First Generation National Recognition Award, Destiny Walker – QuestBridge Scholar.
*Bassett High School Honorees
Boys Basketball:
All Piedmont District First Team: Isiah Perkins
Second Team: David Cook, Zyreak Manns
Honorable Mention: Nate Green, Josiah Cahill
Region 3D Second Team: Isiah Perkins
Girls Basketball:
All Piedmont District First Team: Egypt Phillips
Second Team: Addison Wimbush, Alexis Hodge
Region Second Team: Egypt Phillips
Honorable Mention: Alexis Hodge
Varsity & JV Girls Basketball (2024–25):
Piedmont District Regular Season and Tournament Champions
Player of the Year: Miranda Reynolds
First Team: Miranda Reynolds, Sanaa Hairston, Mya Moyer
Second Team: Amari Hairston
Honorable Mention: Akira Martin
Region 3D First Team: Miranda Reynolds
Region 3D Second Team: Sanaa Hairston, Mya Moyer
Technology Awards
Southern Virginia Regional Technology Consortium (SVRTC) award recipients included Jason Wyatt – Technology Support (Network Developer), Kyana Smith – Technology Teacher, Becki Bishop – Technology Instruction Support (Media Specialist, CCE), Brittany Brummitt – Technology Leadership (Coordinator, Career Academy).
* Christy Landon, director of Human Resources, presented policy updates, part of the board’s triannual review process.
The board also recognized the following observances:
*2025 VSBA Workforce Readiness Month
*Month of the Military Child
*National School Library Month
