Student (outside activities)

Alden B, a devoted Life Scout from Troop 2 in Roanoke, has achieved the highest rank in scouting by earning the prestigious title of Eagle Scout. His journey towards this achievement required him to complete 21 required badges in addition to optional ones, a community service project, and the demonstration of leadership skills in both scouts and the community.

Alden showcased his exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to serving the community by taking on a community service project to benefit the SWVA Wildlife Center. After raising funds, he built and donated ten birdhouses and five squirrel boxes to the center. The project was a great success, and Alden even raised additional funds that he donated to the wildlife center.

Alden’s unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication to the scouting program have paid off. His achievement is an inspiration to fellow scouts and youth in the community. We congratulate Alden on his outstanding achievement and his commitment to making a positive difference in our community.

Maddox’s love for reptiles and other animals is evident in their menagerie of animals at home. They have a dog named Hashbrown, a cat named Betty, almost 30 reptiles, and 10 blue death feigning beetles. Their reptile collection includes 19 different species, and they have adopted many rescue animals who were in need of love and care.

Jeweled Lacertas, New Caledonian geckos, and Day geckos are Maddox’s primary focus, but they also care for and adopt animals who are more challenging to place in homes due to their looks, behavior, or medical issues. One of Maddox’s first geckos is a White Spotted Wall gecko adopted from a reptile rescue. Mushu had many health issues due to neglect before finding her forever loving home with Maddox.

Maddox has also offered a number of Lycée classes here at CHS including “Meet the Critters”, “Leopard Geckos”, “Eurydactylodes”, and “Blue Death Feigning Beetles” to teach others about their passion for these animals. If you attended any of these classes, you’ll likely recognize Beatrice, the leopard gecko, in the photo below.

Maddox’s hope is that people will learn to appreciate the less cute and less cuddly animals and understand that they deserve the same love and care as any other pet. They even completed the Amphibian Foundation’s Husbandry and Captive Management course to ensure that they are providing the best care possible for their animals. Maddox truly has a big heart for all creatures, great and small, and we appreciate their dedication to educating others about their passion.

Did you know that Hazel W is a local flower business owner? She has been fascinated with flowers since she was a child and started selling bouquets at her family’s farm when she was just 7 years old. Over the years, her interest in flowers only grew stronger and now she operates a small specialty cut flower business which allows her to share her love of flowers with others.

Morning Dew Flowers grew out of her passion for growing and harvesting flowers, and what she loves the most is the ability to brighten someone’s day with just a small bunch of beautiful blooms.

Emma S and Sariye D danced in several roles in the Roanoke Ballet Theater’s 2023 Nutcracker production. Emma performed as the Harlequin Doll, a Mouse, an Arabian, and a Russian. Sariye showcased the roles of a Soldier, an Arabian, and a Russian.

Charlie B (’23) was the Nutcracker!

With their stunning performances, Emma, Sariye, and Charlie helped to create a truly magical experience for all who attended the production this year.