INSIDE Goochland education supporters gather for annual fundraising gala > page 11
Volume 62, Number 19 • May 11, 2017
Trump’s first 100 days: Two Goochland residents weigh in. See page 6 Goochland lauded for financial excellence
Schools select the year’s top teachers
Report earns county fourth annual honor from GFOA
Contributed report
On Tuesday, May 2, Goochland County Public Schools held its first “Night of Excellence” at the Goochland High cafeteria to recognize 2017 retirees, Teacher of the Year, and, for the first time, the Employee and Team of the Year. The Night of Excellence featured food prepared and served by Goochland High Culinary Arts students and GCPS Food Service, and music was provided by the Goochland High School Jazz Ensemble. The Goochland Education Foundation joined Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley in presenting awards to all of the evening’s distinguished recipients: Neil Burch, Goochland High Teacher of the Year Jennifer Gates,Randolph Elementary Teacher of the Year Katie Gill, Goochland Middle Teacher of the Year Sarah Smith, Goochland Elementary Teacher of the Year Rachel Wiggins, Byrd Elementary Teacher of the Year see Teachers > 5
Contributed report
in charge of the program suggesting that maybe someday Allen would be the one to resuscitate it. “No way,” Allen remembers thinking to himself. “It’s gone — it’s not coming back.” Flash forward 23 years, and Allen is happy to eat those words. Now an agri-
Goochland County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This award was received for the fourth year in a row, this time for the County’s Fiscal Year 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). It represents the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. According to County Administrator John A. Budesky, “Attainment of the Certificate of Achievement is a noteworthy accomplishment, not all counties get recognized with this award, and it demonstrates Goochland County’s ongoing efforts of transparency.” Judged by an impartial panel, the FY 2016 CAFR meets high standards, which include
see Greenhouse > 3
see Award > 5
Photo by Roslyn Ryan
Goochland High School FFA president Austin Hawk addresses school officials and local farmers during the dedication ceremony for the school’s new greenhouse. The new structure allows students to take part in hands-on learning activities, including growing hydroponic lettuce that is served in the school cafeteria.
Helping students grow New greenhouse at high school is latest step in agriculture program’s resurgence By Roslyn Ryan Editor
F
or Goochland High School’s agricultural science program, the year 1994 wasn’t exactly a high water mark. Danny Allen, a senior that year and the President of the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) club, remembers a program on its last leg, one lacking in both participation and administrative support. He also remembers the teacher