DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 37, No. 47 | Richmond Suburban News | March 9, 2022
NJROTC cadets active in community, introducing new programs to unit By Christina Amano Dolan Editor The Mechanicsville High School and Hanover High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets have been keeping busy this academic year in school and community affairs following a lull in activity due to the pandemic. With the introduction of increased activity and new programs this year, including the start-up of its first marksmanship team and awardwinning CyberPatriot team, the cadets are reaching greater heights together. The NJROTC program located at Mechanicsville High School was established in 2000 and currently enrolls around 92 students in grades 9 through 12 from both Mechanicsville and Hanover High schools. Based on initial elective-season course selections, the unit looks to expand to over 110 cadets next year. The program, which falls under the Hanover County Public Schools
Photo courtesy of Mechanicsville/Hanover NJROTC
The Mechanicsville High School and Hanover High School NJROTC Color Guard Team are shown standing in formation before a Mechanicsville High School football game.
Career and Technical Education Programs, is free to cadets that join and involves both classroom instruction and extra-curricular activities of community service, academic, athletics, drill and orienteering competitions, field meets, marksmanship sports training, physical fitness training and more. The Senior Naval Science Instructor, Commander Pete Greenwald, a retired United States Naval officer, said the unit is “like a family” and highlighted some of the benefits of joining the program. “I think it’s that connection here in NJROTC that makes the size of Mechanicsville High School much smaller,” Greenwald said. “They come in here and find a place to belong and they connect… With the values we impart to them and with the uniforms, you knock down a lot of these walls that get built up with differences.” The program teaches high school
Photo courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools
Local schools celebrate Read Across America Week Rural Point Elementary celebrated Read Across America Week with reading activities and students and teachers dressing up as Dr. Seuss characters.
see NJROTC, pg. 4
Story & more photos on page 13 Metro Creative
Ashland Train Day is back this year on April 30
2018 File photo
Children take a ride on the train around the library on Ashland Train Day.
Downtown Ashland Association hosts the 18th annual event
ASHLAND – The perennial favorite street festival Ashland Train Day returns on April 30, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event hosted by Downtown Ashland Association invites you to enjoy freight and passenger trains, toucha-truck, model trains, railroad history, live music, kiddie rides, festival food, dance music, gift shopping and more. “We are thrilled to host Ashland Train Day on April 30, after postponing two years due to the
pandemic,” said Maggie Longest, executive director of Downtown Ashland Association. “It’s a joy to showcase our town’s railroad attractions and local businesses with this family-friendly event.” More than 12 fully-loaded CSX freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains will pass through the center of the event. The Kid Zone offers a world of fun with a bouncy house, obstacle course and games. The Touch-a-Truck area will thrill gear see TRAIN DAY, pg. 12