06/15/2016

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Inside A5 Moss on the James donates to Mesa Vista

Powhatan, Virginia B1 Powhatan softball falls in state semifinals

Vol. XXIX No. 24

June 15, 2016

Local Relay for Life marks 20 years By Laura McFarland News Editor

P

OWHATAN – As the few dozen survivors walked by, smiling in the midst of clapping and cheers, Joan and Skip Johnson clung to each other, their grief almost overwhelming. A year earlier, and even the year before that, this was a joyous moment. Then, the Johnsons’ daughter, Ebony, proudly made her way around the track at Powhatan Junior High School during the Survivors’ Lap. She wasn’t from Powhatan, but family members in the county had rallied behind her to cre-

ate Team Ebony for the Powhatan County Relay for Life, and it was going strong. But this year, Ebony didn’t make the lap. The six-year survivor succumbed to colon cancer on April 27. She was 29 when she was diagnosed and 35 when she crossed over, her mother said. Watching the survivors walk by, Skip said all he could think was that his daughter wasn’t marching along with them. “She left clear instructions not to break down, but I couldn’t help it,” he PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND said. Above, cancer survivors take their lap around the track during the They could have stayed home – peo- Survivors’ Lap at Powhatan Relay for Life. The lap was a sad moment for Joan and Skip Johnson, pictured left, who lost their daughter, Ebony, to

see RELAY page 2A cancer on April 27.

Bowman, Adams lead PHS Class of 2016 By Laura McFarland News Editor

CONNER BOWMAN Valedictorian

While a student at the high school, he was secretary of the senior class; copresident of the National

EVERETT ADAMS Salutatorian

English Honors Society, and involved with National Honors Society, Interact Club and Leftovers Club. He also

see PHS page 4A

Powhatan graduates ready for next chapter of their lives

DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Powhatan, VA 23139

Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Powhatan, VA Permit No.19

POWHATAN – Conner Bowman and Everett Stephen Adams lead the 2016 Class of Powhatan High School as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, with grade point averages of 4.6666 and 4.647. Bowman is the son of David and Rebecca Bowman of Powhatan. He will attend the University of Virginia Curry School of Education’s kinesiology program to pursue a career in physical therapy.

played baseball for the high school. Outside of the school, Bowman was involved with Powhatan 4-H Outdoors Club and Powhatan 4-H Teen Council; a Little League umpire; a YMCA lifeguard, and a member of Fine Creek Baptist Church. High school has been an exciting four years and leaving will be bittersweet, Bowman said. “It’s been all about hard work and dedication that has gotten me to where I am to-

PHOTO BY KENNY MOORE

Powhatan High School seniors celebrate becoming graduates during the ceremony on June 11. See more photos in the PHS graduation section.

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

The Powhatan Food Pantry was officially opened during a ceremony on June 11.

Community christens food pantry By Laura McFarland News Editor

POWHATAN – Powhatan’s efforts to join together to help those in the community in need were celebrated this weekend with the official opening of the Powhatan Food Pantry. Dozens of people gathered on Saturday, June 11 outside the new building at 2500 Batterson Road to christen it with prayers, songs and good wishes for the future. Organizers say they are thrilled with the new building and how its size and amenities will allow the food pantry to have even more of an impact in the community. Patsy Goodwyn, director of the Coalition of Powhatan Churches, said it is unbelievable that the food pantry has such a beautiful facility in which to operate. It is also a relief to finally have a permanent home see PANTRY page 8A


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06/15/2016 by Powhatan Today - Issuu