[New] PHS choirs excel at district competition

Contributed Report

The Powhatan High School Radiance and One Voice Concert Choirs attended District 3 All District Assessments Friday, Dec. 2, at Cosby High School. Both groups received straight 1’s for a Superior Rating – a great step toward having the school once again recognized as a Blue Ribbon School.

The high school’s choral program also had a record-breaking number of choral students make District 3’s All District Choir with the second highest number (just behind Cosby High School) of student representation with 33 out of 40 students gaining a seat in the choir! Of the 33 students selected for All District Chorus, nine students ranked in the top 20 in various vocal categories!

Congratulations to the 33 members who are going to represent Powhatan at All District Chorus!

From leaving one year on his unexpired term.

Hurt was elected by a wide margin in a special election held during the General Election to fill the unexpired term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2023. She is also still serving out her term on the Powhatan County Planning Commission, which ends at the same time.

Cole was not feeling well last Tuesday and was unable to attend his last meeting in person, but he did participate in part of it via phone. He said in a separate interview on Dec. 15 that he hopes to come back for the January meeting to offer his formal farewell.

“It is bittersweet, of course. I got into it because I wanted to help the Powhatan School System get better, and when you are on the board you have a voice,” Cole said. “School board members aren’t the most important part of the school team, but certainly they are a part of it. So I felt like I was part of that team and had a chance to work to make a difference in some things. It is difficult to give that up, but at the same time, I know it is time for someone else to take it over and I wish Vicki good luck.”

Hurt was sworn in by Rene Holy, chief deputy clerk of the circuit court, during a short ceremony at the Poca- hontas Landmark Center’s attended by about 20 people. She said afterward that she is looking forward to working with the division’s faculty, staff and administration “to make us be the best school system in the state of Virginia.”

Hurt said she is aware the board will be working on the budget at the beginning of 2023 and she also feels Policy IIA needs to be revisited with more detail.

“I will be doing homework over Christmas. I will be reading all of the policies and looking at past budgets to be prepared for January,” she said.

Her priorities are to help ensure that next year’s budget is as efficient and effective as possible and making sure the division is focusing on strong academics, cutting down learning loss and supporting teachers.

During the Dec. 13 meeting, all four school board members thanked Cole for his years of service and wished him good luck.

Valarie Ayers, District 3, said Cole is a remarkable man who has been involved with Powhatan County Public Schools since he was a child.

“If you haven’t heard his stories, he has some remarkable stories about the history of Powhatan County,” she said. “He has always put children first, no matter what role he had in this school system. As a school board member he put children first and our employees and he has absolutely been a dedicated servant. I, for one, will miss him and miss his service and dedication.”

James Taylor, District 4, thanked Cole for serving as a teacher, principal and school board member.

“Congratulations on a great career and I wish you the best in retirement,” he said.

Cole said he will still serve as a career coach with Reynolds Community College that works with Powhatan High School students.

“I really enjoy working with students. Quite frankly, that has been what has kept me going some in the past 24 months – the fact that you get to work with students and you get to listen to them. My job as a career coach, basically, is to help get them resources and information so they can make good decisions. That continues to be fun,” he said last week.

All students selected for All District Chorus will have an opportunity to audition for All State Chorus in 2023.

The Powhatan High School Choral Program continues to pursue excellence through music and build performer confidence as each group prepares for the upcoming 2023 competition season. The students and Choral Boosters realize that the program is only as successful and strong as the community that supports them.

If anyone wishes to support the choral program, there are ongoing fundraising efforts through the December Calendar Fundraiser and the Dinner and A Show event at PHS on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023.

For more information on fundraisers and how to support the program, visit the choral booster website: www.powhatanchoirs. com or email choralboosters@ powhatanchoirs.com.

Cole has worked in education since 1974. Prior to the decade he has spent with

Reynolds Community College, he worked for PCPS for Powhatan High School for 19 years, 13 as the principal. He also worked in Goochland County for 15 years.

Laura mcFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ powhatantoday.com.