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Jackson River Governor’s School honors 2025 Scholars at Annual Awards Ceremony
CLIFTON FORGE, VA – The Jackson River Governor’s School (JRGS) held its 2025 Annual Scholar Awards Ceremony on June 3 at Mountain Gateway Community College, celebrating the academic excellence, leadership, and dedication of its students.
JRGS Director Eddie Graham welcomed students, families, and community members, recognizing those who have excelled in one of Virginia’s most rigorous dual-enrollment programs. Suzanne Ostling, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at Mountain Gateway, gave remarks as featured speaker.
JRGS is one of 19 Academic Year Governor’s Schools in Virginia. Through a partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College, it serves students from Alleghany Highlands, Bath County, Botetourt County, and Buena Vista City Public Schools. The program is offered at no cost to students.
Participants complete a demanding college-level curriculum, with courses in chemistry, biology, physics, statistics, calculus (including differential equations), scientific research, information literacy, and computer science. All students graduate with at least 41 college credits, a Career Studies Certificate, and the opportunity to earn an associate degree.
Class of 2025 Graduates
Graduating seniors from Alleghany High School and Parry McCluer High School included Kinlee Huffman, Kayden Jack, Cadiz Marshall, Keegan Morris, James Ross, Rayshan Richardson, and Dylan Tyree.
Graduates plan to attend James Madison University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Radford University, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Virginia. Their intended fields of study include health sciences, nursing, aerospace engineering, criminology, mechanical engineering, finance, and electrical engineering.
First-Year Completers
Students recognized for completing the first year of the two-year program were Dominic Brown, Joowon Chung, Olivia Gentry-Delgado, Taylor Jenkins, Kathryn Johnson, Carter Nicely, Brenden Seckner, Emma Skidmore, Millie Glick, and Vincent Wilson.
Awards and Recognitions
Numerous awards and certificates were presented during the ceremony:
Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree: Kinlee Huffman, Rayshan Richardson, Dylan Tyree
Certificate of Career Studies in Science & Mathematics: Dominic Brown, Joowon Chung, Olivia Gentry-Delgado, Taylor Jenkins, Kathryn Johnson, Carter Nicely, Brenden Seckner, Emma Skidmore, Milli Glick, Vincent Wilson
Distinguished Scholars (4.0 GPA over the academic year): Dominic Brown, Kathryn Johnson
Academic Achievement Awards: Cadiz Marshall, James Ross, Millie Glick, Rayshan Richardson, Dylan Tyree
Academic Excellence Awards: Dominic Brown, Joowon Chung, Olivia Delgado, Kayden Jack, Taylor Jenkins, Kathryn Johnson, Keegan Morris, Carter Nicely, Brenden Seckner, Vincent Wilson
Outstanding Scholars (excellence in specific subjects):
- Kathryn Johnson (Chemistry, Statistics)
- Dylan Tyree (Physics)
- Cadiz Marshall (Scientific Research)
- Dominic Brown (Pre-Calculus, Information Technology)
- Rayshan Richardson (Calculus)
- Olivia Gentry-Delgado (College Success Skills)
Special Recognition
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to retiring division superintendents Dr. Tony Francis (Buena Vista City Schools) and Dr. Jonathan Russ (Botetourt County Schools).
For more information about the Jackson River Governor’s School, contact Eddie Graham, JRGS Director, at egraham@mgcc.edu or (540) 863-2872.
Fall registration is now open at Mountain Gateway Community College. Classes begin August 25. For details on course offerings, contact Student Services at (540) 863-2820 or visit mgcc.edu.
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