The program gives students hands-on experience with the legal system and how government functions in the real world, including regular meetings with attorneys, elected officials, and policy experts. In 2025, the program earned first place in the Virginia School Boards Association’s Excellence in Workforce Readiness recognition program.
Khalid Reede Jones, executive director of the Virginia Lottery, visited AHA: Law and Politics program students to share his journey from law school to government leadership. A graduate of Wake Forest University and Stanford Law School, Jones previously practiced law in the context of major government investigations and advised public and private organizations, including lottery agencies.
Jones spoke openly about personal and professional challenges, telling students to “get great before anyone is watching what you are doing.”
He led hands-on activities and illustrated how growth often comes from overcoming obstacles, comparing challenges to the formation of pearls. He also shared real-world experiences, including his early career work on the Enron investigation, where he assisted in reviewing complex financial and legal documents in one of the largest corporate fraud cases in U.S. history.
Judge Lethia Hammond, a graduate of Alleghany High School, an alumna of the University of Virginia and Washington & Lee School of Law, also spoke to the students. She once served as Mayor of Iron Gate, a lobbyist at both the state and federal levels focusing on regulatory policies and consumer legislation, the Director of Government Affairs for the Virginia Horse Center, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Botetourt County, and Vice-Chairman of the Virginia Parole Board. Before becoming a Judge, Hammond worked in private practice as a family law and defense attorney. Judge Hammond continues to serve as a Professor of Practice at Washington and Lee School of Law, a position she has held since 2015.
Now presiding over juvenile and domestic cases in Virginia’s 25th Judicial Circuit, which includes Alleghany County, Hammond discussed a variety of law careers and encouraged students to explore their own strengths and interests. She took time to hear from each student in attendance, learning about their aspirations.
The visit offered the students practical advice, personal stories, and a reminder that building a career in law and public service is a journey full of learning, growth, and resilience.
“Attending the club conference on law and political science was an incredible experience. The guest speaker Khalid Jones provided insight about how the law shapes society and how I/and my fellow classmates can play a role in creating change. Hearing their story about pursuing a career in law/politics really made me think more seriously about how I can further my studies and pursue a career in law in the future,” said Addison Keith, a ninth-grade student in the AHA: Law and Politics program.
Keith’s words captured the same sense of inspiration that program leaders hope to instill in students.
“Hearing from Mr. Jones and Judge Hammond inspired students to reflect on their futures and consider possible careers in the field of law,” said Ginni Phillips, AHA coordinator for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. “We are excited about the momentum behind AHA: LPS and are grateful for the support of our guest speakers, who are instrumental in our students’ future careers.”
Khalid Reede Jones, executive director of the Virginia Lottery, talks with AHS Law and Politics students about careers in law and public service. Jones spoke openly about personal and professional challenges.