Bobbie Wagner, CEO of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA, receives a Community Champions for Schools Award from Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Superintendent Kim Halterman. The school board created the award to honor local individuals and organizations that demonstrate strong support for students, schools and families in the Highlands. (AHPS Photo)
April Miller, left, and Patty Flanagan of the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board stand with Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Superintendent Kim Halterman after receiving a Community Champions for Education Award. The honor recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate strong support for students, schools and families in the Highlands. (AHPS Photo)
AHPS Celebrates Community Education Champions
LOW MOOR — The Alleghany Highlands School Board presented its first Community Champions for Schools Awards during its meeting on June 15, recognizing the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board and the Alleghany Highlands YMCA for their support of local students, families, and schools.
The school board created the Community Champions for Schools Award in February 2026 to recognize community partners that make a positive difference for students and schools. The award complements the Virginia School Boards Association's Business Honor Roll Awards, which are limited to three recipients each year and are generally focused on business partnerships.
The Community Champions for Schools Award gives the school board another way to recognize local organizations that support education and student success.
The Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board was selected for its ongoing work with students, families, and school staff. The organization provides training opportunities for school employees, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training and Youth Mental Health First Aid. It also provides school-based services for students and offers counseling and prevention programs that support children and families throughout the Alleghany Highlands.
"The Community Services Board is an outstanding partner for our schools," said School Board Chair Jon Lanford. "Their staff works alongside our educators to support students and families, and their commitment to mental health, prevention and student success has a positive impact throughout our school community."
The Alleghany Highlands YMCA was recognized for its longtime partnership with AHPS. For several years, the YMCA has provided water safety instruction to all second-grade students, helping children learn important skills that can keep them safe around water.
In addition, the YMCA offers preschool and after-school childcare programs that support working families and provides athletic opportunities that encourage healthy lifestyles, teamwork and personal growth. Annually, the YMCA hosts a Back to School Bash that celebrates the opening of school and provides families with information about vital services available in the community.
"The YMCA has served generations of children and families in the Alleghany Highlands," Lanford said. "From teaching life-saving water safety skills to providing childcare and youth programs, the YMCA continues to be a valued partner in helping our students grow, learn, and succeed."
“The Community Champions for Schools Award reflects our deep appreciation for the many organizations that go above and beyond to support our students and schools,” Lanford said. “We are fortunate to have strong community partners that make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across the Alleghany Highlands.”