News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | June 8, 2026
Community
Ross recognized on Dean’s List at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Katie Ross, a resident of New Kent, was named to the Dean’s List at Milwaukee’s School of Engineering for the Spring 2026 semester. To be recognized with the accolade, a student must be taking at least 12 credit hours and earn a grade-point average of 3.2 or higher.
Eleven recognized on Dean’s List at James Madison University
Eleven students from our coverage area were named to the Dean’s List at James Madison University for the Spring 2026 semester. Madison Britton, Cody Christman, Evelyn Davenport, Hannah Johnson, and Campbell Proffitt, all of Providence Forge, Tyrell Bassett and Brianna Rhoades, both of Quinton, Kendall Hicks and Hunter Meadows, both of Lanexa, Charles Beattie of Charles City, and Norah Murray of New Kent were recognized for their academic accolades. To be named to the dean’s list, a student must be enrolled full-time and obtain a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.
Several local residents earn degrees from James Madison University
Several local residents were among many who graduated from James Madison University as part of Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies. Four students were recognized as honor graduates by the university. Brianna Bartlett of Quinton graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Ellie Gray of Providence Forge graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Early Childhood Education, Daniella Flowers graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and Akira Hicks of Lanexa graduated Cum Lauda with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Other graduates include Andrea Sorenson of Quinton, who graduated…
Read Full Story
Two recognized on Dean’s List at Radford University
Two local students have been recognized for their academic excellence at Radford University for the Spring 2026 semester. Parker Wood of Quinton, and Hallie Cruise of Providence Forge, were named to the university’s Dean’s List. In order to be receive the accolade, a student must take at least 12 semester hours of coursework and earn a grade-point average of 3.4 or higher.
Letter to the Editor: Take care of the Little Free Pantry in Quinton
There is something powerful about a community that takes care of its own. In a time when so many are navigating rising costs, unexpected hardship, and daily uncertainty, small acts of kindness are not just appreciated, they are essential. The Little Free Pantry, located at the 3300 block of New Kent Highway at the March Center in Quinton, has not only reopened, but it is a sign of recommitment to compassion, dignity, and shared responsibility. The Little Free Pantry operates with a simple principle: Take what you need, give what you can. It exists to bridge gaps quietly, respectfully, and…
Read Full Story
Six local students named to Dean’s List at College of William and Mary
A half-dozen local students were recognized on the Dean’s List at the College of William and Mary for the Spring 2026 semester. Catie Bennett, Trey Christman, Rosemarie Gilbride, and Jillian Wilson, all of Providence Forge, Elizabeth Ross of Lanexa, and Emma Shellman of Charles City, were recognized for their academic accolades. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a quality-point average of 3.6 or better.
Charles City Class of 2026 instructed to never give up, learn from challenges
The message given Saturday morning to 31 members of Charles City High School’s Class of 2026 was simple: Life isn’t easy, but don’t give up. Those words echoed through Charles City High School’s gymnasium in front of family, friends, and community members as cheers supported the new graduates as part of commencement ceremonies. As the Class of 2026 sat attentively, messages of building character and never caving in when pressure seems to put them in uncomfortable situations. “Some of you have moments when you questioned yourself, your future, and your worth, and whether you would even make it to this…
Read Full Story
Charles City High School Class of 2026 Valedictorian: Nina Cannada
Nina Cannada posted a grade-point average of 4.0 as valedictorian for Charles City High School’s Class of 2026. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Charles City High School Softball Team, Charles City High School Volleyball Team, and a member of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe. Nina will be attending Longwood University and plans to major in education with an emphasis in elementary education and plans to become an elementary school teacher. She is the daughter of Lin and Erica Cannada.
Charles City High School Class of 2026 Salutatorian: James Black IV
James Black IV is salutatorian of Charles City High School’s Class of 2026 with a grade-point average of 3.7. James plans to take a year off from school before entering into a college of his choice and pursuing a major of his desire. He is the son of James and Angela Black.
Charles City County High School Class of 2026
Damian Barnes Jr. Teonna Bey James Black IV Madison Bradby Chayse Brinkley Javonni Brown Nina Cannada Cheyenne Chrisitan Dylan Crawley Devin Crewe Jr. Abigail Curtis Logan Curtis Antoine Grant Jr. Alanye Greene Hailey Gribble Leah Hall James Harris IV Melody Harris Raizen Hilliard Jr. Marissa Jackson Endya Johnson Makayla Jordan Ke’Asia Meekins Ke’Vonta Meekins Jaela Smith Adrirenne Tabb Nila Thigpen Victor Torrence II Max Van-Sprouse Jamie-Nicole Walker Zyquon Williams
