Roanoke Valley Schools, Teachers, and Students Earn Top Awards for Teen-Related Traffic Crash and Fatality Prevention Efforts
The Liberty and Jefferson Forest high school YOVASO clubs were among the 15 award winners recognized during the annual Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) Awards Banquet held Saturday night, July 16, at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Va. A Liberty High School teacher was also recognized, as well as two students from Jefferson Forest High School. From Roanoke Co., Northside High School was recognized, as well as a Life Counselor at the school.
Northside football temporarily suspends activities after five coronavirus cases
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Northside High School’s football team is temporarily suspending activities after five cases of coronavirus were traced back to the program. The team released a statement on Tuesday and said the first person to test positive started showing symptoms on Sunday, Feb. 28. Officials said the Roanoke & Alleghany Health Department was notified on Monday as the school started contract tracing. By 8 p.m. that night, five coronavirus cases were traced back to the football program. According to the team’s statement, the school nurse will continue contact tracing and the Roanoke & Alleghany Health Department will conduct follow-up contact tracing.
Vaping public health crisis hits Roanoke County teens
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Vaping has been called the next public health crisis for teens. It’s a problem across the country, commonwealth and even in Roanoke County. Vape pens are also small, easy to hide and easy for kids to get their hands on. However, Nancy Hans who serves as the executive director of the Prevention Council of Roanoke County said that number is still too high. Hans said vape pens are usually filled with tobacco and nicotine, which is an extremely addictive substance.
Several Northside High School students test positive for COVID-19
ROANOKE, Va. – Two Northside High School students have tested positive for coronavirus, in addition to two students who have been identified as “probable cases," according to letters sent out to parents. On Oct. 5, parents and guardians were told about one student who had tested positive for coronavirus and another who was identified as a probable case. School officials stated that they don’t believe these two cases are related. In all three letters, school officials say that they don’t believe that any other students or staff members were exposed. Parents were asked to continue to monitor their child’s health and watch out for symptoms that were similar to those of a mild cold, including fever, runny nose, and cough.
Unparalleled work ethic pays off for former Northside and Radford standout J.D. Mundy
ROANOKE, Va. – He’s been knocking it out the park at every step of his career and now, J.D. Mundy will have a crack at the bat at the pro level after signing an undrafted free agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Mundy’s work ethic has always been at an elite level, from his days at Northside to even the beginning of college career, which started at Virginia Tech. Following a coaching change, Mundy transferred to Radford following his sophomore season, where his impact was immediate. He’s been like a role model for me whenever I needed help with my swing or anything,” said Mundy.
Authorities say no threat against Northside, police presence will remain
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – UPDATEA social media threat that sparked an increased police presence at Northside High School Friday turned out to not be against the school, according to Roanoke County Public Schools. School officials and local authorities determined that the threat that was posted “falsely attached Northside to the message.”Authorities say they have identified the suspect behind the threat and say they are working with them to ensure the safety of the school community. While officials say the threat was not against Northside, there will still be an increased police presence at the school Friday. We will continue to have additional police presence at Northside High School today.”ORIGINAL STORYA social media post describing a potential threat to Northside High School has caused students and parents alike to be concerned. Roanoke County School officials say they are aware of the social media post and the potential threat.