News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 5, 2026
Community
Charles City High School Class of 2020 Salutatorian- Christian Stewart
Christian Stewart is salutatorian of Charles City High School’s Class of 2020 with a grade-point average of 4.0. He is a member of the boys’ basketball team, baseball team, National Honor Society, was named Mr. CCHS, is a member of the Chickahominy Tribe, and performs as a fancy dancer for the Chickahominy Tribe. Christian plans to attend Virginia Tech University and plans to pursue a major in natural sciences with an emphasis of wildlife conservation. He is the son of Bobbie and Corey Stewart.
New Kent High FBLA students earn leadership certificates
Three New Kent High Schools were chosen to participate in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Virtual Leadership Experience. Campbell Gowdy, Jawa Johnson, and Charlotte Verdu earned their certificates of leadership for participating in the 2020 Foundation Leadership Institute Virtual Leadership Experience. Each of the students attended at least 15 hours of learning experiences through online interaction.
Locals earn degrees during Spring commencement ceremonies
Two local residents have earned their degrees from the College of William Mary after Spring commencement ceremonies. Justin Mitchell of New Kent earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and Jonah Sweeney of Providence Forge earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Another resident, Clarissa Sweeney of New Kent, recently earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of St. Mary.
FSA accepting nominations for Charles City committee members
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting nominations for county committee members who reside in Charles City beginning June 15. Elections will take place in Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members who make decisions about federal farm programs and their local administration. All nomination forms for the 2020 election must be postmarked or received by the local FSA by Aug. 1.
Editorial: My advice to the Class of 2020- They don’t need any of it
Usually during this time of year, I provide an editorial to the graduating Class of 2020 with a little bit of my personal advice. This year, they don’t need any of it. Why? Because they are already prepared. Unlike any other graduating class before them, the Class of 2020 has experienced more within the last 11 weeks than many graduating classes in their 13 years of education. What started off as a typical year of instruction quickly transitioned into distance learning because of COVID-19. With may students already acquainted with technology, this offered a glimpse on how the rest of…
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Letter to the Editor: Reparations for George Floyd should build new schools
I am white and 68 years old. I am a nurse. This is what I know. George Floyd lies face down with a knee pressing into his neck. It’s the knee of a white law enforcement officer abusing his badge. In my mind I kneel at Mr. Floyds’ shoulder. Powerless to lift that knee of oppression from his neck, I focus instead on what he is saying just before he expires. “Please, I can’t breathe. Everything hurts.” As a nursing student in my hometown of Philadelphia in 1970, I first worked the men’s wards, populated by men of color, often…
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Chickahominy Fall Festival cancelled for 2020
The Chickahominy Indian Tribe’s Fall Festival and Pow-Wow has been cancelled for 2020. “This was a very difficult decision and one we didn’t make lightly,” said Second Assistant Chief Reggie Stewart in a press release. “For many Natives, the annual Pow-Wow is a homecoming of sorts and the highlight of each year.” “We understand the sadness, disappointment, and even frustration that comes along with our decision to cancel,” commented Chickahominy Tribe Chief Stephen Adkins. “In good conscience, we could not host such a large-scale event that might put the health and safety of our volunteers, visitors, and guests as risk.”…
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New Kent seniors receive Arts Alive scholarships
Three New Kent High School seniors of recipients of scholarships from Arts Alive Incorporated. Megan Bowles and Rafael Waters will receive the C. Herbert Brown Jr. Performing Arts Scholarship. Bowles received the performance-based scholarship and plans to attend Longwood University and pursue theatre education. Waters received the music-based scholarship and pursue a career in music through studies at Berklee College of Music. Annabelle Brame is a recipient of the Andy Conklin Visual Arts Scholarship. She will be attend the University of Delaware and plans to major in fashion design and product innovation.
Heritage Public Library launches Summer Reading Program
Heritage Public Library launched its annual Summer Reading Program on June 1. The program will run until Aug. 15 and allow readers a chance for a grand prize at the conclusion of the event. Game sheets can be picked up curbside during pick-up hours and should be returned at the conclusion of the event. For more information, visit www.heritagepubliclibrary.org.
Heritage Public Library receives $15,000 grant for health materials
Heritage Public Library was named the recipient of a National Library of Medicine Grant for $15,000 for a project called “Heritage Public Library Health Outreach and Training.” The grant will allow the library to offer classes to the public on how to find and evaluate online consumer health information. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to extend our outreach to community groups and vastly expand community access to reliable online health information,” said Jan Marry, adult programming library. “We thank the National Library of Medicine for this chance.” Heritage Public Library Director Chandra McPherson added that additional medical and health…
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