An entire week in Virginia visiting 6 different schools included: assemblies, donuts, hair coloring, and a behind the scenes look at UVA Mens Hoops.
Virginia was next on my tour schedule and included 8 shows at 6 different schools over 4 days. This is not my first time ever performing in Virginia, however this was going to be my longest visit in the state for lovers. It was going to be a long stretch, but I was ready to bring the energy that comes with every one of my performances.
My first stop was Louisa County School District, who brought me to their elementary schools to take part in their month long celebration of National Bully Prevention Month. The school district launched the #BeKind212 initiative that encouraged their students in the Louisa County community and beyond to be kind. Throughout the entire month of October, students were to document their “acts of kindness” to the #BeKind212 website and after 2,500 acts were tallied Superintended, Doug Straley, would dye his hair school colors.
The program was a major success and that goal was smashed in only two weeks. Not only did Mr. Straley have his hair dyed, but all the principals in the district had their hair dyed as well. The hair dying of the principals were immediately after my programs and were the perfect conclusion to an exciting day of celebrating #kindness. I had a wonderful experience visiting the 4 elementary schools and I congratulate them on a successful #BeKind212 campaign.
Next stop was W.W. Robinson in Woodstock, VA and then Appomattox Primary in Appomattox, VA. Both schools were tremendous and I can’t thank then enough for the opportunity. Also, a special thanks to Ms. Markowitz at W.W. Robinson for the donuts and treats after the programs. Donuts make everything better. And the students at Appomattox Primary were amazing even though most of their students had their first school assembly experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of schools throughout the demanding 4 day stretch.
“Thank you so much for coming and talking to our kids. Your message and performance was AWESOME!”
Jessica Markowitz / W.W Robinson - Woodstock, VA
Work hard and play hard. During my trip I found myself driving close to the University of Virginia. This gave me the chance to catch up with a former basketball coach of mine, current University of Virginia Mens Basketball Assistant Coach, Kyle Getter. Coach Getter’s extensive basketball resume, which now includes a 2019 Div. 1 National Championship, began as an assistant coach at Walsh University during my senior season.
Coach Getter treated me to a tour of the first class facilities of one of the nations top college basketball programs in the country. The arena, practice facility, and locker rooms were as expected from a team that is fresh off of winning the National Championship. I love catching up with old friends on the road and I want to thank coach Getter for his generosity and time. Good Luck this season.
Until the next one….
