Issue 5: Beyond the Chill
The Richmond Water Crisis in Hanover County
Richmond water treatment plant on January 7, 2025
The Richmond water crisis occurred in early January of this year due to a water treatment facility failure during a snowstorm on January 5-6. The treatment plant affected has two power sources, and if one fails, the other one is supposed to automatically take over, because they are both on different power plants. The automatic switch between the two sources failed on Monday the 6th at 6am, which has not failed since 2003.
The water crisis resulted in a boil water advisory, which meant people could not use their own water sources unless they boiled it before use. During this particular crisis, many opted to use pre-packaged water due to the lack of water pressure. The race to buy pre-packaged water resulted in widespread water shortages across the Richmond area, including the counties of Henrico, Goochland, and the eastern part of Hanover.
In Hanover County, many schools in the eastern corridor were without water, a large factor of school closings in the week of January 6-10. Everywhere east of I-95 was impacted. The boil water advisory for the county was in effect from Monday until it was lifted on Saturday the 11th. Those without water in the county could take showers at Patrick Henry High School and Liberty Middle School. Additional water supplies were provided at Cold Harbor Elementary School, Atlee High School, Hanover County Government Complex, and Bass Pro Shop.
The process to fix the water plant and the areas affected by the crisis started the same day the crisis started. On the morning of Wednesday the 8th, it was reported by Richmond mayor Danny Avula, that all pumps and filters were functioning, and those in close proximity to the plant began to see a return in water pressure. The next day, on the 9th, it was reported that the first water tests had been conducted. By 3:30 pm on the 10th, both Richmond City and Hanover County had passed the tests. At 11:30 on the 11th, all boil advisories were lifted.
Community & Local News
The Expansion of Hanover County
US 301 & New Ashcake Rd Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Located off Interstate 301 in Mechanicsville, Virginia, several new development projects are underway. These projects include commercial businesses, residential housing, and a small shopping center. Plans indicate the addition of over 200 new housing units, consisting of single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments. Additionally, the development will feature playgrounds. At this time, a public completion date has not been publicly provided.
Written by Kaitlyn Phillips
New Year, More Service
In this new year, our focus should be on actions and habits that positively impact our community and our surroundings. This is the fundamental spirit of volunteerism, and the team at the Hanover Monthly encourages all its readers to be more positive this year.
Volunteering in our community is a great way to help people in need in our community, to find solace in one another, to comfort each other, and most importantly of all, to build each other up. By volunteering in your community, you are helping to create a place that people feel comfortable in, a palace worth living in, and a place that fosters a real sense of both community and belonging. The Hanover Monthly team encourages all readers to do their best to get involved in the community for the New Year. Through community service, you can develop a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and gratitude, which will be a reflection of the very emotion those you help in your community will be left feeling with your help. Some sites that will aid your efforts in volunteering include the following:
Written by Pablo Castillo
Student Life & Education
What is the Teachers of Tomorrow Program?
The Teachers of Tomorrow program is designed to support aspiring educators by providing them with training and real-world classroom experience. Participants gain experience in teaching methods, classroom management, and lesson planning while working alongside experienced teachers. The program tries to bridge the gap between aspiring educators and the teaching field by offering practical learning experiences that set them up for success.
How and When to Apply
For rising sophomores and juniors interested in joining Teachers of Tomorrow, applications are now open and close on March 7, 2025. The process involves:
Completing the application form
Providing teacher recommendations
Writing a personal statement on why they want to be a Teacher Cadet
Advantages of the Program
Joining Teachers of Tomorrow comes with many benefits, including:
Early Classroom Exposure: Participants gain real-world teaching experience before entering a college education program.
Mentorship Opportunities: Students receive guidance from experienced educators who can provide career advice and support.
College and Career Readiness: The program strengthens college applications and resumes by demonstrating a commitment to education.
Networking Opportunities: Participants connect with fellow aspiring educators, creating a supportive community.
Scholarship and Career Opportunities: Some programs offer financial aid or prioritize graduates for teaching positions upon completion of a degree
Written by Jessica Roberts
Interviewed by Finleigh Homar
The Unsure Future of IB
The term “IB” (International Baccalaureate) has a reputation around it. For some, it connotes a welcome challenge that pushes them to their full potential. For others, it comes with the idea that a class is particularly difficult, with a workload that engulfs much of their time. Either way, it is a viable option for students looking for classes to take. However, not as many people take IB classes as they used to, leading to some concern around the future of the programme.
For those unfamiliar with IB,the program was designed to provide students with a “challenging and comprehensive education” and prepare them to go into the world (What is an IB education?). According to Wendy Edelman, IB coordinator at Atlee High School, it is “internationally recognized as a quality education.”
Students can take only a few IB classes, however only those who take the 7 required-- English, Math, History, Science, World Language, an IB elective, and Theory of Knowledge-- are candidates for the IB diploma. Prior to COVID, Edelman says that the number of full IB students at Atlee ranged from “20-30 a year.” Today, Atlee’s full IB senior class consists of 12 students.
Jett Ekman, an IB diploma candidate from Atlee, believes that many people do not take IB because of its reputation, suggesting that those who choose it are “not going to have a social life.” However, Ekman believes this is a misconception. For him, IB has taught him “how to use [his] time wisely,” thus he has learned to balance his work while also having time to “hang out with [his] friends” and go to all his school sports games. “It’s not like IB is your entire life,” he sums up.
Other common perceptions surrounding IB also draw people away. For instance, many people wrongly believe that “IB doesn’t yield college credit,” according to Edelman.
Edelman believes that a main reason for the declining numbers is simply the wide array of options available to students. She says it is fair for them to want to “explore all of their options,” be they “Full IB, AP, ACA, Dual Enrollment, Health Sciences, [or] Trade."
Whatever the reasoning may be for less students taking IB, those involved with it believe that it provides students with numerous benefits. Edelman says that it helps students improve certain skills including “studying, time management, [and] speaking” that can help students as they go out into the world, as well as “different ways to learn”-- the answers are important in IB, but “so is the path students take” to get to those answers.
Similarly, Ekman appreciates that IB “challenges his thinking,” and he believes that it is “the way to go” for those who “want the best chance of getting into the best colleges.”
IB may not be as popular as it once was, but in truth the programme is far from “dying.” Next year’s class of IB juniors at Atlee will have at least “15 students,” which is more than the current junior or senior classes there.
Each student's choice of classes is up to them, but those who teach or take IB will tell you that it has benefits and is worth considering.
Written by Dylan Gibson
Art & Culture
“What Is Love?”-- Answered By 4th Graders at Kersey Creek Elementary School
“It’s not just saying I love you, it’s showing that you love them.”
“Love can be a lot of things but you have to decide what you want it to be.”
“Love to me is two things: everything I just said, and those cheesy Hallmark movies - just kidding, but you should still love everyone - even if they don't love you!”
“I think love is when you care about something so much that you never forget about it.”
Written by Emmie Blunt
Art Exhibition
Art brings the walls to life throughout Hanover County Public Schools, adding color and creativity to educational spaces while inspiring those who view it. Fine arts, Graphic arts, crafts, and photography students have their work displayed throughout the year. This not only showcases the skills of Hanover students but also allows them to express themselves and reflect on their work—an essential part of any learning experience.
One particularly striking feature is the various IB Art Student displays at Patrick Henry High School. These displays put the spotlight on their extraordinary pieces, highlighting their advanced art skills. These exhibits showcased various works using a variety of mediums; charcoal, watercolor, graphite, acrylics, and even sculpture. Every exhibit is full of each student’s individual styles and techniques, making them all the more interesting.
Fine Arts
Students in standard, advanced, or IB fine arts courses can develop their art skills in various ways. They will develop their technical skills by working with various mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpture. Additionally, students will study art history and theories with every project. Partaking in art critiques encourages reflection and growth skills, and students learn to view constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve their work.
Graphic Arts
Students in graphic arts classes will advance their art skills through collaboration with technology. These classes focus on elements like line, color, and tone, often composing these visual elements to communicate information or convey a message most effectively.
Crafts
Students in crafts classes express their art through various activities that allow them to make things with their own hands. These activities also teach students to use tools, follow instructions, and develop practical skills—all within a relaxed classroom environment.
Photography
Students in photography classes will learn how to use a camera to its fullest potential. Learning a variety of techniques to capture specific images and gain experience in developing photographs after they are taken.
Written by Arianna Salemme
Sports in Hanover
Commitment Day: Hanover Student-Athletes Sign to Compete at the Next Level
Jaelynn Joiner signing to Radford University for Track & CC
Student-athletes across Hanover County recently participated in National Signing Day ceremonies, where they officially committed to college athletic programs. The events recognized senior athletes who have accepted offers to compete at the collegiate level.
On February 7, Patrick Henry High School and Mechanicsville High School held their signing ceremonies, followed by Atlee High School on February 8 and Hanover High School on February 13. Each school hosted the event in a designated space, with Hanover and Mechanicsville holding ceremonies in their auditoriums, Atlee in its gym, and Patrick Henry in its auditorium.
During these events, student-athletes signed letters of intent, formalizing their commitments to compete in sports such as football, soccer, track and field, swimming, lacrosse, and more. Athletes were recognized individually, with schools announcing their names, sports, and college commitments. Family members, teammates, and coaches attended to support and acknowledge their achievements.
Coaches and school staff introduced the athletes and highlighted their commitments. Some athletes shared their future plans and the significance of continuing their sport at the collegiate level.
The signees represent a variety of collegiate programs, including NCAA Division I, II, and III schools. These commitments mark the continuation of their athletic and academic careers beyond high school.
Written by Ana Grayberg
Hanover County Spring Sports
Patrick Henry Girls Soccer
The Virginia High School League offers six sports during the spring season. All four schools in the county have these sports, although team size may vary from school to school. The spring sports offered by the VHSL are baseball, softball, soccer (girls and boys), outdoor track, tennis (girls and boys), and lacrosse (girls and boys). Below is a list of coaches for each school:
Atlee High School
Baseball: Coach Mike Morris
Softball: Coach Eric Kuester
Girls Soccer: Coach Steve D’Adamo
Boys Soccer: Coach Glen Klesat
Girls Lacrosse: Coach Bill Karn
Boys Lacrosse: Coach Fielding Crawford
Girls Tennis: Coach Will Ford
Boys Tennis: Coach John Newman
Outdoor Track: Coach Neil Mathews
Hanover High School
Baseball: Coach Tyler Kane
Softball: Coach Tommy Evans
Girls Soccer: Coach Maria Fabiato
Boys Soccer: Coach Laurent Body
Girls Lacrosse: Coach Matt Ellinghaus
Boys Lacrosse: Coach James Mahan
Girls Tennis: Coach Lyndsey Hein
Boys Tennis: Coach Rodney Cole
Outdoor Track: Coach Richard Firth
Mechanicsville High School
Baseball:
JV: Coach Jacob Smither
Varsity: Coach Tyler Johnson
Softball: Coach Danielle Hagen
Girls Soccer: Coach Shane Amsler
Boys Soccer:
JV: Coach Steve Terrell
Varsity: Coach Josh Pagac
Girls Lacrosse:
JV: Coach Stephanie Pham
Varsity: Coach Isabelle Stafford
Boys Lacrosse:
JV: Coach Justin Keener
Varsity: Coach Colt Jones
Girls Tennis: Coach Mike Davis
Boys Tennis: TBD
Outdoor Track: Coach Collin Mann
Patrick Henry High School
Baseball: Coach Sam Hart
Softball: TBD
Girls Soccer: Coach Scott Gittman
Boys Soccer: Coach Charles Altizer
Girls Lacrosse: Coach Makenzie Smith
Boys Lacrosse: Coach Matt Riccio
Girls Tennis: Coach Matt Goldman
Boys Tennis: Coach Stuart McCroskey
Outdoor Track: Coach Scott Brown
Written by Ellie Agustin
