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Virginia C apitol C onnections, Winter 2015 29
Parking available adjacent to building
Phone 804-644-1702
FAX: 804-644-1703
E-Mail:
Web Site:
hen it comes to events no one
throws a party like David Napier.
Known throughout Central Virginia for his
wonderful food and hospitality, David is
delighted to have opened his catering facility in
the heart of Shockoe Bottom. No event is too
small or large. Delicious Box Lunches delivered.
O ne of Richmond’s most elegant dining
rooms is now exclusively available for your
private parties and special events. Our award
winning chefs produce an array of dishes from
steaks and seafood to vegetarian and
international masterpieces that will satisfy the
most discriminating palate. The Old City Bar
is the perfect place to celebrate.
Partnerships Help Students
Chase Big Dreams
By Thomas Brewster
A panel tasked with eliminating
unfunded state mandates recommends that
we stop requiring our public school students
to create career and college plans. With
respect to the panel, that idea is harmful to
our children and their future. Two out of
every three jobs available in Virginia will
require a college credential before the end of
the decade. That is the reality into which our students will graduate.
Instead of eliminating career and college planning, we should
expand it and we can with some creative partnerships.
We challenge our students to dream big as they work through
Pulaski County Public Schools. Thanks to our partnership with New
River Community College, our students have more tools than ever
before to pursue those dreams. Further, that collaboration ensures that
the material we teach our young people is applicable to the careers
available in a rapidly changing economy.
Innovative programs within that partnership are helping students
connect their studies directly to good-paying jobs and even earn an
associate’s degree, sub-associate’s credential or even a bachelor’s
degree from a university. Perhaps the best part is the access our students
have to an expert that can help them chart the way, a community college
Career Coach.
Career Coaches are community college employees who work in
our public high schools. They help students create career and college
plans, often helping families understand just how accessible and
affordable college can be. They supplement what our school counselors
can provide.
“Often guidance counselors are busy assisting students with
academic and personal needs, leaving little time to assist them with
exploring their academic and career options,” said Pulaski County
High School lead Guidance Counselor, Chrissi Vest. “There’s not
Kathy Kleppin with student Hannah Gray discussing career plans.
See Partnerships, continued on page 30