Skip To Main Content

Toggle Close Container

Utility Nav - Mobile

District Schools Mobile

District Home Link

Mobile Main Nav

     

Header Holder

Logo Container

Header Right Column

Utility Nav - Desktop

District Home Link

Schools Nav Desktop

Toggle Menu Container

Horizontal Nav

Breadcrumb

CSMS, WBMS take home 2024 YOVASO Awards

Updated

Cave Spring Middle School and William Byrd Middle School were recently recognized at the 2024 Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) Awards. 

Emery Mitchem and SRO Justin Hubbard. (courtesy YOVASO)

Emery Mitchem and SRO Justin Hubbard. (courtesy YOVASO)

Several years ago, when Officer Justin Hubbard first took on the role of School Resource Officer (SRO) at CSMS, he created the prevention club “Squires AIDE.”  This prevention club led by students Emery Mitchem, Taylor Gruse, Tinley Gruse, Delaney Kirchner and Colter Christley continued to be successful through the 2023-2024 school year. This year, Cave Spring Middle School was honored with the YOVASO Middle School Club of the Year Award.  This award goes to the school who sets the standard of best practices in peer-led youth traffic safety programs, community and school engagement, effective program development and student leadership.

In addition, CSMS School Resource Officer (SRO) Justin Hubbard was awarded the YOVASO Middle School SRO of the Year.  This award recognizes one Middle School law enforcement professional for their continuous and outstanding support as an SRO to their school, and for providing guidance to the school’s traffic safety club.

During the 2023-2024 school year, Deputy Joe Mullins, SRO at William Byrd Middle School, joined WBMS Principal Evan Noel, school counselor Leslie Jordan, and many students to organize the “Terrier Safety Squad.” This year, YOVASO recognized the Terrier Safety Squad for their efforts and engagement with students at WBMS as the YOVASO New Middle School Club of the Year.  This award recognizes excellence in student leadership and club development, community outreach, engagement of the student body, effectiveness of programming and participation in YOVASO campaigns and retreats. 

Evan Noell, Leslie Jordan and SRO Joe Mullins (courtesy YOVASO)

Evan Noell, Leslie Jordan and SRO Joe Mullins (courtesy YOVASO)

"I couldn’t be prouder of both these individuals, the schools and our students," said Sgt. Dan Walters with the Roanoke County Police Department who supervises the SRO Division.  "As school resource officers, we pride ourselves on the relationships we develop with our youth, their families, our teachers and school administration.  I am happy to say, without a doubt, in conjunction with the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office, we have the best school resource officer division in the state, at all levels of education," Sgt. Walters said.