Heritage High School celebrates DECA success and impressive athletic achievements

As the sun began to set over Lynchburg, the atmosphere in the Heritage High School auditorium buzzed with excitement and pride. The March 4, 2025, Lynchburg City School Board meeting showcased the remarkable achievements of students and athletes, highlighting a month filled with accomplishments and community spirit.

The meeting kicked off with a celebration of the DECA students who recently competed at the state level. Among them, Brianna Jones and Deja Bowen stood out as the only team to reach the semifinals, earning applause for their hard work and dedication. The spotlight then shifted to three exceptional student-athletes who signed letters of intent to continue their sports careers at the collegiate level. Gianna Early will take her volleyball talents to Wingate University, while Tavon Clark and Braden Morgan will pursue football at Shepherd University and Christopher Newport University, respectively.

Winter sports concluded with notable performances. The boys' varsity basketball team finished strong with a record of 16-9, while the girls' varsity team faced challenges, ending at 7-18. Wrestling also made headlines, with the boys' team achieving the most state placers in school history, including standout performances from Dylan Lamar, Matthew Garland, Bentley Fleshman, and Elijah Erskine. Notably, Audrey Pierce made history as the first girl from the school to place at the state level in wrestling.

As spring approaches, preparations for soccer, tennis, and baseball are underway, with the track team already celebrating their success as the current 3C Region champions. The meeting also recognized the all-district team selections, honoring athletes from both boys' and girls' basketball for their outstanding performances throughout the season.

At E.C. Glass High School, the winter sports season also wrapped up with commendable achievements. The boys' varsity basketball team boasted an impressive record of 22-4, while the girls' team finished at 16-9. Coach DJ was named district coach of the year, and several players received all-district honors, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the athletes.

The meeting also highlighted the vibrant activities at the Future Center, where students engaged in college preparation events, including FAFSA nights and SAT prep sessions. The excitement was palpable as students received acceptance letters from their dream schools, fostering a sense of motivation and community.

In addition to athletic achievements, the E.C. Glass Theatre department is gearing up for their upcoming production of "Footloose," promising to showcase the talents of the students in a lively performance.

As the meeting concluded, the board reminded attendees of the guidelines for public comments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful and constructive dialogue. The evening left attendees with a sense of pride in their schools and a hopeful outlook for the future, as students continue to excel both in and out of the classroom.