UMW Rappahannock Scholars Program

12/17/2025

Please let us know we’ll see you on Sunday for our holiday party!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAnpsgqjH-fR5sXNEug2XClS-PCqSddtk5KHJvtNeX9mD0Ag/viewform

12/04/2025

Scholars holiday party on 12/21 in Tappahannock. Hope to see you there! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAnpsgqjH-fR5sXNEug2XClS-PCqSddtk5KHJvtNeX9mD0Ag/viewform

07/30/2025

We're looking forward to seeing you SUNDAY! Don't worry if you haven't RSVP'd yet, it's not too late! Check the image for the link to RSVP and sign up for a side dish or dessert.

06/23/2025

RSVP to Mandy Byrd, Shanita, or Gayle!

06/15/2025

Hey everyone! Mandy Byrd, Gayle, and Shanita are planning an RSP Reunion picnic on August 3. Reach out to one of us so we have your contact info. We'd love to see you!

04/29/2023

Reversing the Spotsy Book Ban
Turning the Tide.
1,000 postcards.

Where we stand now: The ACLU has written a letter to the Spotsy School Board informing them that the recent Banning of 14 books from the school libraries is a violation of 1st Amendment rights of the students AND a misinterpretation of the relevant law on sexual explicitness and parental notification within school libraries.

It is implicit in this letter that the ACLU would pursue this case in the courts if necessary. This would be a lengthy and expensive process for everyone involved, and while there is little concern about the outcome (book-banning cases always come to the same conclusion) -- the cost to the school district could be devastating.

Do we really, amid the current budget crisis, want to funnel precious school funding into a court case to allow Spotsylvania County to ban Toni Morrison and "Like Water for Elephants" from the shelves of the high school libraries?

Happily, there is another way.

The decision to ban the books was made by the recently-hired Superintendent of Schools, based on consultation with the lone book-challenger (against the books) & with notes from the Review Committees (in favor of the books). There is no evidence that the Superintendent read the books himself (nor is he required to -- although that feels like a peculiar loophole in the rules).

His decision does not have to be final.

All the power resides in the elected School Board -- they can overrule the Superintendent's decision and return the books to the shelves at any time. It only takes a majority vote. Believe it or not, despite national media attention and huge local disbelief, the School Board HAS NEVER VOTED ON THIS ISSUE - and we believe it's too important for them to delegate to staff.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.
We have printed postcards with a simple message "Let our kids read -- no book bans - no restricted access" --
We want to deliver 1,000 of these cards to the School Board before their May meeting (when a new 'book review' policy is rumored to be unveiled).

1,000 postcards from constituents and concerned onlookers will surely send them the message that this has gone far enough --

They are available for free at the bookstore -- Come fill one out.
We can do it for you -- simply message us your comments or put them below with permission for us to forward them.
Get a stack for your bookclub, bowling league, block party; we've got enough for everyone --

We believe that we can correct this mistake within the community, rather than waiting for years of lawsuits. We're hopeful that when the elected school board sees the real community feeling about this issue, they'll reconsider the current mishandling of the issue. It's really as simply as that -- one changed vote on the school board turns this whole thing around.

05/12/2022

Spring trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Oohs And Aahs (soul Food) restaurant. So exciting to go on a spring trip after so many years!

05/08/2021

05/08/2021

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day to start 2021 Commencement ceremonies! The sun is coming out and the chill is subsiding. We could jot be prouder of our 2021 grads. They were resilient even before the pandemic. Congratulations to Khaila Nelson, Chy'Nia Johnson, Mya Bundy, Kayla Jackson, Mason Kendrick, Freddie Owens, and Ramon Owens!

03/17/2021

AmeriCorps members will serve as park interpreters at state parks across Virginia from April to September. Members will study interpretation techniques, learn about stewardship ethics and help park guests connect to natural and cultural resources.

02/08/2021

A cozy blanket. A warm drink. A good scholarship application to help pay for school. 😉
Applying to as many scholarships as you can is a great way to help pay for school. Find more tips at https://bit.ly/3jCoQ7x

01/15/2021

Hit all the right notes 🎶 when submitting your 2021–22 FAFSA® form by avoiding these mistakes: https://bit.ly/2LMiLIS