Cave Spring and William Byrd Middle Schools earn recognition at YOVASO Awards
Vinton, Virginia – Cave Spring Middle School (CSMS) and William Byrd Middle School (WBMS) recently earned honors at the 2024 Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) Awards, celebrating their dedication to youth traffic safety and student leadership. Both schools have shown remarkable commitment to fostering safe practices and community engagement among their students.
Squires AIDE Earns Top Honors for Cave Spring Middle School
Several years ago, Officer Justin Hubbard, School Resource Officer (SRO) at Cave Spring Middle School, initiated the student-led prevention club, “Squires AIDE.” Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, the club, led by students Emery Mitchem, Taylor Gruse, Tinley Gruse, Delaney Kirchner, and Colter Christley, demonstrated sustained success. Their efforts were rewarded with the prestigious YOVASO Middle School Club of the Year Award.
This award is presented to the school that exemplifies the best practices in youth-led traffic safety initiatives. It recognizes achievements in student leadership, effective program development, and strong community engagement. The award highlights the importance of peer involvement in promoting road safety among young people.
Officer Hubbard also received individual recognition, being honored as the YOVASO Middle School SRO of the Year. This award acknowledges the dedication of law enforcement professionals who offer continuous support to their schools and guide student safety clubs. Hubbard’s leadership and involvement have significantly contributed to building a culture of safety at CSMS.
William Byrd Middle School Recognized for New Club Excellence
At William Byrd Middle School, the “Terrier Safety Squad” emerged as a standout initiative during the 2023-2024 school year. The program was led by Deputy Joe Mullins, SRO at WBMS, alongside Principal Evan Noel, school counselor Leslie Jordan, and an enthusiastic group of students. Their efforts were recognized with the YOVASO New Middle School Club of the Year Award.
This award honors excellence in student leadership, effective club development, and community outreach. It also acknowledges the club’s engagement with the student body and participation in YOVASO campaigns and retreats. The Terrier Safety Squad’s work reflects the importance of collaborative efforts between students, school officials, and law enforcement in fostering safer school environments.
Pride in Community Engagement and Strong Partnerships
Sgt. Dan Walters of the Roanoke County Police Department, who supervises the SRO Division, expressed pride in the achievements of both schools. “I couldn’t be prouder of both these individuals, the schools, and our students,” Sgt. Walters said. He emphasized the value of relationships built by school resource officers with students, their families, teachers, and school administrators.
“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,” Walters added, underscoring the collaborative efforts that have led to these successes.
These achievements highlight the critical role of student engagement and law enforcement partnerships in promoting safety and fostering leadership. Both schools continue to set the standard for youth involvement in creating safer communities and developing responsible leaders.