Laurel Ridge Community College bestows Medallions of Recognition to community members

Laurel Ridge presented Medallions of Recognition, the highest non-academic honor it awards, at a recent ceremony.

“The first medallions were awarded in 1972, and they have continued to be given to honor and recognize individuals who have contributed significantly in a variety of ways to foster the mission of the college and to promote vitality within our communities,” said President Kim Blosser.

Larry Baker

Larry Baker, who retired last year as the business development manager for Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions, was recognized for his role in building what is now one of the most successful workforce units in the entire Virginia Community College System.

“But more important than the structure he helped create, is the culture he nurtured, one grounded in service, humility and mission,” said Dr. Blosser. “For more than two decades, Larry guided the growth of our workforce team through quiet servant leadership.”

While he didn’t consider himself a salesperson, Baker secured Workforce Solutions’ largest-ever corporate training contract. He accomplished this through genuine curiosity, deep listening and a heartfelt desire to help area employers succeed, said Dr. Blosser.

“Larry didn’t sell products – he solved problems,” she said. “And our business and industry partners felt that authenticity. But Larry’s impact went well beyond contracts and program growth. He was the one quietly surveying the room, the campus or the situation, seeing what needed to be done and who might need help.

“One of Larry’s most lasting contributions is the Leadership Institute, which he founded. For over 10 years, this program has equipped hundreds of emerging leaders with essential leadership skills, opening doors to advancement, confidence and long-term career success across our communities.”

Upon accepting his medallion, Baker said he “stumbled into” Workforce Solutions after losing his position in a downsizing.

“I figured it would be a temporary step, a layover before returning to the manufacturing world,” he said. “The mission, the fulfilment, the culture, the people made it an ideal place to take root.”

Baker said he quickly learned that serving Workforce’s clients was of utmost importance, and that the team would do whatever they could to help organizations and individuals find success.

“Saying no just isn’t part of our DNA,” he said.

Bill Long and Sandy Stonebreaker-Long

Dr. Blosser went on to present medallions to Bill Long and his wife, Sandy Stonebreaker-Long, who have owned the Auto Care Clinic in Front Royal since 1993. Four years ago, they purchased Kibler’s Garage in Woodstock, renaming it Kibler’s Auto Care Clinic. Between the two locations, they have 24 full-time employees.

“Their success is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through career and technical education,” said Dr. Blosser. “With nearly 50 years of automotive repair experience, Bill Long is an ASE Master L1 technician, representing the highest level of professional attainment in his field.”

She added that Mrs. Long worked as a paralegal until joining the family business, and decided to return to college at age 50, graduating summa cum laude from Laurel Ridge with a degree in Business Management.

“Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of community colleges and the message we proudly share with our students every day: it is never too late to learn, grow and lead,” said Dr. Blosser.

Mr. Long received the grand prize in the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center “Shark Tank”-style competition in 2016, and the couple reinvested the prize money into their business expansion in Front Royal, she said.

“Perhaps the most remarkable part of Bill and Sandy Long’s story is how intentionally they give back,” said Dr. Blosser. “They believe that local businesses thrive best when they are deeply connected to the communities they serve.”

Active civically and in their church, the couple began giving away cars to those in need in 2018. Their nonprofit, Cars Changing Lives, has since given away 85 vehicles.

“Each vehicle represents more than transportation – it represents access, opportunity and hope,” said Dr. Blosser.

Mrs. Long said her husband comes up with the ideas and “I just try to find a way to make it happen.”

“Because we’re blessed, we’re able to give back and bless other people,” said Mr. Long.

He said the average technician in his Front Royal shop last year had an annual salary of $106,000.

“My philosophy is the better I take care of my employees, the better they will take care of the customers, and the customers take care of the business,” said Mr. Long, who added he has taken some classes at Laurel Ridge over the years.

Todd Lynn (posthumous)

The final Medallion of Recognition was a posthumous honor bestowed upon Todd Lynn, who was principal of Triplett Tech and the Shenandoah County Public Schools career and technical education (CTE) supervisor at the time of his death last July.

“Todd believed with his whole heart that every student deserves multiple, meaningful pathways to explore as they prepare for life beyond high school,” Dr. Blosser said. “He envisioned a region where students could discover purpose, build skills, earn credentials and move confidently into the workforce or postsecondary education.”

He was a very engaged member of the Career Pathways Consortium; worked closely with Laurel Ridge’s Office of Early College; helped create Worlds of Work, an immersive career exploration expo for eighth-grade students across the region; helped form Laurel Ridge’s Trades Academy and EMS Academy; served on the Valley Health Partnership to expand science and health profession pathways; a dual-enrollment advocate; and more.

“Beyond his remarkable accomplishments, Todd was known for something just as important – his infectious energy, genuine warmth and unmistakable laugh,” said Dr. Blosser. “He made collaboration feel possible. He made people want to work together. And he reminded us all why the work mattered.

“Above all, Todd was devoted to his family – his beloved wife, Crystal, and his sons, Mason and Spencer. The work that Todd so passionately championed continues, illuminating pathways for students across the Laurel Ridge region. His legacy lives on in every student who finds their direction, every program borne of collaboration and every opportunity created because Todd Lynn believed deeply in what could be.”

Crystal Lynn said her husband would’ve felt “incredibly honored by this recognition.”

“He simply believed in showing up, working hard and giving his best to the people around him,” she said. “Thank you for remembering him, for honoring him and for continuing the impact he made on so many lives.”