
Laurel Ridge Foundation and College Board Member Brad Hodgson says his time here as a student was life-changing
Brad Hodgson struggled in his early days as a student, but with support of administrators and faculty, as well as his fellow students, and accepting himself as he was he has gone on to a successful and happy future.

Chrishan Francis: Gained leadership skills and confidence from Laurel Ridge
2000 Laurel Ridge graduate Chrishan Francis, an information security branch chief for the U.S. Coast Guard, says the college prepared him for success. He now volunteers as a mentor for area youth.

Laurel Ridge alumna leading inclusion and diversity efforts at area bank
1985 Laurel Ridge graduate Candace Davenport is First Bank’s new IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Engagement and Action) Officer.

Page County High School graduate Alyssa Howard overcame tremendous challenges to thrive in nursing profession
Alyssa Howard overcame homelessness and more to persevere through to her degree at Laurel Ridge. Today, she is working as a nurse and about to earn her bachelor’s degree.

José Hernandez: Laurel Ridge alum proud to take up the teaching mantle
José Hernandez came to Laurel Ridge to perfect his English before earning a degree in liberal arts. He is now a Spanish teacher in Harrisonburg.

Mother and twin daughters share a love of Laurel Ridge
The Sunderlin family, who are big fans of the Shenandoah Valley and of history, say Laurel Ridge put them on the right career paths for them

Laurel Ridge alum puts all his energy into everything he does
Javier Wong made the most of his Laurel Ridge experience, academically and socially.

Mary Leigh McDaniel
Laurel Ridge helped set McDaniel, the Marshall District representative on the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors, on her path to success.

Jennifer “Jenni” VanCuren: From student to professor
The English professor teaches English composition, American literature, technical writing and honors humanities classes. She can’t decide which class is her favorite to teach.

Elise Wheelock: Laurel Ridge Gave Alumna Soaring Start to Success
2016 Laurel Ridge graduate Elise Wheelock’s career is off to a flying start. She was recently hired by Western Aircraft, Inc. in Boise, Idaho, as the regional sales director for Piper Aircraft.

Luray Resident Garland Gochenour Named Laurel Ridge’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Recipient
When Laurel Ridge first opened its doors in September 1970, the Laurel Ridge 2020 Distinguished Alumni recipient was among the young people walking in. Garland Gochenour was in the first cohort of students to enroll in Laurel Ridge in1970, and in the first graduating class – the Class of 1972.

Park Ranger Shannon Moeck Named Laurel Ridge Distinguished Alumni Winner
2019 Laurel Ridge Distinguished Alumni Award winner Shannon Moeck has brought hidden history to life in her job as an interpretative park ranger at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.