First Steps’ Fifth Anniversary Mobilizes 60+ Organizations and 200+ Attendees

The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for early childhood advocacy in the New River Valley. The fifth annual Early Childhood Champion Awards, held in late September, showcased remarkable community engagement and a shared commitment to nurturing the region’s youngest learners. This impactful event, where over 60 organizations united and more than 200 attendees gathered, stands as a testament to how First Steps celebrates five years of honoring early childhood champions, recognizing the invaluable contributions of educators and advocates. The comprehensive First Steps network itself comprises over 60 dedicated organizations across the New River Valley (NRV), encompassing a diverse range of stakeholders from educational institutions to healthcare providers and passionate advocacy groups.

The sustained growth and broad participation observed at the awards demonstrate a profound understanding within the community of the critical role early childhood development plays in shaping future generations. These annual awards are not merely a ceremony; they represent a collective affirmation of the hard work, dedication, and innovative approaches employed by individuals and teams who lay the foundational bricks of lifelong learning and well-being. This widespread engagement highlights the deep roots First Steps has established in fostering a supportive ecosystem for children.

A Milestone of Community Collaboration

The fifth anniversary of the Early Childhood Champion Awards signifies a consistent and expanding initiative dedicated to recognizing early childhood excellence. This consistent growth over five years underscores the enduring commitment of the First Steps network and its partners. The broad participation from across the New River Valley, including educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups, ensures a holistic approach to supporting young children. This collaborative effort strengthens the entire community, building a robust foundation for future success.

The 2025 awards saw an impressive 19 individuals and teams nominated, reflecting the depth of talent and dedication present in the NRV’s early childhood sector. This strong pool of nominations made the selection process undoubtedly challenging for the awards committee. Each nomination represented a story of impact, innovation, and unwavering commitment to young children, making every nominee a champion in their own right. The sheer volume of nominations is a powerful indicator of the widespread recognition for early childhood development and the value placed on those who drive it forward.

From this outstanding group of nominees, six exemplary awardees were carefully selected for their exceptional contributions. These individuals and teams received well-deserved cash prizes from the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV), providing tangible recognition and support for their vital work. The CFNRV, a crucial partner in this initiative, plays a pivotal role in strengthening the region by investing in community-led solutions and fostering philanthropy that addresses local needs, including those in early childhood education. Their support ensures that these champions receive not only public acclaim but also resources to continue their impactful work.

Igniting Connections and Future Impact

Beyond the awards ceremony itself, the event featured the accompanying Igniting Connections Symposium, which drew more than 200 people. This symposium served as a dynamic forum for early childhood professionals, advocates, and community members to network, share best practices, and collaborate on future initiatives. Such gatherings are essential for fostering a vibrant and interconnected community, allowing ideas to flourish and partnerships to form, ultimately benefiting the children of the New River Valley. The symposium facilitated meaningful dialogues around pressing issues in early childhood education and care.

The discussions and collaborations sparked at events like the Igniting Connections Symposium are crucial for addressing complex challenges in early childhood. For instance, understanding the broader landscape of childcare, including why key data for informed decisions is often lacking, allows advocates to strategize more effectively. These conversations contribute significantly to developing comprehensive and equitable solutions that support both children and their families. The widespread recognition for early childhood development is not just about celebrating; it is about building a sustainable framework for progress.

The quantifiable community engagement through 19 nominations and over 200 symposium attendees clearly demonstrates the widespread recognition for early childhood development within the New River Valley. This significant turnout is a clear indicator that the community genuinely values the work of these champions and understands the long-term benefits of investing in early childhood. This enduring commitment allows First Steps celebrates five years of honoring early childhood champions, highlighting that their efforts are deeply integrated into the fabric of community support.

The success of the fifth annual Early Childhood Champion Awards and the Igniting Connections Symposium serves as a powerful reminder of the collective impact possible when a community rallies around a shared cause. The continued dedication to supporting early childhood educators and advocates strengthens the foundation for all children in the New River Valley. Furthermore, initiatives that support early childhood professionals, such as offering free child care to retain teachers, are increasingly recognized as vital for sustainable educational ecosystems. This five-year milestone marks not an end, but a robust continuation of First Steps’ mission.

The future looks bright for early childhood initiatives in the NRV, propelled by the energy and commitment showcased at this anniversary event. The collaborations fostered and the recognition bestowed continue to inspire innovation and dedication among those who tirelessly work to ensure every child has the best possible start in life. The enduring legacy of First Steps will undoubtedly shape the community for years to come.

Six Early Childhood Champions Recognized for Regional Impact

The “First Steps” initiative recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking five years of dedicated effort in honoring early childhood champions within the New River Valley. This year, the event recognized six early childhood professionals and advocates, each demonstrating specific, measurable impacts on education and community care. Their contributions span various critical areas, from shaping future educators to providing essential foundational learning environments for young children. This continued commitment underscores how First Steps celebrates five years of honoring early childhood champions, shining a light on those who build strong foundations for the region’s youngest learners.

Honoring Top Achievers in Early Childhood Education

This year’s ceremony awarded Becky Roseberry, an Early Childhood Development Instructor at Pulaski County High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, the esteemed 2025 Early Childhood Champion of the Year. Her role is pivotal in cultivating the next generation of early educators. Roseberry’s work involves equipping high school students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in early childhood settings, directly influencing the quality of future care and instruction in the region. Her innovative teaching methods ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of early childhood development.

Crystal Fentress, an Early Educator of 4-year-olds at Christiansburg Primary School, was named the Early Childhood Champion runner-up. Fentress plays a crucial role in shaping the cognitive and social development of young children during their formative years. Her dedication to creating a nurturing and stimulating classroom environment helps four-year-olds build essential literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills, setting them on a positive trajectory for lifelong learning. The impact of her daily efforts is tangible, preparing children for kindergarten and beyond by fostering a love for learning and discovery.

The awards specifically detailed the roles and achievements of these top recipients, illustrating the profound depth of their impact. From Roseberry’s work in shaping early childhood education through career and technical programs to Fentress’s provision of foundational care for young children, their influence is widespread. These professionals are at the forefront of ensuring that young minds receive the best possible start, directly contributing to the overall well-being and educational success of the New River Valley community. Their commitment showcases how vital robust support for early educators is, a subject gaining national attention, with some regions offering innovative programs to retain teachers through free child care.

A Special Legacy and Broader Recognition

The fifth anniversary of the First Steps event also provided an opportunity to bestow a special legacy award upon Jeanne Roper, co-founder of Valley Interfaith Child Care Center (VICCC) in Blacksburg. This award highlighted the enduring contributions of VICCC, a long-standing child care center that has served countless families over the years. Roper’s vision and dedication have created a cornerstone institution for early childhood care in the community, providing essential support for working parents and a nurturing environment for children. The legacy award recognized her foundational work, which continues to resonate through the lives of the many children and families VICCC has impacted. It truly underscores how First Steps celebrates five years of honoring early childhood champions by acknowledging both contemporary leaders and those whose long-term efforts have built the bedrock of community care.

Beyond the top honors, three additional honorees were recognized for their significant contributions across various sectors of early childhood and education. Dr. Julie Ligon, Special Education Director for Montgomery County Public Schools, received an award for her leadership in ensuring inclusive and supportive learning environments for children with special needs. Her efforts are crucial in advocating for resources and developing programs that empower every child to reach their full potential, regardless of their developmental challenges. Providing accessible and quality early education remains a complex issue, often entangled with broader societal discussions on education based on income and childcare accessibility.

Amy Nast, an Early Educator of three-year-olds at Children’s Nest in Blacksburg, was celebrated for her commitment to the earliest stages of structured learning. Her work focuses on fostering curiosity and social skills in toddlers, preparing them for the more formal educational settings to come. Linda Pospichal, a First Grade Educator at Blacksburg New School, was also honored for her role in bridging the gap between early childhood and elementary education. Pospichal’s dedication ensures a smooth transition for young students, solidifying the foundational skills acquired in preschool and preparing them for continued academic success. These diverse recognitions underscore the comprehensive scope of impact within the early childhood sector, emphasizing that quality care and education are collaborative, continuous efforts. The collective achievements of these champions highlight the importance of sustained investment and recognition in early childhood development.