Nick Frye, a senior at Alleghany High School, was recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as a “Virginia Ambassador of Kindness.” Frye is known for his outgoing personality and his caring attitude toward others. Alleghany Highlands Public Schools and Alleghany High School representatives recently gathered to celebrate Frye’s special recognition. They were joined by representatives from the Virginia Department of Education. From left: Sharon Boggs, AHS school counselor; Seth Bradley, AHPS work-based learning coordinator; Vicki Dooley, AHS school counselor; Heather Terrell, AHS academic advisor; AHS Principal Derek Cantrell; Sonya Howell, AHS school counseling coordinator; AHPS Assistant Superintendent Melinda Snead-Johnson;  Nick Frye, AHPS Superintendent Kim Halterman, Ann Belanger of the Virginia Department of Education, A. K. “Vijay” Ramnarain of the VDOE, AHS Assistant Principal Charity Hale, and AHS Assistant Principal Jennifer Raether, (AHPS Photo)

Alleghany Senior Named ‘Virginia Ambassador of Kindness’ Low Moor, VA (Feb. 14, 2025) - Nick Frye, a senior at Alleghany High School, has been named a Virginia Ambassador of Kindness. The Virginia Department of Education celebrates Kindness Week during the second week of February. As part of Kindness Week, the VDOE encouraged school communities to recognize individuals who are ambassadors of kindness every day. The AHS staff nominated Frye for consideration. Frye is also a student at Jackson River Technical Center where he is enrolled in the electrical program.  He plays basketball and football. He is well-known among AHS students for his enthusiasm for the Alleghany Cougars. Frye often leads the student spirit section at athletic events. “Nick Frye is the definition of kindness. He goes out of his way to lift others up and bring people together, making Alleghany High School a better place for everyone,” said AHS Principal Derek Cantrell.  “His enthusiasm for school spirit is unmatched—whether it’s leading pep rallies, organizing fun events, or simply being a positive force in the hallways. Nick played a huge role in bringing students together during our high school consolidation, showing true leadership and heart. His dedication, positivity, and ability to connect with others make him an incredible ambassador for kindness and a student who truly makes a difference,” Cantrell added. A. K. “Vijay” Ramnarain and Ann Belanger of the Virginia Department of Education were present to recognize Frye. Ramnarain and Belanger work in the VDOE’s office of support services.  Ramnarian has a background in the building trades as well.  Alleghany Highlands Public Schools leaders and AHS staff joined the celebration.  AHS and AHPS presented Frye with gifts in honor of his bright future ahead. In the immediate future, Frye plans to work for local contractors. “Nick Frye is an outstanding student who consistently exceeds expectations. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to his classmates and maintains a positive, supportive attitude towards everyone around him. He genuinely cares about others and always tries to ensure people are treated with fairness and kindness. If anyone truly deserves to be an ambassador of kindness, it’s him,” added Michael Gardiner, JRTC electrical instructor. VDOE uses Kindness Week to recognize that simple day-to-day acts of kindness enable schools, communities, and the state to be kinder, safer, healthier, and more inclusive places to live, work, learn, and play. “Nick is both humble and kind. We are so glad he is part of the AHPS family,” said  Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, leaders of AHPS.  “Nick is the first to jump in and lead in both formal and informal ways, simply helping others out.  He, for instance, spends time after sporting events helping pick up litter —  just because he is there and able to assist.” “One of my great pleasures this month is to have been the person who was able to walk with Nick from his electrical class into this surprise recognition,” said Halterman.  “On the way, I worked hard to keep the surprise under wraps.  We talked about my late father, who was an electrician for the former Hercules here in the Alleghany Highlands, and how glad I was that we were able to have an electrical class.  Unsurprisingly, Nick took time to say he was sorry for my loss, which occurred years ago, and that he would help me in any way he could once he was a practicing professional with any needs my family might have.  This is just the kind of person he is.” AHPS serves approximately 2,700 students. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington. The school division was formed when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged on July 1, 2022. AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at ahpublicschools.

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