Since 2002, Community School has sponsored the Local Hero Award in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. We solicit nominations from all over the Roanoke Valley in search of individuals whose efforts in the community have exemplified those of Martin Luther King, Jr., and have made a positive difference in the lives of many.

This year CS recognized Vivian Sanchez-Jones with the Local Hero Award on Friday, January 12, at a ceremony in Talmadge Recital Hall at Hollins University. She is a school liaison for Roanoke Refugee and Immigration Services and the volunteer leader of the Hispanic advancement group Avancemos. She goes above and beyond her job, using her own time and money to assist immigrant children separated from their families during the immigration process. Through Avancemos she organizes documentation clinics, sponsors Latino Health fairs, and holds events for Latino students to encourage them to stay in school. She recently organized the Latin Ballet concert fundraiser at the Jefferson Center.

CS middle school students presented Sanchez-Jones with the original stained-glass artwork, pictured in the slide show, that they created in a Friday Group with Cherry and guest artist (and Community School parent) Lori Rehfeldt. You may visit Lori's website by clicking on the banner below.