James River High School (JRHS) has appointed John “Jack” Baker as the new head football coach, effective Dec. 13.

The Knights have a total of 11 from this year's senior class that will play at the college level.

Several schools in Botetourt County will be closed on Thursday due to widespread power outages, the school division announced on Twitter.

Glenvar clinched the Region 2C wrestling championship on Saturday at James River High School. The Highlanders had six champions in the finals, including senior Mason Hylton, who won the 132lb class.

James River High School Senior, Macy Williams was selected to perform the alto saxophone with Macy's Great American Marching Band in this year's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Tim Fulton to lead the Cavaliers Athletic Department, Aaron Davidson taking over at James River.

Riley Geddes' goal in double overtime gave the Highlanders the epic 3-2 victory.

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – What started out as a few guitars and a dream is now a full-blown music studio thanks to James River High School alumnus Matthew Ramsey. Now, his latest donation of $19,000 has helped create a music studio for the school. A few years ago, McLeese and another teacher visited a school in Northern Virginia that had a music studio in the school. James River High School librarian Jim McLeese inside the school's music studio. There’s new opportunities to learn new stuff.”Teachers hope Ramsey’s donation inspires other students to give back.

You can drop off supplies today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sam’s Club on Wards Road in Lynchburg. The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke holds a mayoral debate today. Rockbridge County High School will hold a Senior Class Car Parade today. The vaccines will be given from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blacksburg High School. James River High School will dedicate its new track today.

A country band with ties to the Roanoke Valley is making hometown fans proud once again with a big win at the 2020 American Country Music (ACM) Awards. Old Dominion was recognized Wednesday night as the 2020 “Group of the Year.”Two members, singer and guitarist Matt Ramsey and drummer Whit Sellers, are from Botetourt County. Ramsey graduated from James River High School. The band also took home awards for “Group of the Year” at the 2018 and 2019 ACM Awards.

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ROANOKE, Va. – Michael Albert was a VHSL champion in shot put and discus his senior season at James River. I didn’t want to settle for less because I always like to set my goals high,” said Albert. Albert competed in shot put, discus, weight throw and hammer events for the Mountaineers. “Each component breaks down and is so complicated that one small mishap can throw your whole day off,” Albert said. The biggest lesson he carried from his high school days, was patience.

BUCHANAN, Va. – Graduation ceremonies at James River High School came with a big surprise. I graduated from James River High School just like you and I’m here to say congratulations. You worked really hard to get hear,” said Old Dominion front man Matt Ramsey in a pre-recorded video. Ramsey didn’t just send his congratulations, but also a donation of $50,000 to James River High School for its fine arts program. “Before you run off into the world, going whatever you’re gonna do next, look around, you live in one of the most beautiful spots in the world,” Ramsey reminded the seniors.

ROANOKE, Va. The New River Valley Public Health Task Force holds an online town hall about COVID-19. Roanoke City leaders will hold their weekly update on the citys coronavirus response. Students at James River High School can pick up their diplomas today, while returning school property. Three Roanoke County Schools will hold online graduation ceremonies today. Hidden Valley is at 3 p.m., Cave Spring at 5:30 p.m. and Glenvar at 7 p.m.

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Botetourt County’s high school graduates experienced a weekend to remember. Seniors from both James River High School and Lord Botetourt High School participated in parades through their respective towns, following each school’s baccalaureate service. James River’s parade went through downtown Buchanan, all the way up to the river the school is named for. Before the ride, senior Payton Kreklow reflected on their last year of high school as a test of resilience. Botetourt County Schools has plans for a possible in-person graduation ceremony in the fall.