Heather Bell

Members of the four-time state champion Radford High School Girls Cross Country team were recognized for their most recent title at Tuesday’s school board meeting, along with a stand-out

volleyball player recognized for both her athletic and academic abilities.

Superintendent Robert Graham called the four-year run “phenomenal.”

“This is a wonderful group of girls,” he said. “We’re very proud of you and your accomplishments.”

Graham and the school board also recognized Emma Minnick for being named first team All -State for girls’ volleyball and being named the New River Valley December 2016 Scholar Athlete of the Month, presented by Professional Rehab Associates.

Minnick is a sophomore who also plays basketball and soccer and is a straight A student. Randy Cunningham of Aaron’s in Fairlawn was also recognized for the store’s donation of a big screen television for the high school library during the meeting.

Also on Tuesday, the board

continued discussions about the future Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning the school system would like to open on the high school campus. The center is currently in its conceptual stages and will likely take several years before it could come to fruition.

Administrators and board members are seeking grant opportunities with the help of Virginia Tech, Radford University and legislators.

The board heard a presentation from principals Dr. Michael Brown and Darden Freeman about their trip to China in November. The trip is a collaboration between the College Board Company and China. The school system is considering ways to further the collaboration between Radford and China, perhaps with a foreign language program and future cultural exchange trips.

The school board’s next meeting is set for Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.