<strong>CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA</strong> – Three architectural projects are being recognized in the 2022 Virginia School Boards Association’s <em>Exhibition of School Architecture Competition</em>. Winning projects were selected from 13 entries submitted by 10 architectural firms in the areas of new construction, renovation, and adaptive use of existing space. The following designs and firms will be recognized at the opening general session of the VSBA Annual Convention being held in Williamsburg, VA from November 16-18, 2022. First Citizens Bank sponsored the <em>VSBA Exhibition of School Architecture</em>.
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">AWARD: Platinum Design Award</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">FIRM: VMDO Architects</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">PROJECT: Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">DIVISION: Winchester Public Schools</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">The new Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center is a hub of workforce development preparing Winchester Public Schools students and community members for the new workforce of tomorrow.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">A radical transformation of an existing outdated elementary school, the mission of the center is to ensure that every student is prepared and empowered with a marketable skill that leads to full, high-paying employment.</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 40px;">AWARD: Gold Design Award</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">FIRM: Stantec Architects</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">PROJECT: Rocky Run Middle School</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">DIVISION: Fairfax County Public Schools</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">The renovation and addition at Rocky Run Middle School created an opportunity to provide a building that better serves the students, faculty, and community. Numerous small moves, in conjunction with a much-needed addition, maximized the impact on the learning environments and the student experience.</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 40px;">AWARD: Silver Design Award</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">FIRM: RRMM Architects</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">PROJECT: Culpeper Career and Technical Education Center</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">DIVISION: Culpeper County Public Schools</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;">The new Culpeper Technical Education Center finds its roots in shared vision, community  drive and collaboration to answer the need for engaging students who excel in hands-on technical fields of study and the need to develop the regional workforce.</p>
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<strong>About the Virginia School Boards Association
</strong>Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.

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