Briefs: Afternoon historical lecture; Broadnax selected for international performance; P&HCC Foundation names new members
Afternoon historical lecture
The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society will have its monthly Sunday Afternoon Lecture, "If the Courthouse Could Talk," at 3 p.m. Sunday, at the Historic Henry County Courthouse.
Scheduled speakers will include:
Attendees are encouraged to bring photographs, artifacts and mementos of the old courthouse. There will also be time during the presentation for attendees to share stories and memories.
Admission to the lecture is free, made possible by corporate sponsors, Carter Bank & Trust and The Lester Group. The Historic Henry County Courthouse is fully handicapped accessible. The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum will be open following the presentation.
Broadnax selected for performance
Magna Vista High School senior Bryson Broadnax was selected for The High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House.
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world renowned venues.
Broadnax will perform tenor in July 2025 with the Honor Performance Series. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from across the world.
Broadnax has studied music for 11 years and is a member of both the Bethel Way Church of Christ & Youth Choir and the Magna Vista Show Choir.
He performed at Carnegie Hall in 2024 and was 2nd alternate for State Choir 2023, in the All District Choir from 2020 to present and in All Regional Choir from 2020 to present. He was lead vocalist in "Rock of Ages" musical, was ensemble in "Chicago" and stage hand in "Mean Girls the Musical," was in "Fix My Life" one act in 2021 regionals, One Act "How to Win A One Act" and "Poppy's Play House" one act.
Broadnax auditioned for the Honors performance Series and recently learned that he had been accepted after review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording, a press release states.
Broadnax's reaction to learning he had been selected was, "Oh, my God, I'm going to Australia."
Broadnax will join performers from around the globe for a special performance at the Sydney Opera House, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement. The finalists will come together in Sydney, Australia where they will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other performers and get a taste of Australia.
The Honors Performance will take place from July 7 to 12 in 2025 and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased around 60 days before the performance through The Honors Performance Series at honorsperformance.org and worldstrides.com .
"Being Selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing," The Honors Performance Series Music Director Marion Gomez said. "We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget."
P&HCC Foundation names new members
Patrick & Henry Community College's Foundation Board of Directors has named Jason Davis, Jaime Miller, and Jackie Thornton to serve three-year terms.
Davis is the managing director of the Blue Ridge Regional Airport and is president of the Martinsville Mustangs. A Navy veteran and commercial pilot, Davis also serves on the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber's Partnership for Economic Growth and the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board and the Virginia Airport Operators Council.
Miller is the HR generalist for Press Glass Inc. and is the Blue Ridge Human Resource Association chapter president. He also served on the ARC Advisory Committee and Commuter Assistant Program Strategic Plan Steering Committee.
Thornton is a graduate and distinguished alumni of P&HCC and retired from a career in corporate human resources. She is a volunteer at Piedmont Arts and is chair of the 2024/25 Giving Campaign, a member of Women in Philanthropy for Southwestern Virginia, and a board member for Theatre Works Community Players where she serves on the finance committee.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jason, Jaime and Jackie to our board of directors," said Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement and P&HCC Foundation Executive Director Tiffani Underwood in a release. "Their expertise will be instrumental in forging new opportunities to support our mission."
