August 2023

Thursday, August 17 was an exciting day for the 23 graduates of Southside Virginia Community College’s (SVCC) Power Line Worker Training School. After sharing their skills with family and friends on the program pole yard, affectionally called the “playground,” the group gathered for the graduation ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Camp Pickett Officer’s Club at Fort Barfoot. The graduates, family, friends and industry partners were welcomed by SVCC President, Dr. Quentin R. Johnson, and Garrison Commander at Fort Barfoot, Colonel James C. Shaver, Jr.

The group was honored to welcome the graduation speaker, Senator Tim Kaine who is a strong supporter of community college workforce programs.

Matthew (center) is joined by instructor

Mike Costley (left) and Clyde Robertson (right)

The SVCC Power Line Training School and the students trained are so grateful to John Hewa, President and CEO of REC and his team for establishing a scholarship designed to assist students from the area served by REC to attend the program. Matthew Van Meter was the first recipient of the scholarship. Matthew is from Winchester and graduated from Millbrook High School. Kudos to graduate Matthew Van Meter and to Rappahannock Electric Cooperative!

Matthew (right) is joined by SVCC Vice-President of Academics and Workforce, Dr. Keith Harkins (left)

Matthew Costa from Newport News received the “Climbing Higher Award” during the graduation

ceremony. This monetary award recognizes a student who has demonstrated to classmates and

instructors traits necessary for a successful career as a power line worker. Such characteristics include:

• Pride in their work
• Resilience & fortitude
• Dedication to the profession
• Commitment to safety
• Recognizes PLW as more than a career, it is a lifestyle
• Has the backs of their brothers and sisters in the field

If you are driving about Southside Virginia, look for this billboard! Patrick Robbins is a graduate of Cohort #4.

NEXT CLASS COMING UP!



September 5, 2023 - November 16, 2023