Three RMC education students have been elected to officer positions for the coming academic year for the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA), the statewide organization for undergraduate and graduate students to explore the field of education through community outreach and professional development. Faculty Advisor Dr. Diana Yesbeck and five students attended the SVEA Aspiring Educators Convention in Virginia Beach, where the students were elected President, Secretary, and Regional Representative.

Randolph-Macon SVEA chapter president Delaney Spiker ‘24 was elected as the SVEA President for the state of Virginia. Spiker is eager to assume this new position, stating “I am so excited about the prospects of the position since I am already making plans to attend conferences in and out of state. I am most excited to attend the National Education Association Aspiring Educators Conference in Orlando, Florida this July.”

For Lily Chapman ’24, the opportunity to run as the SVEA Secretary for Virginia was one that couldn’t be missed. “I knew this would have been a missed opportunity if I didn’t step out of the box and take it and I am so glad that I am now the new SVEA Secretary,” Chapman said.

Caity Garrigan ’24 was elected as a SVEA Regional Representative and is grateful for the opportunity to represent Central Virginia’s aspiring educators. Garrigan hopes to use the position to “be the voice for educators who feel like they aren’t heard by their districts, parents, or fellow educators.”

The Student Virginia Education Association is the student arm of the Virginia Education Association, affiliated with the National Education Association. Currently, there are chapters in more than 40 colleges and universities across Virginia with the intention of informing, educating, and involving members in educational issues. SVEA holds an annual convention where aspiring educators can connect with their peers from across the state and learn new skills.