Aila Boyd
As the 2025-26 school year came to a close, Craig County Public Schools celebrated academic achievements, student activities and community engagement while preparing for several major construction projects scheduled for the summer months.
In his May “Rocket Rundown” newsletter, Superintendent Dr. Jason Wheeler reflected on a year marked by academic growth, student achievement and community support across the division.
“This year has been filled with academic growth, student achievement, and meaningful experiences both inside and outside the classroom,” Wheeler said. “From strong performances in reading and math to outstanding accomplishments in athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities, our students have continued to represent our schools and community with pride.”
Wheeler credited teachers, staff, families and community partners for helping support student success throughout the year and noted that the division’s small-school environment continues to be one of its greatest strengths.
Among the division’s upcoming projects is a conversion of the school’s heating system from fuel oil to propane. The project includes the installation of new boilers, pumps, piping and four 1,000-gallon propane tanks, along with related safety features. The division will also install two emergency generators capable of supporting the entire campus during power outages.
Because of construction, the elementary playground and high school main gym will be closed during the summer.
The division also celebrated the accomplishments of the Craig County High School Class of 2026. Seniors were recognized during the Senior Awards and Baccalaureate Ceremony on May 18, followed by commencement exercises May 22 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke.
At McCleary Elementary School, students participated in a variety of academic and enrichment activities throughout the spring. Third graders studied ancient civilizations, while students across multiple grade levels participated in field trips to destinations including Amazement Square, the Virginia Safari Park and the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton.
The school also held promotion ceremonies for Pre-K, kindergarten and fifth-grade students, along with awards programs recognizing students’ academic growth and achievements. Students wrapped up the year with a field day featuring races, games and team-building activities.
At Craig County High School, students continued participating in hands-on learning experiences, career preparation activities and academic programs throughout the spring.
The school’s performing arts program recently presented the musical “Beetlejuice,” a production Wheeler described as an outstanding showcase of student talent and creativity.
Athletics also continued to produce notable accomplishments. During the football banquet, the school celebrated a historic season that included the program’s first playoff victory. The softball team concluded its season after overcoming numerous challenges, while the track team recorded multiple state qualifiers, school records and a district championship in the 4×100-meter relay.
Students also remained active in service and community engagement efforts. Members of the high school’s Beta Club hosted their annual Easter egg hunt for kindergarten students, providing games and activities for younger children.
One of the division’s largest community events, the fifth annual Land Lab Fair, was held May 2 at Craig County High School. The event featured 37 sponsors, 45 vendors and equipment displays, along with agricultural education activities organized by FFA students. The annual cake auction raised approximately $2,300 to support student travel to the State FFA Convention.
Students across the division also earned recognition for their artistic accomplishments through regional art exhibits and the Virginia School Boards Association art competition. Wheeler highlighted a McCleary Elementary fifth-grade student who earned second place in the statewide competition.
As the school year concludes, Wheeler encouraged students, staff and families to enjoy a restful summer before returning for the 2026-27 school year.
“Thank you for your continued support of Craig County Public Schools and for being such an important part of our school community,” Wheeler said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall.”