First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin Announce Fourth of Six 2024 Spirit of Virginia Award Recipients

~ The Governor and First Lady presented the Spirit of Virginia Award to the Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc on August 9th, 2024 ~

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin present Spirit of Virginia Award to the Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc on August 9th, 2024. Official photo by Shealah Craighead.

GALAX, VA - At the Old Fiddler's Convention, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin yesterday presented a Spirit of Virginia Award to Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM), a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching traditional mountain music to children. As attendees enjoyed live performances of old-time and bluegrass music, the Governor and First Lady emphasized JAM's vital role in preserving and promoting Appalachian musical heritage. They highlighted JAM’s commitment to enriching children’s lives through music and fostering a deep sense of community and cultural pride.

“Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM) exemplifies the spirit of innovation and community engagement that defines Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. By empowering children with the gift of traditional mountain music, JAM enriches their lives and fosters a sense of belonging and cultural heritage. Their commitment to education, tradition, and community impact is a model for all organizations striving to make a difference." 

“Presenting the Spirit of Virginia Award to Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM) highlights how important the arts are to fostering community, in this case through traditional mountain music,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. "JAM's mission to provide tools and support for teaching old-time and bluegrass music to youth, bridges past to present and embodies the outstanding spirit of Virginia."

"On behalf of Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM), and the many children, families and musicians involved with JAM in Southwest Virginia and beyond, we are incredibly grateful to Governor and First Lady Youngkin for acknowledging our work with place-based education through this special award,” said Brett Morris, Executive Director of JAM. “The Spirit of Virginia will definitely continue to live on through the traditional music and dance being passed along to the next generation of culture bearers in the mountains through JAM."

"I started the JAM program as a student and it gave me a deep sense of appreciation for the art of Appalachian music,” said Savannah Hodges, a former student of JAM. “I am now a certified instructor, and as a teacher, it is not just about teaching kids to play instruments or sing songs, but about passing down traditions and creating a sense of community. I come from a long line of Appalachian musicians and I hope to carry on the tradition!"

Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. (JAM) envisions a world where all children have the opportunity to experience community through the joy of participating in traditional mountain music. Founded in 2000 by Helen White in Sparta, NC, JAM quickly expanded due to support from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Today, JAM reaches across multiple states, providing communities with the tools and support needed to teach children old-time and bluegrass music.

JAM's mission goes beyond music instruction; it aims to preserve and promote Appalachian musical heritage. By fostering a love for the arts, particularly the rich and historic traditions of Appalachian music, JAM helps keep these traditions alive. Their programs include instruction in instruments, dance, and vocals, along with cultural enrichment activities. JAM is committed to preserving the artistic and oral traditions of Appalachian music and providing professional development for instructors.

JAM's work enriches children's lives through music and community, promoting a deep sense of heritage and community connection. Their core values include fostering local old-time, bluegrass, and other Appalachian mountain music and dance traditions, creating positive, accessible, and safe learning environments, and ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination.

The Spirit of Virginia Award honors exceptional characteristics and notable accomplishments throughout the Commonwealth, celebrating Virginians for their extraordinary contributions in private sectors, education, culture, the arts, and philanthropy. By presenting this award to JAM, we recognize their vital role in enriching the lives of young people and preserving Virginia's cultural heritage through the arts.

The Governor and Mrs. Youngkin will present two more Spirit of Virginia Awards in 2024. All recipients of the Spirit of Virginia Award will be recognized during a holiday reception at Virginia's Executive Mansion to take place at the end of the year. 

Follow the First Lady on Facebook and Instagram as she celebrates Virginians all across the Commonwealth.

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with former JAM student, Savannah Hodges at the Spirit of Virginia Award Ceremony. Official photo by Shealah Craighead.	First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin with musicians at the Old Fiddler's Convention. Official photo by Shealah Craighead.
Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin watching a performance by Savannah Hodges and Brett Morris during the Spirit of Virginia Award Ceremony. Official photo by Shealah Craighead.	Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin at the steak dinner hosted by Keith Jones. Official photo by Shealah Craighead.

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