At UP RVA, we believe belonging is the foundation of success.
That belief came to life this fall during our first-ever 9th Grade Pinning Ceremony — a new tradition welcoming our newest students into the UP RVA community.
When our freshmen stepped forward to receive their pins, their faces showed pride, excitement, and disbelief. For many, it was the first time they’d been celebrated not just for what they’d achieved, but for who they’re becoming. The small pins they received represented something much bigger: community, purpose, and possibility.
Passing the Torch:
The most powerful moment came when UP RVA alumni returned to present each pin. Beforehand, alumni were given their student’s “Purpose Presentation” — a reflection on who they are and why they’re part of UP RVA.
As they pinned their students, alumni shared what resonated most and offered advice drawn from their own experiences.
Abby, a Collegiate alum, told her student Alisha that her “interpretation of the word purpose really resonated,” especially her belief that “our decisions, actions, and choices ripple out into the community and the world around us.” Abby left her with wisdom she still carries herself:
“Don’t force yourself to consume what doesn’t nourish you,”
and a wish that
“you use these next four years to find what nourishes you and to figure out what impact you want to leave on the world.”
Moments like these transformed a group of nervous newcomers into proud members of a growing legacy — setting a hopeful, aspirational tone for the years ahead.
Finding Meaning and Belonging:
When asked what the ceremony meant to them, students described it as a milestone — proof they were moving in the right direction. For some, it felt like a “passing of the torch,” a reminder that they were now part of something larger than themselves.
Many spoke about how empowering it felt to be recognized. One student said the moment made them realize their hard work “wasn’t for no reason.” Others simply enjoyed being celebrated — a rare moment to pause and feel seen.
Their reflections remind us that recognition isn’t about applause; it’s about connection, encouragement, and knowing you belong to a community that believes in your potential.
A Living Vision:
For UP RVA staff, the ceremony reflected our long-term vision.
“We aim to build a culture of belonging and legacy at UP RVA,” one team member shared. “Current changemakers — our alumni — welcomed new changemakers — our 9th graders — into the story.”
Staff also reflected on the power of visibility. “We can’t be what we don’t see,” another explained, noting how meaningful it was for new students to be pinned by alumni who had once stood in their place. Those moments gave the freshmen a glimpse of what’s possible — and of the community ready to help them get there.
Building a Legacy of Uplifting:
The energy in the room was deeply moving. “The words I heard from our college kids were very powerful,” UP RVA founder, Toby Desch, shared. He also reflected, “The energy, families, and pride in the room were really touching.”
The night captured what UP RVA is all about — connection, hope, and shared purpose. Moments like this build bridges between who our students are and who they’re becoming, reminding them that belonging and growth go hand in hand.
The 9th Grade Pinning Ceremony was more than a celebration — it was the beginning of a new tradition, and a living example of our mission: creating changemakers who lift one another higher.
– Amanda Hach
