Start 1 Spark

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United States
Henrico, VA
Start 1 Spark

Providing students in need access to school athletics, music, the arts, and clubs.

06/09/2026

Shoutout to one of our incredible volunteers — Lisa Rodriguez! 🌟

When our students took the stage this spring, Lisa was right there making sure everything ran smoothly. She greeted families at the door, served meals to performers before the show, and kept concessions moving during intermission.

But what stood out most? The joy she felt watching families pour into that room to cheer on their kids.

"I simply tried to be helpful, welcoming, and do whatever was needed to support the event," Lisa said. And that's exactly what she did.

Lisa is also helping spread the word about Start 1 Spark in our community. Her connection with Cici's Pizza owner Eric Jackson helped us launch a gently used sports gear drive — proof that one conversation can spark something bigger.

Volunteers like Lisa remind us why we do this work. When a community shows up for its young people, incredible things happen. 🎭❤️

06/01/2026

🌟 Monthly Spark Spotlight 🌟

In sixth grade, she decided to try something new — track. Three years later, she's still going strong, proudly representing John Rolfe Middle School in the 100-meter dash, the 4x200 relay, the long jump, and leading off the 4x400 relay — her absolute favorite!

Track has kept her in shape and taught her to trust herself both on and off the track. And she's just getting started — she'll soon be heading to Henrico's Advanced Career Education Center to train as a nurse aide or occupational therapist.

This is exactly why access to extracurriculars matters. Being a student-athlete has ignited this spark's belief in herself, and we are so proud of her! 🏃‍♀️💫

05/29/2026

✨ Last day of school… and our 5th school year at Start 1 Spark officially comes to a close. 💛

What started with one big dream has grown into opportunities for students across multiple schools through sports, music, drama, clubs, and so much more. 🎭🎶🏀

Over the last five years, we’ve watched students find confidence, friendships, belonging, and passions they may have never discovered otherwise.

To every school, volunteer, donor, and supporter who helped make these moments possible — thank you for helping us keep the spark going. ✨

5 years down. So many more stories ahead. 💫

John Rolfe Middle School
Falling Creek Middle School
Brookland Middle
Salem Church Middle School

05/28/2026

🏆🎉 Celebrating the student-athletes of John Rolfe Middle School! 🎉🏆

From early practices to big game moments, student-athletes spend countless hours building discipline, teamwork, and leadership that follow them far beyond the season. ✨🏀

During National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, we’re proud to celebrate the students, coaches, families, and supporters who make these opportunities possible and help students discover just how capable they are. 🏀⚽🎽

Congratulations to all of this year’s JRMS student-athletes on an incredible season and school year! 💛

05/26/2026

🎶🏆🎢 Turns out screaming on roller coasters is an excellent vocal warm up because the Falling Creek Middle School Choir brought home SIX trophies! 💛

The FCMS Choir recently traveled to Busch Gardens for an exciting performance experience where students had the opportunity to perform for new audiences, showcase their hard work, and share their music alongside other talented student groups. ✨🎤

From rehearsals to roller coasters, experiences like these help students grow in confidence, strengthen friendships, and shine in ways that reach far beyond the classroom. 💛🎶

Huge congratulations to the FCMS Choir on an incredible trip and an amazing accomplishment! 👏🏆🎶

05/22/2026

🎻✨ Today we’re celebrating the power of music education on National Buy an Instrument Day!

Music programs give students a place to express themselves, work together, build confidence, and create something beautiful. Whether it’s band, orchestra, choir, or theater, the arts help students grow both inside and outside the classroom.

This National Buy an Instrument Day, we’re celebrating the teachers, programs, and opportunities that help young people explore the arts and discover what they’re capable of. 🎻🥁🎺💛
Donate Today: https://www.start1spark.org/

05/21/2026

🌪️👠 Followed the yellow brick road straight into a packed house full of applause, excitement, and students absolutely shining on stage. 💛

Drama performances are officially back at John Rolfe Middle School — and OZ! the musical made the return feel extra magical. ✨ From the songs and performances to the creative details (including a yellow brick road leading right into the theater!), the entire evening was filled with heart, energy, and school spirit.

At Start 1 Spark, we love seeing students discover confidence, creativity, and connection through the arts. There’s no place like theater for helping young people step outside their comfort zones and shine. 💛✨

Bravo to the students, teachers, cast, crew, and everyone who helped make OZ! such a special return to the stage at JRMS! 👏🎶

05/19/2026

A huge congratulations to the Falling Creek Middle School Drama Club on their incredible production of The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet! 🤍❤️✨

From the playful rhymes to the Seuss-style silliness, these students had the audience laughing, cheering, and completely charmed.

For many of the 8th graders, this performance was especially bittersweet as the very first class to experience FCMS Drama Club all three years of middle school. What a beautiful way to close this chapter. 💫

We are so proud of these students and can’t wait to see the bigger and brighter stages ahead of them! 🎭

05/14/2026

We’re so excited to officially welcome Linda Johnson-LeBlanc of Homes by Linda, LLC to the Start 1 Spark Board of Directors! 💛

Linda has dedicated her life to serving the community through volunteer work and is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to explore, grow, and discover new possibilities. Her heart for supporting students and expanding opportunities perfectly aligns with Start 1 Spark’s mission.

As Linda shared, what excites her most is “providing young people with experiences that open new possibilities and expand their life opportunities.”

We are so grateful to have Linda’s leadership, passion, and community spirit as part of the Start 1 Spark family. ✨

Address

8942 Quioccasin Road
Henrico, VA
23229

Website

https://www.start1spark.org/, https://linktr.ee/Start1Spark

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