Milestones

Richmond-based publisher Belle Isle Books recently released the middle-grade fantasy book The King of the Stars, written by Brandon Layne, a graduate of Highland Springs High School. The celestial book takes place in a world where the stars foretell the future and dictate people’s lives. Stars can even grant a person the power of astromy, enabling them to manipulate elements of nature. Brian, the teenage son of a legendary warrior, is fated to possess the gift of earth astromy, but he must face a villainous overlord and a mysterious stranger. Layne earned a biomedical engineering degree and a minor in chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Despite his scientific studies, he was always most passionate about creative writing, leading him to publish The King of the Stars. His other hobbies include poetry, playing piano and viola, dancing, photography and performing on stage.

Benjamin Clay of Henrico was named to the spring 2019 honors list at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. To qualify for the honors list, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced additional appointments to his administration: State Executive Council for Children’s Services – Jessica Stern of Glen Allen, co-founder of Connect Our Kids; and Virginia African American Advisory Board – Dr. Ingrid Granberry Grant of Chesterfield, lead director of School Leadership and director of Middle School Education for Henrico County Public Schools, and Van C. Wilson of Glen Allen, associate vice chancellor at Virginia Community College System.

Theron Powell of Glen Allen recently graduated magna cum laude from Roane State Community College in Tennessee.