Lynchburg Beacon of Hope Presents HOPEx 2025: The Art of Change – A Celebration of Community and Impact
Lynchburg’s annual night of storytelling, HOPEx, takes center stage at the Academy Center of the Arts on April 4, 2025, at 7 PM. HOPEx 2025: The Art of Change brings together community leaders, educators, and advocates for an inspiring evening dedicated to supporting Lynchburg Beacon of Hope’s mission to expand educational and career opportunities for all of the city’s youth.
Now in its fourth year, HOPEx has become a signature event for Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, celebrating the transformative power of education while raising critical funds to sustain and grow its initiatives. This year’s theme, The Art of Change, underscores the power of investing in students as they navigate their paths from high school to college, workforce training, and beyond. “Change is often unexpected and challenging, but community softens its impact,” said Virginia Scott, Director of Communications & Development.
“HOPEx is not just an event—it’s a celebration of the connections and opportunities that empower the next generation to succeed.” Leidra McQueen, Executive Director of Beacon of Hope, emphasized the event’s significance, “At Beacon of Hope, we believe in the power of access, opportunity, and unwavering support for all students in Lynchburg. HOPEx is more than an event—it’s a testament to what is possible when a community rallies around its young people and invests in their futures.”
What to Expect at HOPEx 2025: Four inspiring Lynchburg alumni share their personal journeys and the role change has played in their success. Dynamic performances rom Broadway actor, Phillip Boykin; local real estate creative, Daryl Calfee; and Longwood University dean and author, Dr. Chris Kukk. The return of Flat Five Jazz’s musical stylings, a beloved staple of past HOPEx events. A rich networking opportunity for professionals, educators, and community members passionate about expanding access to education.
The event’s proceeds directly fund Beacon of Hope’s programming, including high school Future Centers, the Office of College and Career Success, and scholarships such as Lynchburg’s Promise Scholarship (Stay Close, Go Far) and the Commonwealth Scholarship. These initiatives support all 8,000+ students in the Lynchburg City Schools system, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive. With over 500 students currently engaged in Beacon of Hope’s Office of College and Career Success, the organization remains committed to providing ongoing support—long after graduation. HOPEx 2025 is made possible through the generosity of Framatome, Centra Health, Innovative Wireless Technologies, Moore and Giles, Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation, Jamerson- Lewis Construction, Bank of the James, and BWX Technologies—businesses that serve as true beacons of generosity in our community.
About Lynchburg Beacon of Hope Lynchburg Beacon of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to postsecondary education and career opportunities for all students in Lynchburg City Schools. Through initiatives such as the Future Centers, the Stay Close, Go Far Scholarship, and the Office of College and Career Success, Beacon of Hope provides essential guidance and resources to help students achieve their goals. Funded by the generosity of local businesses, donors, and community partners, Beacon of Hope ensures that every Lynchburg student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, please contact Virginia Scott at 434-941-6336 or Virginia@beaconofhopelynchburg.org.
To view The Mike Show interview with Virginia Scott, Director of Development and Communications, Click Here.
For tickets to HOPEx, Click Here.