Wade Whitehead

My wife and I moved to Roanoke after graduating from James Madison University and The College of William and Mary, respectively. Both from Bristol, we wanted to live in southwest Virginia, and were in search of professional and personal opportunities. Now, fourteen years later, we simply can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I teach in Roanoke City at Crystal Spring School. Roanoke is home to an incredibly diverse population, and our schools certainly reflect that. Our classrooms are buzzing with technology, cutting edge teaching and learning methods, and administrators, teachers, and staff that continually strive to improve and grow.

Robbie works with Pfizer, Inc., and can speak firsthand about the world-class medical community that calls Roanoke home. Previously, she worked in the hospitality industry here in town; she knows firsthand that the business community here is connected and progressive, and never seems to stand still.

Our children, Jack and Gracie, both attend fantastic Roanoke City elementary schools. As a parent, I couldn’t be happier about the education they are receiving, or about the care they receive during the school day. Attending a true neighborhood school is special, and they simply love it.

We also enjoy the vibrant cultural and entertainment opportunities that abound in the Valley. From the various festivals that cover the City calendar to visual and performing arts exhibits and performances, there’s always something going on. And I get an extra peek at the music scene by playing in two bands, The Jiving Five and The SwayKatz.

Every time family or friends visit our home in Raleigh Court, they comment about the small town feel and accessibility that Roanoke offers. Our church, Raleigh Court Presbyterian, is just down the street from our home, as is the Grandin Road shopping district, which includes shoppes, restaurants, the Grandin Theatre, and our favorite place, Pop’s Ice Cream. When we take around town, they’re amazed at the variety of big city resources that Roanoke offers. In the end, it’s this combination – the best of both worlds – that we treasure most about the Star City.

• Wade’s Career: Teacher, Crystal Spring School
• Wade’s Hometown: Bristol, VA
• Wade’s Website: www.wadewhitehead.com