Students from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School recently got to spend time with former U.S. Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, and it all started when one of their teachers heard a news story on VPM’s morning news show from radio host Phil Liles!
If you’re a regular listener to VPM’s morning news show on VPM Radio (WCVE 88.9 FM), chances are you’re familiar with Phil and her daily updates on the latest happenings in the greater Richmond area.
Phil has interviewed many important figures in her career, including former U.S. Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater (a Fredericksburg, Va. Native), whom she talked to in Sept. 2025.
Lindsey LeCroy-Whitworth, an English teacher at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, is an avid listener of VPM’s morning news show every weekday. Lindsey learned about Ambassador Bridgewater from Phil’s conversation between the two and began making plans for Ambassador Bridgewater to visit the Governor’s School to speak with some of her students.
After successfully scheduling Ambassador Bridgewater’s visit for Feb. 6, Lindsey shared the following message with Phil:
“I wanted to thank you again for being such a voice to the community — and for being my ride to school every day! Because of you (and VPM), I was able to learn about Ambassador Bridgewater and now she will be coming to Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School on Friday to speak to everyone.”
Lindsey continued, “This wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you so much again for inspiring me and for sharing such valuable perspectives.”
When Ambassador Bridgewater arrived at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School on Feb. 6, some students gave her a tour of the school and a few classrooms. Students also got to eat lunch and participate in a model U.N. exercise. Finally, the students hosted a panel discussion that included a moderator, as well as Ambassador Bridgewater, where they posed questions after researching her backstory and reading her memoir.
This is just one example of how VPM’s content is keeping Virginians informed and connected during the year and inspiring the next generation throughout the Commonwealth.
