2025 Virginia Government Simulation

The second annual Virginia Government Simulation was led by VCU's Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism from Nov. 12-14.

The 97 participants represented VCU, Bridgewater College, Brightpoint Community College, Christopher Newport College, George Mason University, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampton University, James Madison University, Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, Reynolds Community College, University of Richmond, University of Virginia, Virginia Peninsula Community College, and Virginia State University.

2025 Award Recipients

Rising Star Award: Amaya Shirly, Virginia Commonwealth University and Athena-Kate Canavos, University of Virginia
Leadership Award: Asur Moltashy, Reynolds Community College
Impact Award: Jackson Mallory, Virginia Commonwealth University and Alexandria Thomas, Brightpoint Community College
Jay Pearson Award: Caden VanValkenburg, James Madison University
Future Delegate Award: Ella Milton-Benoit and Patrick Greenwalt, Virginia Commonwealth University and William Wallis, Hampden-Sydney College
Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) Award: Saliyah Loundie, Reynolds Community College

Student Coverage

Brightpoint student Ali Thomas earns Virginia Government Simulation’s Impact Award

Jan. 16, 2026

Brightpoint Community College student, Ali Thomas, received the VGS Impact Award for going above and beyond to enhance the experience for others and making a lasting mark on the program.