From first strokes to lifesaving skills—this is what growth, leadership, and community look like.

E’liyah started it all, diving into Armstrong High School’s inaugural swim team with courage and commitment. Before the next season even began, she took the next step—enrolling in lifeguard school with Richmond Community High, where Sydnee Lopes was the deck coordinator and lead instructor for their class. But she didn’t go alone. She inspired Jahniya, Kadence, and Preston to take the leap with her, bringing her friends into a journey that would change them all.  E’liyah, Kadence, and Jahniya swam for Armstrong High School under Coach Mike Hodges and Preston swam for Richmond High School for the Arts under Coach Jacob Henry.

After completing lifeguard school and competing in high school swim season, Coach Aponi opened another door—inviting all four to continue their training to become lifeguards at SwimRVA–Church Hill. There, alongside Coach Mike Hodges, they strengthened their skills, their confidence, and their bond.

This is what a full-circle moment looks like:

• Swim lessons through lifeguard school
• Competitive swimming
• Safety School to certified lifeguards

E’liyah, Jahniya, Kadence, Preston, and Mike represent the power of encouragement, opportunity, and showing up—not just for yourself, but for each other.

We are incredibly proud of each of them and can’t wait to see how far they go in their aquatics journey. The East End is rising—one swimmer, one leader at a time.