As part of “Be the Change: An Inspirational Series by Local Nonprofit Founders,” North Branch School’s own founder spoke to our 5th – 8th graders in early December 2023 about the beginning of their school. Starting with the inspiring stories she heard from her mother about her elementary years, Charlotte Zinsser Booth told students how she moved from the idea for starting a school to opening the doors of Sunshine School in the southern part of Nelson County first, and then North Branch School in 1983. The students asked great questions about why certain elements of the school exist. It’s a fascinating story to share during our 40th anniversary; take a listen! (Other featured speakers in the series, which is funded by a grant from the Association for Middle Level Education, have included the founders of The Free Book Bus and Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue. We look forward to more speakers throughout the spring.)