(Note: The following article was presented as a part of the New River Valley Community Services 2025 Summer Newsletter recognizing a member of the PCHS and PCPS family as one of their five 2025 Agent of Hope Award recipients. Credits to NRVCS for the article and photos. Reposted with their permission.)
Amanda Dishon: 2025 NRVCS Agent of Hope Awardee
By Mike Wade
NRVCS
How much of a difference can one person truly make? It’s a question many of us have either heard or even asked of ourselves at some point.
While it may be difficult to quantify the impact that Amanda Dishon has had on her community, the veteran educator/coach and perennial volunteer has set a high standard of service that few can match. 
A native and lifelong resident of the Snowville community in Pulaski County, Dishon will soon be entering her twentieth year as a teacher – primarily teaching Virginia and U.S. history to juniors and seniors at Pulaski County High School, her alma mater.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Dishon has also coached the school’s softball team, serves as the lead coach and social studies coach for the school’s MACC (Mountain Academic Competition Conference) team, co-sponsors the school’s caving club, and is a long-time contributor to the Camp Cougar summer program for students entering the ninth and tenth grades.
Any one of these activities would require a significant investment of time and energy – more than most would be willing to give of themselves. But Dishon understands all too well that time is a precious commodity – and isn’t something to be wasted.
Ten years ago, Dishon was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer at just 34 years of age. She battled through, undergoing extensive treatments to overcome the disease. However, just one year later, Dishon received news that her cancer had returned and that she would have to face yet another uphill climb to regain her health. Fortunately, Dishon’s second round of treatment was successful and she is now cancer free.
“Almost dying causes you to be reflective,” Dishon says. “It took a huge toll on not just my physical health, but my mental and emotional health…There were some very dark days along the way.”
“Even though I’m very self-sufficient, I realized that the people who care for you are also going through that experience with you,” she adds.
Even during her bouts of illness, Dishon came to school and worked as much as she could. Being with her students and co-workers was an important part of her healing journey.
“Sitting still is not good for my brain – never has been,” declares Dishon. “I’ve found that when you are feeling down, the best way to distract yourself is by helping others.”
Dishon has dedicated much of her life to doing just that. Inspired by her parents, she signed up as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) at age 17. 
“Both of my parents were EMTs and instructors, so I always knew I wanted to help people,” Dishon notes. “I started that my senior year of high school and did it for 15 years.”
Dishon was also 17 when she first joined the Snowville Ruritan Club. She’s now been a member for the past 27 years and currently serves as the organization’s president. She speaks with great pride when sharing what the group does to provide ongoing support to Snowville Elementary School, as well as scholarships for local students, and bereavement expenses for families unable to cover those costs.
As if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Dishon has actively been involved with Pulaski County’s ‘One Bag Challenge’ – a beautification initiative that encourages residents to pick up bags of trash. She also currently serves on the board for the Pulaski County Christmas Store, which provides gifts to children and families in need during the holiday season.
“These organizations are the silent backbone of our community,” Dishon points out. “Most of them rely on volunteers who are part of generations that were raised with a strong sense of community, but that corps of volunteers is shrinking, and we need more young people to step up.”
Dishon is hopeful that she’s had a positive influence on at least some of the hundreds of students she has worked with over the years. Although, she does admit, being a teacher in today’s environment is as challenging as it has ever been.
“I never thought I would see the day that history teachers would come under fire for educating students about the events and people that have helped to shape who we are today,” she remarks. “I’ve spent my life trying to do what is right – and to make sure my students receive the knowledge and support they need – but it’s definitely harder to do that these days.”
Dishon says the evolution of technology and social media has added even more challenges for teachers. “Misuse of technology is a problem for both students and parents,” she says. “Attention spans are shorter, and social skills are diminished because we’re not used to having real interactions with others…Plus, it’s become far easier to cheat and not put in the work.”
She adds that she has also observed the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on students.
“A lot of kids do not thrive without human interaction – and some students are still struggling to regain that -even after all this time,” Dishon continues. “So, we’re seeing diminished social skills and heightened anxiety – which creates more issues with inappropriate behaviors and conflict resolution.”
While these challenges are formidable, Dishon clearly isn’t one to throw in the proverbial towel.
“I guess I’m just someone who really tries to put the needs of others first,” she says. “Someday, I hope I’m remembered as being a good teacher and as someone who left the world a little better place.”
What “hope” means to me
“Hope is the knowledge that things can always get better and that there is light at the end of the tunnel…It’s about dreams - with action behind them. Hope has to be replenished from time-to-time and sometimes it has to be redefined, depending on your situation.” “Hope that is unfulfilled is dangerous, but having no hope can be deadly.” – Amanda Dishon