Smiles, Service, and Success: Lacy Parrish’s Journey from a Heritage Pioneer to a JMU Duke
For Lacy Parrish, what began as a routine orthodontist appointment transformed into a lifelong passion. “I was a sophomore in high school when my braces piqued my curiosity about dentistry,” she recalls. “Each appointment left me more intrigued.” That curiosity led her to the Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) dental assisting program, where hands-on experience helped her envision a future in the field.
Now a pre-dental student at James Madison University, studying on a Beacon of Hope Commonwealth Scholarship, Lacy is building on the foundation laid by her high school experiences. “One of the most important lessons I’ve carried with me is knowing how to use resources,” she says. “In college, leaning on advisors, study groups, and tutors is key to success. That’s something I learned early, and it’s made all the difference.” But Lacy isn’t just focused on her own future—she’s active about giving back. Often returning to chat with current students in the LCS dental program, she has also served as a panelist and summer internship mentor (as pictured above), using Beacon of Hope’s opportunities to inspire the next generation of graduates. “I want to show students that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s how you grow. Sharing my story is my way of helping them see what’s possible, even when the path gets tough.” Her commitment to mentorship is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Inspired by her father, a football coach at Heritage High School, Lacy saw firsthand how impactful a strong role model can be. “Watching my dad lead his players taught me how much one supportive person can change someone’s life. That’s the kind of person I strive to be for others.” While Lacy is focused on her future in dentistry, she’s also dreaming of creative ways to make her practice unique. “I’d love to have a ceiling aquarium, like the ones on Tanked. Imagine patients watching fish swim while they’re in the chair—it’d make going to the dentist a lot more fun.” Lacy’s journey is a testament to the power of community support and the impact of programs like Beacon of Hope’s. From her first braces appointment to inspiring the next generation of dental students, Lacy is proof that investing in students can create a ripple effect of opportunity and inspiration for years to come. Lynchburg Beacon of Hope: Mid-year Impact Update 1,919 3.35 12,000
The number of visits to the Future Centers at both Heritage and E.C. Glass during Fall 2024.
This fall semester’s average GPA for our Commonwealth Scholarship recipients.
The total number of on- site hours attained by Summer Internship participants since 2022.
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