RSVPs Surpass 100 as Cold Weather Prompts Date Shift
EdNews Virginia | February 2, 2026
EdReform Virginia has announced that its 4th Annual School Choice Celebration, originally slated for the final weekend of National School Choice Week, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 7, following a declared State of Emergency and extremely cold weather across the Commonwealth.
The decision to move the event follows a week of strong momentum for the organization. Despite the weather-induced pivot, organizers report robust interest in educational freedom, with registration numbers officially crossing the 100-person milestone.
A Tactical Pivot
The rescheduling was a tactical decision made to preserve the “packed house” atmosphere and ensure the safety of families traveling to the event. During a Friday morning interview on WMAL’s O’Connor & Company, EdReform Virginia Executive Director Nathan Brinkman explained the rationale behind the move.
“I grew up in the Midwest, mostly in Michigan, and I saw the forecast and thought, ‘Oh, it doesn’t sound that bad,’ but I am a Virginian now and we must respect the local customs, as they say,” Brinkman told hosts Larry O’Connor and Patrice Onwuka. “In all seriousness, we didn’t want anybody to feel uncomfortable or possibly endanger themselves. We got more than 100 RSVPs from all over Virginia… and we really do want everyone who registered to be able to join us.”
The shift to March 7 ensures that attendees will experience the informative, high-energy event that was advertised.
Continued Momentum and National Recognition
The event’s momentum mirrors a larger trend in the Commonwealth. EdReform Virginia was recently recognized nationally for its excellence in student and family engagement, a distinction that highlights Virginia’s role at the forefront of the parental rights movement. This local interest aligns with broader national support, including a recent proclamation from President Trump underscoring the value of educational freedom.
The March 7 “Encore Celebration” will maintain its full original powerhouse lineup, including:
- Featured Speakers: WMAL’s Larry O’Connor and Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears
- Panel Discussion: Virginia School Leaders (Micro, Classical, Charter, and Catholic/Christian)
- Resource Fair: Exhibition Tables Featuring Regional Schools and Youth-Serving Organizations
Event Details
The rescheduled celebration will take place at the Leadership Institute in Arlington:
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Time: Doors Open 12:00 PM; Program Begins 12:30 PM
- Location: 1101 N. Highland St (3rd Floor), Arlington, VA
- Lunch: Catered by Rocklands BBQ
- RSVP: SchoolChoiceVA.com
EdReform Virginia confirms that all existing registrations are valid for the new date. “If you already registered, you don’t have to re-register,” the organization says.