New River Valley Leading Lights is a community-wide project which recognizes volunteers in the New River Valley who are making community-changing impacts and serving as models to inspire others. The deadline to submit nominations for the 2015 awards is February 23, 2015 at midnight.
This program began in 2007, prompted by the outpouring of voluntary service after the 4/16 shootings at Virginia Tech. These events demonstrated the extraordinary compassion of ordinary citizens who united in service to others.

The Virginia Tech German Club Alumni Foundation is a major sponsor of the program, and has teamed up with area non-profits to create a way to recognize citizens in the New River Valley for their service. The Steering Committee, which coordinates fundraising, plans the ceremony, and vets the nominees, includes representatives from charities, the NRV faith community, and three colleges.