The mission of Legacy for Bri is to provide a pathway for compassionate Richmond Public School students at Thomas H. Henderson Middle School, Briana’s alma mater, who show an interest in learning more about Animal Advocacy and possibly becoming a Veterinarian in RVA.

Veterinarians are projected to be among the most in-demand workers in the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts jobs for vets and vet technicians will grow by 16% by 2029.

A chief barrier is a lack of access and exposure to veterinarians at an early age, particularly among children who live in urban or low-income areas and know that they have it as a career option. 

In partnership with The Richmond SPCA, Legacy for Bri will sponsor 3- Thomas H. Henderson, 6th-8th grade students each summer to attend The Richmond SPCA Critter Camp Junior Shelter Vet Advanced classes. This camp is great for middle-grade students who are interested in animal medicine. Along with classroom learning, the students will have hands-on activities working with animals in our care.

Richmond SPCA Critter Camp series of camps are a terrific educational opportunity for animal-loving children to visit and learn more about the Richmond SPCA! 

Legacy for Bri was created by the Whittaker-Oliver families to honor Briana N. Whittaker-Oliver who died in 2021. Bri’s dream was to become a veterinarian.