July 11, 2002
Chantilly High School rising senior Mikhail Lopez, 17, is attending the Governor's Russian Academy June 23-July 11 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
The son of Zhanneta and Henry Lopez of Poplar Tree Estates in Chantilly is living and learning the language and culture of Russia for three weeks. Academy participants attend creative classes, such as Russian literature, politics, drama, music and art. They also participate in cooking, volleyball, folk dancing, singing and crafts such as "pisanky." Students' writing and photography skills are developed through a yearbook, and they will highlight their talents in a Kapustnik (variety show).
While at Chantilly High, Mikhail maintains a 3.6 GPA, plays varsity tennis and performs in the Touch of Class Show Choir. He has been playing piano for seven years.